Jerry Rodgers, age 86, of Mansfield passed away Thursday, December 18, 2025, at Wedgewood Estates.
Born Jerry Michael Rodgers on November 17, 1939, in Kingsland, Arkansas, he was the son of the late John B. and Carmen Bernice (Morgan) Rodgers. He joined the US Navy, serving from 1958-1962. Jerry was a member of IBEW #688 and worked for Lake Erie Electric. He was a member of the Moose Lodge.
Jerry was a member of Little Washington Congregational Church. In his free time, he enjoyed traveling, golf, hunting, playing Poker and woodworking. He married Melanie Beeman Bowers on October 15, 2011, and together they played and sang in their band. He played the acoustic bass and they frequently played mini concerts for senior living centers and the library.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 14 years, Melanie Rodgers; three children, Paris Gerhart, Lance (Leslie) Rodgers and Bettina (Ken) Edwards; two stepdaughters, Lynda (Scott) Meinke and Robyn (Carrie) Bowers; seven grandchildren, Nyle and Stephen Rodgers, Adam Gerhart, Maggie Whitt, Audrey, Graham and Paige Edwards; four step grandchildren, Grace, Aaron and Maddie Meinke and Auden Bowers-Yoder; a brother, Bill Rodgers; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife of 40 years, Gloria O’Hail Rodgers whom he married in 1960 and passed away in 2000; grandson, Aaron Gerhart; and sister, Phyllis O’Hail.
The family will receive friends from 12:00-1:00 pm on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at Wappner Funeral Directors and Crematory-Ontario, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road. The funeral service conducted by Pastor Michael Ziadeh will follow at 1:00 pm. He will be laid to rest in Mansfield Memorial Park.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Hospice of the Western Reserve.
Words of condolence may be expressed at www.wappner.com
Funeral Home: Wappner Funeral Directors and Crematory-Ontario
Website: www.wappner-ontario.com