RIDGWAY -- Burnette "Bernie" Rodgers Jr., 72, passed away suddenly at 2:50 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 19, 2017, in Ferrell Hospital in Eldorado.
He was born Feb. 9, 1945, in Eldorado to Burnette and Myrtle Ethel (Burdick) Rodgers.
Bernie leaves behind his beloved wife of 27 years, Barbara of Ridgway; brother, Jimmy and Billie Rodgers of Ridgway; three children, Tammy and Curt Robinson of Wheatland, Indiana, Melissa and Erik Burtis of Harrisburg and Doug and Hayley Rodgers of Ridgway; stepdaughter, Cyndi and David Punke of Paxton; grandchildren, who were the light of his life, Kira and Sam Dent of Decker, Indiana, Caleb Robinson of Vincennes, Indiana, Josh and Braden Burtis of Harrisburg and little Barrett Rodgers of Ridgway; two stepgrandsons, Jarrod and Tera Robinson and Josh Robinson; six great-grandchildren, Lena and Holden Dent and Johvii Burtis, Jada, Brylee and Kaitlyn Robinson; two nephews, Mike Crayne and Bruce Rodgers; and four nieces, Darla Howerton, Nancy Hill, Paula Healy and Tracy Howard.
Having worked as a barber in Ridgway for 52 years, Bernie truly loved his many customers. He had also worked at Sahara Coal Mine, in housing construction, and at Wartsila Diesel in Mount Vernon, Indiana.
A man of deep faith, Bernie was a listener who took great pride in his family and friends. He was a member of New Hope Baptist Church and Ridgway Masonic Lodge 816.
Bernie truly loved fishing in the Ohio River for that "big" one.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Burnette and Ethel Rodgers; and his beloved sister and brother-in-law, Rosetta and Ray Crayne.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22, in Vickery Funeral Chapel in Ridgway with the Rev. Roger Hobbs officiating. Burial will be in Jackson Cemetery near Ridgway. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21, at the funeral home with Masonic rites at 8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Jackson Cemetery or New Hope Baptist Church. Envelopes will be available at the visitation.
Internet condolences may be made at www.vickeryfuneralchapel.com.
