Obituary of Donald Thornton Rodgers

Donald T. Rodgers, 75, passed away Friday, March 6, 2020 at St. Mary's Hospital in Tucson, AZ. Don was born on February 19, 1945 to Christine and Charles L. Rodgers, Sr. in Memphis, TN. He attended Central High School and Memphis State University. He served in the United States Army from 1967 to 1987 as an Army Aviator, operating several types of helicopter. He served one tour in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969, flying over 1300 hours in combat. He was highly decorated, earning the Silver Star, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star, the Air Medal (with 25 Oak Leaf Clusters), the Army Commendation Medal (with V device and 2 Oak Leaf Clusters), the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal (with 4 campaign stars), the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Vietnam Campaign Medal (with 60 devices), the Meritorious Unit Commendation, the Vietnam Civil Action Medal (with unit citation), the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm (unit citation), and the Master Army Aviator Badge. When asked what his awards were for, he'd simply say "good conduct." After Vietnam, he was posted to various duty stations in the United States, Europe, and South Korea. After leaving the Army, he lived in the Tidewater area of Virginia where he worked in the financial services industry. He retired to Tucson, AZ and said that the open vistas reminded him of flying. Don joined the Sons of Confederate Veterans in 2007 and was an active member until his passing. He was also a member of Viet Nam Helicopter Pilots Association, Combat Helicopter Pilots Association, Military Officers Association, and the Infantry Officers Association. He is survived by his wife of 15 years, Ann Elizabeth Rodgers, his son, Jacob Garth Rodgers, his daughter, Kara Rodgers Marshall, his previous wives Katherine Ann Frydenborg and Florence Fergusson, and his nieces Elizabeth Dobell, Christine Frakes, and Kathleen Gwin. A memorial service is planned for March 6, 2021. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made in Don's memory to the Wounded Warrior Project.