Keith David Rogers, age 44, of Bridgeton, MO, while surrounded by his family, quietly passed, after a courageous battle with Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer, just as the sun rose on Christmas Morning, December 25th, 2022.
Keith is survived by his wife, Karen (Figueroa) Rogers and two children, Christopher Figueroa of Bridgeton, MO and Kaylee Figueroa of Queen Creek, AZ, his parents, Dave and Sandy Rogers of Wichita, KS, two brothers, Brad Rogers of Derby, KS and Nate Rogers (Rachel) and niece Relic-Sandra of Springfield, MO, one sister, Jessica Rogers Gaines (Kevin) and nephew Ashton of Derby, along with many Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Nieces and Nephews.
Keith was preceded in death by his Grandparents, Don and Vi Godwin of Derby, Guy and Beth Cantrell of Shady Point, OK and Marion and Virginia Rogers of Belle Plaine, KS.
Keith grew up in Belle Plaine, where he graduated from Belle Plaine High School in 1996. He was baptized when he was nine years old at the Derby Christian Church. He went on to KU, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering in 2000. He started his career at Boeing Wichita in 2001 as a Structural Engineer contributing to the 737, 747 and 767 Airplanes. After transferring to Boeing’s St. Louis Missouri location, Keith became a Flight Test Engineer, and then a Test Conductor and Program Manager for the EA-18G, the “Growler” and the F-15 development programs, traveling with the Aircraft between Pax in Baltimore, Maryland and China Lake in Ridgecrest, California. He was currently the Integration Engineer for the F-15 and F-18 Programs. He became a Pilot, to better serve in these capacities. Keith supported many military and civil aircraft programs throughout his 22-year career with Boeing.
Keith met Karen, his soul mate and the love of his life, in 2011, and they were married November 8, 2014. Keith gained two children through this union, and proudly became their Dad. Keith helped Karen pursue her interests throughout their marriage just as she supported him in his work and hobbies.
Keith had many interests, hobbies, and business endeavors that he successfully pursued in his basement and converted garages, including a Partnership in Leslieworks.com where he developed Designer Shoes and Clutch Purses, along with his wife Karen, Desktoplathes.com, as well as Justaddfilament.com and Whythisbe.com with his brother, Nate.
He constantly pursued knowledge, never losing his compassion and desire to understand how things work. His thirst for knowledge was shared with others as he participated in teaching Robotics in the S.T.E.M. Program, working in the Arch Reactor Maker Community, or just helping Family and Friends in any way he could. Keith built a walk-in Flight Simulator inside of a trailer for a friend who had written a Children’s Book and traveled the US teaching children about Flight.
Throughout his illness, Keith never complained about the treatments or the pain he endured in his effort to battle this horrid disease. He continued to work right up until he had Brain Surgery. He maintained his positive attitude with hopes of getting more time with those he fiercely loved.
Keith was an outstanding Son, Brother, Husband, Father, Nephew, Cousin and Friend. He was natural encourager to his large family as well as his many, many friends. He was an avid listener, and always took time to talk anyone through any problem, help with a computer, a phone, math or whatever had them stumped. He was extremely patient and above all, he was kind. His incredibly quick wit and calm manner will be greatly missed by all who had the blessing of knowing him.
Viewing will be 10:00-2:00 at Smith Family Mortuary in Derby, and Services will be held at 4:00 at The Mulvane Christian Church in Mulvane, both on December 30, 2022.
In lieu of Flowers, the Family requests donations be made in Memory of Keith D. Rogers to MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX for Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer Research.