Ivan "Butch" Paul Rogers III

Butch Rogers was called home to our Heavenly Father on Saturday, July 18, 2026, surrounded by his loving wife of 42 years and children. He was born on June 30, 1950, in Breckenridge, Texas to parents Betty Lou and Ivan Paul Rogers II, along with his brother Richard.

Butch attended Abilene High School and McMurry University. Early on, school was difficult. He was one of the first students in Abilene, Texas diagnosed with dyslexia. Reading multiple newspapers every day allowed Butch to excel despite his dyslexia.

In 1967, during the height of the Viet Nam war, Butch volunteered to serve his country and enlisted in the Army where he served 3 ½ years active duty in several capacities starting in Korea. This tour was cut short when he volunteered to serve in Viet Nam. He was transferred to Viet Nam in 1968 and served as a Reconnaissance Sergeant with Bravo Company 1/27 “Wolfhounds”, 25th Infantry Division. During this time, he was awarded the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, two Bronze Stars for valor, the Army Commendation Medal, two Purple Hearts and several service ribbons.

After Viet Nam, Butch returned to Abilene and continued his education at McMurry University and went to work in the oil industry. Butch elected to resume his service to his country by joining the Texas National Guard in 1986. His career with the National Guard included these duty positions: NCOIC Counterdrug Program, Comptroller Counterdrug Program, Quality Assurance NCOIC for the Regional Training Institute, Staff Accountant USPFO, Budget Officer USPFO, and Auditor USPFO where he obtained the rank of Command Sergeant Major.

Butch tried to make a difference in the life of others through his volunteer work for dyslexic children, individuals with cardiac issues, Cardiac Safe Schools and as a lobbyist for public cardiac causes.

Above all, however, was his love, joy, and commitment to family.

Butch is survived by his wife Janet Rogers; children Dustin Rogers, Kris Rogers, Lesli Tristan, and Courtney Barnett; grandchildren Alannah Rogers, Hudson Rogers, Harper Tristan, Finn Tristan, Astrid Tristan, and Callie Barnett; and great-granddaughter Saylor Martinez.