Thomas Lee “Tom” Rogers, 79, died December 18, 2025, at his home in Pretty Prairie. He was born February 28, 1946, in Hutchinson, to Cecil T. and Virgie Marie (Hayes) Rogers.
Tom graduated from Pretty Prairie High School in 1964. He attended Hutchinson Community Junior College, and graduated from Fort Hays State University. From January 1966 to January 1972, Tom served in the Air National Guard. After 46 ½ years of service, he retired from Krause Plow as a tool designer. Tom loved woodworking, and built the home that he and Jan live in today. He also helped his son, Micah, remodel his home. In addition, Tom enjoyed watching westerns, eating barbeque, and listening to the Statler Brothers. Each November, he looked forward to riding his Harley-Davidson in the Reno County Toy Run. Tom was a 50-year member of the Pretty Prairie Booster Club and also a member of the Clydesdale Breeders of USA.
Tom was very involved in the Castleton Union Church until it closed and recently attended Pretty Prairie United Methodist Church. Singing gave him great pleasure and he was a member of the “King Servants” quartet where he sang bass. Above all, Tom treasured his family, especially his eight grandchildren. He was their number one fan and made it a priority to support them at all of their events and activities.
On August 20, 1966, he married his high school sweetheart, Janet “Jan” Albright, in Pretty Prairie. Together, they served as foster parents for 20 years.
Tom is survived by: his wife of 59 years, Jan; children, Tambra Stucky (Corby), Jennifer England, Micah Rogers (Melissa), and Michael Rogers, all of Pretty Prairie; brother, Richard “Dick” Rogers (Rita) of San Diego, CA; sister, Margaret “Peg” Krehbiel (Ken) of Pretty Prairie; grandchildren, Breann Ramirez (Paola), Tristan England, Keelan Stucky, Sophia England, Blaine Rogers, Brogan Stucky, Matthew Rogers, and Zachary England; and a host of foster children.
He was preceded in death by his parents and in-laws, Don and Rowena Albright.
Celebration of Life service will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Pretty Prairie Middle School Auditorium, 101 N. Maple St., Pretty Prairie. Friends may sign his book from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. December 26, 2025 through January 2, 2026, at Elliott Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Reno County Toy Run, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.
Tom would want everyone to be comfortable at his Celebration of Life Service. The family requests those attending to wear casual clothing.