Ronald Walter Rodgers, beloved husband and father, passed away June 17, 2021.  Born in Monroe, Michigan on September 24, 1934, Ron was a proud veteran and retiree of the United States Air Force, having enlisted when he was 17 years old.  He served in the Korean War.  While stationed at Smoky Hill Air Force Base in Salina, Kansas, he met his bride of 65 years, Mary Maybrier, whom he married in 1956.  They had eight children, three of whom were born in Germany while Ron was stationed at Spangdahlem Air Base.  They were also stationed in Denver, Colorado and Hampton, Virginia.  They move back to Salina when he retired.

After the Air Force, Ron worked in the automotive industry for 15 years.  He loved vehicles and renovated several classics as a hobby including a 1960 Chevrolet Corvair, 1986 Cadillac Allante, and several old tractors.  He also loved sports, especially the Chiefs, Royals, and K-State basketball.

Ron is survived by his beloved wife, Mary, and three sons and three daughters:  Dan Rodgers of Denver, Colorado, Cindy Lloyd and her husband John of Salina and Sun City West, Arizona, David Rodgers of Lake Kiowa, Texas, Connie Stroda and her husband Gary of Hope, Kansas, Theresa Davis and her husband Mark of Salina, and Larry Rodgers and his wife Grace of Wentzville, Missouri. He is also survived by his sisters, Sherry Freeman and Carol Rodgers of Flint Michigan, and 16 grandchildren, and 23 great-grandchildren.

Ron was proceeded in death by his son, Michael, who died in infancy, and son, Johnny, who keep him and Mary young at heart for over 50 years with his Downs Syndrome.  He was also proceeded by his brothers, Alvin and John, and sisters, Eva, Sandra, and Helen.

Visitation will be Sunday, June 20, 4-8 p.m., at Ryan Mortuary, Salina, with a vigil service at 6. Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, June 21, at 10 a.m., at Sacred Heart Cathedral, with burial to follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Salina.