L. Randall Rogers

Rev. L. Randall Rogers, 84, died Wednesday, August 13, 2003 in Austin.Rev. Rogers was born April 25, 1919 in Poolville, Texas to Nettie Dillard and Lowell Rogers. He graduated from Poolville High School and received a B.S. degree from North Texas University where he was elected to Phi Delta Kappa, the academic fraternity in history. He also received a B.D. from Perkins School of Theology, M.A. from S.M.U., M.A. from the University of New Mexico, and a doctoral degree from T.C.U. He enjoyed a varied career as a teacher at both the high school and college levels, a Methodist minister, a chaplain in the U.S. Navy, on active duty for 23 years, as well as a health services administrator, counselor and therapist. He recently retired as minister of the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Llano, Texas. Rev. Rogers enjoyed travel. He toured widely throughout the United States and eighteen foreign countries.Rev. Rogers was active in York Rite Masonry and was a recipient of the Knight York Cross of Honor, having served as the presiding officer in all bodies of the York Rite. The many Grand offices he held included Grand Chaplain of the Grand Council at Texas in 1979; Grand Prelate of Grand Commandery in 1984; Grand Chaplain of the Grand Chapter in 1985, and the Grand Lodge of Texas in 1988; District Deputy Grand High Priest in 1987, District Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Texas 1992; District Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Council in 1997. He was a Past President of Sojourners (Masons in Uniform) and was the National Chaplain from 1969 to 1971. He was Chaplain of the Texas Lodge of Research and a member of Research Lodge No. 2 of Iowa. He was the Very Eminent Preceptor of the Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests in Dallas, a member of the Scottish Rite in Austin and the Moslah Shrine Temple in Fort Worth. He was also a member of Fort Worth Southside Lodge No. 1114, Hemphill Council No. 365 and a Past Commander of Southside Commandery No. 83.Survivors include wife, Elvira Harris-Rogers of Fort Worth; children, Randa and John Bush of Houston and Angela and Don Crowder of Austin; stepchildren, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Harris of Las Cruces, NM, Dr. and Mrs. Glenn Clark of Cedar Hill, Mr. And Mrs. Tony Harris of Fort Worth and Mr. And Mrs. Paul Harris of Austin; sister, Louise Vereen and husband, Jack of Poolville; sister, Mary Ann Landers of Azle; sister-in-law, Carol Rogers of Weatherford; six grandchildren; nine step-grandchildren; ten step great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.