Jon Rex Rodgers

1945 — 2021

Jon Rex Rodgers was born on Feb. 23, 1945, in Berkeley, California, to Don Rodgers and Naomi Johnson. Jon passed away in his home of natural causes on Dec. 10, 2021. He spent his childhood on Rawhide Road and had four siblings: Burle

Rodgers, Donna Sharkey, Dave Rodgers and Joe Rodgers.

Jon moved to Tuttletown in 1986 and lived there until he passed away. Jon was an incredibly hard worker. Prior to fully retiring at age 73, Jon worked as a heavy equipment operator at PG&E, G&L Brock, and several other construction companies.

Jon embraced a silent generosity. His anonymous donations to friends, family and strangers alike and his small acts of kindness made the world a better place. Jon was a dedicated hobbyist and historian. He loved to work on tractors and build things at his beloved Kanaka Gulch. Jon eagerly expanded his impressive knowledge of World War II and Civil War history through documentaries, museums, and historical site visits.

He enjoyed many annual traditions including tractor shows, lunch trips to the Ahwahnee in Yosemite, his lifetime membership at Railtown, international Talk-like-a-pirate Day, and lamplight tours of Columbia. We will always remember Jon’s unique penmanship, his constant trips to Black Bear Diners, and the stories about his beautiful 1952 Farmall A parade tractor. Jon, his brothers, and his sister had a strong bond of comradery. They would spend countless hours working and shooting the breeze together.

Jon is survived by his children, Glen Rodgers, of Lewiston, Idaho, Rebecca (Brad) Sager, of Lewiston, Idaho, Gary Rodgers, of Tacoma, Washington, and Joseph (Rose) Rodgers, of Arlington, Virginia; his grandchildren, Cameron ( Samantha) Sager, Logan Rodgers, Mikayla Rodgers, Matthew Sager and Josie Sager; and his great- granddaughter, Leila Rodgers.

Jon wasted no opportunity to tell everyone how incredibly proud he was of everything that his children accomplished. He halted telemarketers, cashiers, and passing tourists to regale them with tales of his children’s exploits.

Jon was preceded in death by his brother, Dave Rodgers, and two former wives, Norma Hollingsworth-rodgers and Nona Greenwood-harvey. Tuolumne county lost an ol’ cowboy, his siblings lost their brother, and we lost our dad.

Jon’s family will hold a celebration of life in Tuolumne County at a later date. Personal stories, inquiries, and condolences can be sent to Rebecca Sager at 1917 Birch Drive, Lewiston, Idaho, 83501.