Dr. John L. Rogers, 93, of Molino, FL passed away Thursday, December 30, 2021, following a brief illness.

John was born in Tampa, FL on April 17, 1928, the first child of John V. and Pearla Lewis Rogers. John returned to Pensacola in infancy and grew up in East Hill. A Boy Scout, Sea Scout, and a Chevalier in the Order of DeMolay, John graduated from Pensacola High School in 1945, a few months before the end of World War II. John attended Vanderbilt University for the 1945-1946 school year and was initiated into the Kappa Alpha Order (Chi Chapter) in the Fall of 1945. While home in Pensacola in the summer of 1946, John received his draft notice to report to Jacksonville for induction into the U.S. Army in 48 hours. As a proud Pensacolian, he always claimed he nearly ran down to the Navy recruiting office the next morning to join the Navy instead. John served in the U.S. Navy for two years, being honorably discharged as a 2nd Class Petty Officer. Returning to Pensacola, John married Ruby Madsen in June 1948. After a time at the brand-new Pensacola Junior College, John attended Florida State University beginning in 1949, because, as he said, it was closer to home, and had a top-notch College of Chemistry. John was graduated from FSU in 1951 with a BA in Chemistry and again in 1952 with a BS in Mathematics. He attended Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas and was graduated in 1956. John loved Texas, but the pull of family and his love of mullet caused him to return to Pensacola to practice Dentistry in 1958. John genuinely loved his profession and helping people protect and save their smile. John and Ruby had four children, Martha, John, Leeann, and Allen. In his later years, John often mentioned how proud he was of each of them, and that they grew into wonderful people thanks to Ruby and despite himself. In 1967, John married Ruth Thornton of Pensacola. The union produced one son, Thornton. John was a member of Aldersgate Methodist Church in Molino. A Freemason, John was raised a Master Mason in July 1949. He served as DDGM under MW Elmer G. Coffman in 2004 and was coronated a 33rd Degree IGH in November 2003 in the Scottish Rite. John was also a member of the Pensacola York Rite and Zelica Grotto. John had a passion for his “farm” in Molino and loved any time he could spend there. Thankfully he was able to spend a few hours at the farm the day before he passed. John took great pride in his family, telling and re-telling stories about his parents, siblings, children, his seven grandchildren, and one great granddaughter, Violet. Though he was fiercely proud of his children and grandchildren’s accomplishments as they grew up, John often kept his pride close to the vest, saying instead “Well, that’s no surprise, that’s one of mine, or he/she comes from good stock”. An FSU alum, John loved his alma mater unconditionally and unapologetically. He passed that love to many of us. Like the rest of his perspectives on anything, John’s love for Christ was simple and to the point. Each of his children and grandchildren has their own memories of him and love for him, but his traits are present in each of us. In his last few days, John said he was ready to go see his parents and Ruth again. The family is thankful for John’s and our amazing friend Mrs. Vera Costello, as well as Gene Miller Jr., George Pate, and Mike Dirden, who helped him so many times as if it was an honor to be asked. Our thanks are also extended to Covenant Hospice.

Visitation will be held 5-7pm Tuesday, January 4, 2022, at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel, 2276 Airport Blvd., Pensacola. Funeral service will be held 10:00am Wednesday, January 5, 2022, at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel, with Reverend Leeann Scarbrough (John’s daughter) officiating. Interment will follow at St. John’s Cemetery. A Masonic service is planned, details will follow at the service where it will be conducted pending weather.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice in memory of John L. Rogers, or to the Valley of Pensacola Scottish Rite Almoner’s Fund.