Oliver E. Rogers

Oliver E. Rogers, 96, of Bloomington, IN died peacefully surrounded by his family on May 2, 2023. Oliver grew up on a farm in rural Jeffersonville, KY, number seven of ten children. He graduated from Morehead State college in 1948 with a B.S. in Business Administration. Oliver moved home to run a Farm Co-op with his brother, Jesse. He then was drafted into the Army, serving in Intelligence during the Korean War. After his return from service, Oliver attended Harding College to earn a Master’s degree in Biblical Studies. While at Harding, Oliver met the love of his life, Norma Elizabeth Crosby. They married on March 17, 1955. The couple then moved to West Chicago, IL where Oliver became minister of West Chicago Church of Christ. He continued his studies at Wheaton College and The University of Chicago toward a PHD in New Testament literature. Oliver ministered in West Chicago for 15 years. While there, they welcomed four children: Carolyn, Marilyn, Melanie and Sherman. Oliver’s desire to spread the word of God to people from all nations led them to the diverse community of Bloomington, IN in 1969. He served as senior minister at North Central Church of Christ from 1969-1994, and then was part time minister until his retirement in 1996. During his tenure, Oliver baptized over a thousand people into Christ, working diligently to develop an outreach on the IU campus, and the church grew to over 500 members. Upon retirement, he was honored with the Saginaw of the Wabash award given by the governor of Indiana. After retirement, Oliver authored two books about following Jesus, “The Faith of Christ” and “New Life for the Walking Dead.” He was a scholar who brought many to know the love of Jesus Christ. Oliver was a devoted husband, father, grandfather (Papa) and great-grandfather. He is survived by his wife Norma of 68 years; two of his sisters, Reniva Riessinger and Dorma Rainey, His children Carolyn (James) McAdams, Marilyn (Mike) Bucchi, Melanie (Daryl) Mann, and Sherman (Meredith) Rogers; His grandchildren Grant (Callie) McAdams, Lauren (AJ) Schaefer, Amanda (Joshua) Miller, Lindsey (Josh) Diggs, Zachary Oliver (Johanna) White, Jeremy Bucchi, Joey (Valerie) Bucchi, Mackenzie Mann, Emily Rogers, Abigail (Parker) Willis, and Justin Rogers; and His great-grandchildren April McAdams; Seth, Hannah, Audra, Elaina, Lacey and Sophia Miller; Steven Oliver and Emma Diggs; Bailey Moore; Dominic and Mandy Bucchi; and Ella and Oakley Willis. A funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at North Central Church of Christ, 2121 North Dunn Street, Bloomington. Burial will follow at Valhalla Memory Gardens. Family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, May 8, 2023, at Allen Funeral Home and Crematory, 4155 South Old State Road 37, Bloomington, and again on Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Roger's memory to Harding School of Theology or World Bible School. Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with family and friends at www.allencares.com

Tributes

Oliver E. Rogers

July 30, 1926 - May 2, 2023