Master Gunnery Sergeant Varnum H. Rogers Jr. “Bill”, 75, of Barstow, Cal., passed away peacefully at home on Sept. 25, 2009.
He was born in Readfield June 1, 1934 to Varnum H. Rogers and Linda A. Sidelinger.
He moved to Nobleboro in 1944 with his parents and attended local grammar schools at Nobleboro Center and Longfellow School in Damariscotta Mills. He graduated from Lincoln Academy in 1951 and joined the Marine Corps soon after. During his career in the Marine Corps, he trained and worked as a track vehicle technician, was later assigned as a drill instructor, successfully training over 10 platoons. Bill took great pride in the Marine Corps, remaining humble he retired in 1975 with a good conduct medal with four stars, a Marine Corps Unit Citation, a meritorious Unit Service Citation, two shooting medals (Rifle Expert and Pistol Expert) and a Drill Instructor Sword engraved with “Meritorious Achievement Leatherneck Award.”
After retiring from the Marine Corps, he worked within various positions at Fort Irwin for 26 years retiring at age 70 from the Munitions Depot. He enjoyed his time off thereafter spending quality time with his family and enjoying his various hobbies.
He was predeceased by his father, Varnum of Readfield; mother, Linda of Nobleboro; and sisters, Alice and Shirley of Nobleboro.
He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Fumi of Barstow, Cal.; daughters, Kuniko and husband Thomas Elliot of Barstow, Cal. and Tina and husband Michael Johnston of Pearl City, Hawaii; son, James Rogers of Barstow, Cal.; brother, Francis and wife Annette of Nobleboro; grandchildren, Alaina, Isaac and Jesse of Hawaii, Chris of North Carolina and Nicole of Georgia; great-grandchildren, Brianna and Ry-land; and many other relatives throughout the United States and in Okinawa, Japan.
Viewing held at Mead Mortuary on Oct. 3, 2009. Memorial service Oct. 3, 2009, at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 581 Victor Ave., Barstow, Cal. Burial Oct. 5, 2009, at the Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside, Cal., staging area #1, with full military honors.
