Virgil Rodgers

V irgil R odgers, of North Platte, died at Great Plains Health on March 20, 2021, at the age of 90.

Virgil was born in North Platte on January 11, 1931, to James and Elizabeth Rodgers. He graduated from NPHS in 1948 then hired on with the Union Pacific Railroad, working as a Fireman/Oiler then Machinist until retiring in 1993. Virgil was active with the International Association of Machinists and Arrow Space Workers (IAM & AW) #LL180, the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission as well as the North Platte Central Labor Council.

While employed with the railroad, Virgil enlisted in the Nebraska Army National Guard and proudly served over 20 years until retiring in 1972. He worked as a Communications Chief and earned the rank of Master Sergeant then was commissioned an officer, earning the rank of Captain.

On July 1, 1955, Virgil married Marcia Gideon in North Platte where they lived and raised two sons, Reid and Rod. On May 18, 1992, Virgil wed Martha Chandler and they made their home in Sutherland. Virgil eventually returned to North Platte after Martha died in 2008.

Virgil was a member of Platte Valley Lodge #32 AF&AM and the Sutherland United Methodist Church. He enjoyed bowling and fishing and loved his family, even when the boys were teenagers and would aggravate him to the point that he would grab his heart and imitate Fred Sanford saying, "I'm 'comin to join you, Elizabeth!" Now he's gone to join his mom, Elizabeth.

Virgil was preceded in death by his wife, Martha; parents, James and Elizabeth; brothers, Chet, Elwood, Clarence and Dale Rodgers; sisters, Gladys Gerle, Esther Johnson and Donna Oliver; brother-in-law, Glenn Buss; stepdaughter, Judy Chandler; and step grandson, Chase Chandler.

He is survived by his sons, Reid (Sandra) Rodgers, of North Platte and Rodney (Karen) Rodgers, of Omaha; stepchildren, Larry (Sherry) Chandler, of Brule, Mike (Anita) Chandler, of Paxton and Susie (Harry) Branting, of North Platte; grandchildren, Sarah and Hannah Rodgers; step grandchildren, Kelle (Ryan) Sherpy, Nick (Abby) Branting, Codi (Dale) O'Brien, Rylie (Jordyn) Chandler, Todd (Julie) Chandler, Shannon Chandler, Travis Chandler, and Jeremy (Amy) Chandler; step great-grandchildren, Rylie and Aria Sherpy, Kennedy Kelly, Annika and Lukas Branting, Brandi, Allie and Jaclyn O'Brien, Lawrence and Emelia Chandler, Tyler and Tessa Walker, Jaden Snyder and Parker Chandler; brother-in-law, Duane (Dotsie) Buss, of Paxton; and many other family members.

Funeral service with Masonic Rites will be 11:30 a.m. on Friday, March 26, 2021, at the Sutherland Methodist Church with Pastor Mark Baldwin officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. Services will be recorded and posted to odeanchapel.com.

Visitation will be 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. Memorials are suggested to North Platte Shrine Children's Transportation Fund.