David Harold Rogers

Celebrating the Life of David Harold Rogers

June 20, 1929 – July 14, 2026

With respect and remembrance, we mark the passing of David Harold Rogers, who passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, having recently celebrated his 97th birthday. A veteran, educator, scientist, and artist, his long life was filled with a fascinating array of experiences, travels, and creative pursuits.

Early Life and Navy Service

Born on June 20, 1929, in Jackson, Michigan, David grew up in the area and graduated from Jackson High School. Following high school, he answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Navy. He became a proud member of the US Navy’s VS-31 "Topcats" squadron, stationed in Norfolk, Virginia, and was later stationed in Quonset Point, Rhode Island, after the squadron disbanded.

Family, Higher Education, and Teaching

Following his military service, he moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he and his first wife, Shirley, welcomed their only son, John.

He then relocated to the Boston, Massachusetts area to further his education. He attended Eastern Nazarene College, earning his college degree, and remained in the Boston area for a time working as a dedicated high school science teacher.

California Chapters and Unique Encounters

Seeking new horizons, David moved to California, where he settled in the Los Angeles and Long Beach areas and transitioned into specialized laboratory work. His career brought him into contact with high-profile clientele, most notably President Richard Nixon, whom he had the unique privilege of meeting through his work.

It was also in California where he began a beautiful new chapter of life with his second wife, Gloria. The couple later moved to Sonora, California, nestled in the scenic foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains near Yosemite National Park. While living in Sonora for many years, David frequented the set of the classic television series Little House on the Prairie, where he formed a memorable personal friendship with actor and director Michael Landon. During this same vibrant era, his wife Gloria brought her own talents to the screen, appearing as a square dancer on the set of Back to the Future Part III during one of the franchise's most famous festival sequences.

A Lifelong Passion for Art

Throughout his life, David possessed a vibrant, creative spirit. He was an accomplished artist who loved to paint landscapes and seascapes using both oils and acrylics. His creative talents also extended to drawing lively caricatures and painting large-scale wall murals, leaving behind a colorful legacy of his artistic vision.

Later Years, Travels, and Family Care

After their many years in Sonora, David and Gloria relocated to Moses Lake, Washington, where they enjoyed the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

In 2020, they made the cross-country move from Washington state to Jacksonville, Florida, to be closer to family. This major transition was made possible through the incredible kindness of Gloria’s sister, Sylvia, and her husband, Paul, who helped them move across the country. Over the last six years, Paul, Sylvia, their daughter Twila, and her husband Cameron provided compassionate, dedicated care and support, bringing immense comfort and peace to David's final years. His family remains deeply grateful for their wonderful support.

David is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Gloria, his son, John, John’s wife, Grace and their son, Tony, a sister-in-law, Sylvia Meister and her husband Paul, a brother-in-law, Roger Riendeau and his wife, Sheila, a Goddaughter, Twila Church and her family, as well as several nieces and nephews throughout the states of Idaho, Massachusetts, New York and South Carolina.

A memorial service will be held on September 12, 2026, at Spring Glen Methodist Church at 4:00 p.m. with a reception to follow in the fellowship hall. The church's address is 6007 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32216 on the corner of Beach Blvd. and University Blvd. The church parking lot is accessible from University Blvd. 

Services are in the care of Naugle Funeral Home and Cremation Services located at 1203 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville, Florida 32207.