John Richard Rodgers, 96, of Ludington, passed away Tuesday, March 13, 2018 at home.  He was born January 28, 1922, in Buffalo, New York, the son of Harry and Priscilla (Meger) Rodgers.

John was a Veteran of World War II, serving in the US Navy and was a Pearl Harbor survivor.  He was an active member of the Edwin H. Ewing American Legion Post #76, in Ludington, where he was in charge of many of the dances they held.  John also earned the Silver Beaver/Eagle Scout award for his outstanding leadership and service of over 30 years.

John was a project and plant engineer working on many large projects including the Ludington Harbor. He was also an entrepreneur operating several different businesses including restaurants and a clothing store, as well as making doll houses and associated furniture.  In his spare time, John loved roller-skating, ice-skating and dancing, for which he won many awards and trophies when he was younger.  John loved dancing polkas, going to all of the local polkas as well as traveling to many throughout the United States.  John also enjoyed being able to spend the winters in Florida at the Detroit Tigers training camp.

John is survived by: his wife of 25 years, Erma Summers Nielsen Rodgers; their children, John (Margaret) Rodgers Jr. of Knoxville, Tennessee, Sharon Todd of Knoxville, Tennessee, Lester (Carol) Hatfield of Cadillac, Connie Cornwall, Judianne Sibley of Manistee, Greg (Cope) Summers of Brooklyn, Maine and Penny Yost of Ludington; his daughter-in-law, Sandra Summers of Grand Rapids; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by: his 2 brothers during World War II, and sister during young adulthood and their son, Larry Summers.

Memorial services will be held at 3:00 PM, Saturday, March 17, 2018, at the United Methodist Church of Ludington, 5810 E. Bryant Road, Ludington, with Rev. Dennis Bromley officiating, followed by military honors conducted under the auspices of the Edwin H. Ewing American Legion Post #76.  Visitation will be held Saturday from 2:00 PM until time of services at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the United Methodist Church (Pastor's Discretionary Fund) of Ludington or to the Edwin H. Ewing American Legion Post #76.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service-Pere Marquette Chapel, Ludington, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com