Mr. Robert Bowers Rogers, 87, of Columbia, died Friday, April 8, 2016. Born on October 20, 1928 in Hamilton County, IL, he was a son of the late Ralph Herman Rogers and Rosalee DeWitt Rogers. Robert served for 25 years as the Assistant Commissioner of Agriculture, specializing in marketing services and economics, and he was active in the Columbia community, participating as a member of the Columbia Rotary Club for over 40 years. He was a licensed pilot, and avid camping enthusiast, and he enjoyed outdoor adventures. Robert had a deep and active faith, and was a longtime member of Park Street Baptist Church.

Robert is survived by sons, Ralph "Jack" Rogers and Earline Shealy of Pelion, and Kent and Kathleen Rogers of St. Augustine, FL; brothers, Donald Rogers, and Dennis Rogers; and sister, Patricia Jo Thomas. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Mildred "Millie" Lucille Dean Rogers; and sister, Butonne Reynolds.

A memorial service for Mr. Rogers will be held 2:30 PM, Monday, April 11th, at Park Street Baptist Church, Columbia. The family will greet friends in the Sanctuary beginning at 1:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Humane Society, 121 Humane Lane, Columbia, SC 29209; The Oliver Gospel Mission, 1100 Taylor St., Columbia, SC 29201; or Park Street Baptist Church, 2204 Park St., Columbia, SC 29201. Shives Funeral Home, Colonial Chapel, is assisting the family.