Charles Rogers

A memorial service for Charles "Charlie" Howe Rogers, 79, of Carrollton, an actor, comedian and amateur botanist who died Feb. 3, is scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday at Christ United Methodist Church, Valwood Parkway at Dennis Lane, Farmers Branch.

Mr. Rogers played the role of Smitty in Walker, Texas Ranger and had principal roles in numerous other television and film productions. Mr. Rogers, who began his career in 1939 in vaudeville as Tree Boy in Hellzapoppin', also appeared in numerous live theater productions.

He was a stand-up comic. He was a member of the board of directors of the Screen Actors Guild-Dallas and belonged to the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.

"He was a wonderful man whose acting career spanned over 60 years," said Peggy Taylor, his longtime talent agent. A special tribute is planned for March 11 at the annual SAG Awards dinner.

In 1996, Mr. Rogers received the NYLCARE 65 Outstanding Senior in Performing Arts award.

A resident of Carrollton since 1984, he had a strong interest in local government and often attended City Council meetings and wrote letters to the editor on subjects related to city government.

Mr. Rogers also was an avid botanist and was president of the Dallas Rose Society in 1978-79. At one time, he had 125 rose bushes and often won blue ribbons at garden shows.

In recent years, Mr. Rogers had taped children's books for the blind once a week.

He was a native of Grand Rapids, Mich. As a young man, he rode horses in racing events for Calumet Farms until he joined the Air Force in December 1941. He flew in B-17s on 35 missions before he was shot down over Paris on June 13, 1944. All but six of the crew bailed out over the English Channel and were rescued. He was awarded the Purple Heart.

Survivors include his wife, Ruthan Rogers of Carrollton; sons, Fred Rogers of Livermore, Calif., and Richard Rogers of Port St. Lucie, Fla.; a daughter, Debra Boyles of Dallas; and 11 grandchildren.

The family requests that memorials be made to the Christ United Methodist Church building fund, Operation Kindness or another favorite charity.
 

The Dallas Morning News - February 23, 2001
Submitted by Edward Lynn Williams