Ernest N. Rodgers of Doylestown, passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 6, 2020. He was 91 years old.
Ernie was born to the late Frederick Rodgers and Ellen Dixon in 1928 and grew up in Philadelphia with his two brothers and sister: Fred, Arnold and Margery. After graduating from Frankford High School in 1946, he immediately enlisted in the Navy. Following two years active duty, he attended Drexel University, earning a degree in Business Administration. In June 1951, Ernie married his sweetheart, Elaine Veith. The two, who referred to themselves as best friends, were married for 68 years.
Ernie and Elaine raised three children in Huntingdon Valley and lived there until retirement. Throughout his life, Ernie was dedicated to his faith, his country and his family. He was an avid reader, pilot, cellist, Rotarian, Vestryman and selfless volunteer in his community. Above all, Ernie’s greatest love was spending time with his honey and their extended family.
Ernie is survived by his loving wife, Elaine, his children: Gail Schmitt, her husband, Chess; Greg and Kathy (Roan), and Gwen Damone, her husband, Al; his grandchildren: Jared, Keith and Candace; Heather and Corbin; Katy, Colin, Kimberly and Brian; four great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, June Hertzler and Audrey Bender, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews and friends.
Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate Ernie’s life 10:30 a.m., Friday, January 17, 2020 at St. John’s Anglican Church, 1150 Bristol Road, Southampton, PA 18966, where the family will greet guests from 8:30 a.m., untile the time of the service. Interment with Military Honors will be at 1:15 p.m., in Washington Crossing National Cemetery, 830 Highland Road, Newtown, Pennsylvania.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Ernie’s name may be made to: St. John’s Anglican Church at the above address, where he was a member for 52 years.