Burnette Rodgers

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