Tommy Rogers

Thomas Patrick Rogers passed away on June 2, 2023.  He was born on May 9, 1954 in Fort Sumner, New Mexico to Vincent J. "VJ" Rogers and Agnes (Nelson) Rogers.  Tommy attended Fort Sumner Schools and graduated with the class of 1973.  He married Tauna Shaw on November 6, 1982 and they were blessed with two daughters, Amy Jolene and Emily Lauren.

Tommy worked at Carr Lumber Company for several years, then served as De Baca County Magistrate Judge for 12 years.  He worked as a cook/kitchen manager at Fred's Restaurant.  Following this he worked as a truck driver for Swift and for K Barnett and Sons until his health began to fail.

Tommy loved the outdoors and enjoyed camping, fishing and gardening.  Among his interests were collecting antiques and old cars.  He enjoyed New Mexico and De Baca County history, including Billy-the-Kid history.  Tommy had a great sense of humor and kept his family members laughing until their sides hurt.  He also loved cooking.  Most of all, Tommy treasured time with his family.

He was a very devoted father who spent great amounts of time with his girls as they were growing up.  From long bike rides to the end of the valley to watching thunderstorms, swimming and camping and trips to Guadalupe, Tommy loved spending time with them.  He was a man who understood the importance and joy of a father's presence in his children's lives.

Tommy continued to treasure time and activities with his children and grandchildren even during his last years as he suffered increasingly poor health.  He was blessed with six grandchildren: Claire Owen, Theo Owen, Macy Johnson, Luke Johnson, Jack Johnson and little granddaughter in heaven Laura Johnson.  Despite the amputation of a leg and chronic pain, Tommy swam in the Blue Hole at Santa Rosa with daughter Amy and grandchildren Claire and Theo in the summer of 2022.  For Thanksgiving 2022 Tommy traveled to Perry, KS to spend several days with daughter Emily, son-in-law Jacob and grandchildren Macy, Luke, and Jack.

Tommy had a big heart and enjoyed helping people.  He did volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity and at several food pantries and soup kitchens.  He always wanted to give more than he had, and do more for others than his physical limitations allowed.

Tommy was preceded in death by his parents, VJ and Agnes Rogers, and by a brother, Timothy Rogers.  He is survived by his daughter Amy (Taylor) Owen of Tijeras, NM, daughter Emily (Jacob) Johnson of Perry, KS, and grandchildren Claire Owen, Theo Owen, Macy Johnson, Luke Johnson,  and Jack Johnson.  He is also survived by brothers Charlie Rogers of Albuquerque, NM and Mike (Carol) Rogers of Truckee, CA.  His nieces and nephew include Sandra Benischek Harrison of Oklahoma City, OK (and child Ford), Holli Rogers of London, ENG, Heather Rogers (and her child Leo) of Brooklyn NY, Kelly (Dave) Gove (and their children Charlotte and Jackson) of Truckee, CA, and Charlie (Annie) Rogers (and son Mateo) of Seattle, WA.  Tommy will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

Tommy’s family extends their thanks to Genesis Home Care staff and to Compassus Hospice care staff for the kindness and care given to Tommy.

Contributions in memory of Tommy can be made to Habitat for Humanity International, 322 West Lamar Street, Americus, Georgia 31709-3543 or to the Fort Sumner Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 180, Fort Sumner, NM. 88119.

Friends and family are invited to a Come and Go Celebration of Tommy's life from 2pm to 4pm, Saturday, June 10 2023 at the De Baca Courthouse Annex Building. Stop by and visit or share a favorite memory of Tommy with his family.

If you wish to share a favorite memory or sign Tommy’s online guest book, go to www.chavezfuneralhome.com

Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street, Fort Sumner, New Mexico. (575) 355-2311