Gene Rogers, age 74, of Melber, Kentucky, passed away on July 16th, 2026 at Mercy Health-Lourdes Hospital.
Born on July 30, 1951, in Burlingame, Kansas, Gene devoted his life to serving others, both through his career and his faith. He built a successful career in hospitality management, working for 21 years as General Manager with Cracker Barrel, retiring as a Regional Manager for Applebee's and was currently working for Walmart.
His greatest passion was serving people. Gene supported his wife, Melanie, as youth pastor at Bethel Fellowship in Murray, an active member of New Harvest Church, and most recently attended and served at Grace Life Church, where he faithfully welcomed others as part of the Sunday morning hospitality team. He also dedicated countless hours volunteering with the Murray Chapter of the Dream Factory, Celebrate Recovery and local sober living houses, encouraging and helping those in need.
Gene was known for his generous heart. He would give his last dollar to someone who needed it and often quietly helped others without expecting anything in return. Whether buying work uniforms for employees who couldn't afford them before their first day or simply showing up whenever someone needed help, serving others was simply who he was.
Following the devastating tornadoes in Mayfield, Gene was honored as a Kentucky Colonel and a Duke of Paducah for his tireless work preparing meals for the National Guard and those serving the community. He was one of the hardest-working people anyone could know and always had a hand in whatever needed to be done.
When he wasn't serving others, Gene enjoyed deep-sea fishing, playing cards, and spending time with the people he loved. More than anything, Gene will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his servant's heart, his generosity, and the lasting impact he made on the lives of so many. His legacy of kindness, compassion, and selfless service will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Gene is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Melanie Rogers; his daughter, Jade DaPrato and her husband, Leo, of Carbondale, Kansas; his sons, Jon Jones and his wife, Jennifer, of Melber, Kentucky, and Daniel Jones and his fiancée, Morgan Adams, of Murray, Kentucky; his five brothers, Danny Rogers of Leavenworth, Kansas, Darrell Rogers of Topeka, Kansas, Buddy Rogers of Oklahoma, Mike Schmidtberger of Kansas City, Kansas, and Rick Schmidtberger of Topeka, Kansas; four grandchildren, Kasen Jones, Maddie Boyett, Charlee Jones, and Kimberly McPherson; three great-grandchildren, Braedyn Burkett, Addy McPherson, and Blane Kopp; his adopted foster son, Marc Thompson; and several beloved nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Nikki Jones; and his parents, Earl Rogers and Vernie and Lela Schmidtberger.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at Grace Life Church in Mayfield, with Pastor Chad Lamb, Pastor Brent Reid, and Pastor Tim Allred officiating.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at the Lone Oak Chapel of Milner & Orr Funeral Home. Friends may also visit with the family from 11:00 a.m. until the 1:00 p.m. funeral service on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at Grace Life Church.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of a donation to: Celebrate Recovery c/o Grace Life Church, 915 Paducah Rd, Mayfield, KY 42066 or Eddie James Ministries, Eddie James Ministries, PO Box 139, Ocoee, TN 37361 or the Melber Fire Department, 11763 KY-339, Melber, KY 42069.
You may leave a message or light a candle at www.milnerandorr.com.
