Philip “Phil” Reed Rogers went to be with our heavenly father on July 14th, at the age of 69, surrounded by loved ones.
He was born in Centralia, Illinois on May 31, 1953, to his loving parents, Merle and Jane Rogers. Mark, Phil, Richard, and Elle were raised together in Centralia. Phil attended Centralia High School where he was class president, graduating class of 1971.
Survivors include his beloved family, sons Matthew (Michelle) Rogers of Eureka, Missouri, and William (Amber) Rogers of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; daughter Joy Rogers of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; cherished grandchildren Reed, and Rubi; sister Eleanor (Rick) Allen of Minneapolis; nieces and nephews Eric Rogers, Benjamin Rose, Alicia Allen, and Tara Allen; and sister-in-law Judy Rogers.
Philip was preceded in death by his brothers Richard Rogers, and Mark Rogers.
Post high school, Phil attended Southern Illinois University where he obtained his Bachelor of Science in Geology and later received his master’s in Coal Mining Engineering and Geology. He continued his path and love of geology and mining with various companies, most recently overseeing his own company, Insight Coal Services, for a number of years. Phil loved his work, whether domestic or international, in mining, sampling, and coal activities.
Phil never met a stranger. He often went out of his way to listen, learn and care for anyone, even if they were a new acquaintance. His smile was infectious, his energy appealing to anyone he came across and everyone who met Phil had an endearing moment to share. Phil had a deep-rooted love for a wide variety of music and could often be caught dancing, playing air guitar, or dashboard piano.
Phil’s greatest passions included spending time with his family, his children, Matt (Michelle), Will (Amber) and Joy, his grandchildren, Reed and Rubi, who lovingly nicknamed him “Happy”, hiking, working on a variety of motor vehicles, and traveling and spending time with his family. He shared often that some of his fondest memories include vacationing with his family.
One of Phil’s favorite quotes, which he saw painted on the garage door of an old coal miner he used to work with, said “Smile…it won’t crack your face!”
Private graveside services will be held at Hillcrest Cemetery in Sandoval. A celebration of life will be held by the family from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Monday, July 25, 2022, at the Centralia American Legion Hall Post 446. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Phil’s honor to the Centralia American Legion Post 446 and will be accepted for the family at Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia. Online condolences and memories of Philip may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page. Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia is privileged to be assisting the family of Philip Rogers with arrangements.
