Elza Eugene Rodgers passed away in Seminole, Oklahoma early on Sunday morning, March 25, 2018, at the age of eighty-one years.

Elza was the son of Elza Byron Rodgers & Dora (Fisher) Rodgers, born on January 1, 1937, in Seminole, Oklahoma. He was brought up and attended schools in Tulare, California and in New Lima, Oklahoma. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1954 and served his country for four years, and was honorably discharged in 1958. He married Ollie Mae Leewright on July 23, 1958, in Seminole, Oklahoma. He attended Okmulgee Tech from 1958 to 1960 and learned Diesel Mechanics, his lifelong trade. He graduated Okmulgee Tech with a 4.0 grade point average, and was self-employed as a diesel mechanic for over thirty years. In 1972, he accepted Christ and was baptized at the First Baptist Church of Bowlegs, Oklahoma.

Elza enjoyed family gatherings, deer hunting, and working on dozers. He had a 1956 Chevy sedan that he loved, and he was particularly fond of his black 1992 Ford pickup truck.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Byron Rodgers and Dora Spann; six sisters: Marie Rodgers Maudis, Ruth Rodgers Walker, Helen Blair, Ruby Houck, Edna Houck, and Alice Houck, and one brother, Dean Rodgers; two great grandsons, Casen Reed and Gage McCaa.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Ollie Mae Rodgers, of the home; three children: Vickie Westmoland (Bob) of Seminole, Sherry Key of Wewoka, and Kyle Rodgers (Rashawn) of Wewoka; seven grandchildren: Tanya Weiss (Cody) of Edmond, Kandie Nugent of Seminole, Brandi Reed (Greg) of Edmond, Justin Westmoland (Lindsey) of Seminole, Jeremy Dilday of Wewoka, Brionna Duke of Edmond, and Brennon Duke of Wewoka; fourteen great grandchildren; five sisters: Carolyn Huntington of Seminole, Charlotte Rodgers Procalamos, Ella Patricia Rodgers, Lola Rodgers Lindsey, and Nancy Rodgers Toten; three brothers: Byron David Rodgers, Alvin Rodgers Kinsey, and Roy L. Rodgers; numerous nieces and nephews, other family members, and many friends.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, March 29, 2018, 2:00 p.m. at First Assembly of God Church in Bowlegs, and Elza was laid to rest at Little Cemetery in Little, with Rev. Roy Roberson officiating. Pallbearers were Tanner Goodnight, Tragan Goodnight, Benny Houck, Ethan Westmoland, Jeremiah Westmoland, and Brennon Duke.