Frank Rogers, Sr.

Frank Young Rogers, Sr.

Dr. Frank Young Rogers, Sr., a resident of Brandon, died on June 25, 2022, at age 82. He was born on June 21, 1940, to William Watkins Rogers, Jr. and Elizabeth Young Rogers. He grew up in Sessums, Mississippi, in Oktibbeha County. Born on the summer solstice, he claimed he had the longest birthday of anyone.

Frank graduated from Starkville High School in 1958, from Mississippi State University with a degree in dairy science in 1962, and from Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1969. After graduating from MSU, he never wanted to milk another cow. Frank married MSU majorette Frances Overby, spent two years in the Army, and was stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where his first son, Frank Jr., was born. His second son, William, but known to all as “Brother,” was born while Frank Sr. was in vet school at Auburn.

Frank practiced veterinary medicine in Eupora, Mississippi, before relocating to the Jackson area, where he became the assistant state veterinarian and later, state veterinarian. His biggest professional accomplishment was leading the effort to eradicate brucellosis in livestock in Mississippi. He joined the Mississippi Air National Guard and eventually retired as a lieutenant colonel. At various times, he was a Rotarian and a Mason, a Baptist and a Presbyterian, but perhaps his most faithful attendance was at deer camp, where he rarely used a gun, but often entertained others with his humorous stories and observations.

In 1985, Frank married Wilna Rigby Stewart, and they remained inseparable ever since. Together they traveled annually to the Neshoba County Fair, and sometimes overseas (often on a military plane at almost no expense, of course). Late in life, on many occasions, he and Wilna would discover their meal at a restaurant had been paid already by an anonymous person. When asked who paid for his meal, he would reply, “I don’t ask. I just say thank you.” He subscribed to satellite radio to get one channel, Willie’s Roadhouse, which was always on in his vehicle.

Frank was predeceased by his parents and his sister Betty Rogers Hallmark. In addition to his two sons and Wilna and her four children, Frank is survived by his brother, William Watkins Rogers III of Starkville, grandchildren Lauren Hill (Max) of Alexandria, VA, Alex Rogers (Jordan) of Colorado Springs, CO, Andrew Rogers of Williamsburg, VA, and Zack Vosen (Hilary) of Jackson, MS.

Services will be held at Lakeside Presbyterian Church, 2070 Spillway Road in Brandon, on Tuesday, June 28. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m.