Michael Eugene Rodgers

Michael Eugene Rodgers, 66, of Vincennes, IN, formerly of Palestine, IL, died at 10:55 p.m. (EST) on Monday, January 29, 2018 at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Vincennes, IN. He was born May 28, 1951 in Robinson, IL, the son of John W. Rodgers & Mary K. (Knoblett) Rodgers. He is survived by his daughters, Megan & Aaron Jones (Robinson, IL) and Aubrey & Katrina Schifler (Palestine, IL); by his grandchildren, Taren Williamson, Mason Jones, Jaxon Jones, and Addilynn Mills; by his mother, Mary K. Rodgers (obinson, IL); by his sister, Kathy & Don Richart (Robinson, IL); by his brothers, Steven Rodgers & companion Virginia Jones (Olney, IL) and Gregory & Kelly Rodgers (Robinson, IL); as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, John W. Rodgers; by his paternal grandparents, John L. & Mary Rodgers; by his maternal grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. O.H. Knoblett; and by his step-father, Glen Rodgers; and by his nephews, Joshua Rodgers and Jeffrey Rodgers. Mike grew up in the Palestine area and was an exemplary Boy Scout, joining the rank of Eagle Scout at the age of 13. From an early age, he showed a gentle, compassionate spirit, and would literally take the jacket off of his back to those less fortunate. He and his family attended the First Methodist Church in Palestine, and he accepted the Lord at a Youth Revival as a teenager. Upon graduating Palestine High School in 1969, Mike went on to serve his country in the U.S. Navy for less than a year before being medically discharged. Back home, he got on with the Illinois Central Railroad, with whom he was employed until their closure. From there, he found work with Mid-American Air Center, where he worked as a maintenance supervisor, a job of which he was especially proud. From here, he retired in 2014. Away from work, he found great joy in music. Early in his life, he played keys with his band “Stillwater Express”, and these were some of the best days of his life. He was also an avid football fan and was especially fond of the Dallas Cowboys and Indianapolis Colts. He will long be remembered for the courage and strength he showed at the end of his life. His generosity of spirit will live on in all who knew him. A private family graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, February 5, 2018 at the Palestine Cemetery. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Michael Rodgers Memorial Fund, with checks made payable to “Goodwine Funeral Homes”. For more information, or to share a memory or condolence online, please visit www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com.