CLEBURNE – Big John I. Rogers Jr., passed away Monday, April 1, 2019.
Memorial 2:00 pm Friday, April 12, 2019 at Brown, Owens and Brumley’s Joe B. Brown Memorial Chapel.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to International Dyslexia Association. www.dyslexiaida.org
Big John was born July 26, 1949 in Amarillo, Texas to John I. Rogers, Sr. and Johnnie Faye Keys Rogers. He married Connie McElwrath on March 16, 2001.
He worked for Bell Helicopter for 37 years. Was Sergeant at Arms for the Local UAW 218 Union for 18 years. Big John never met a stranger, was highly know and loved in the DFW area. He was the gentle giant and teddy bear. He loved riding motorcycles and loved his Boss Hoss motorcycle and trike. He was a member of The Boozefighters Motorcycle Club for 26 years and Boozefighters’ Internations President for 11 years. Big John had a brief part in the movie Silent Rage with Chuck Norris.
He was preceded in death by his father, John I. Rogers, Sr.; mother, Johnnie Paschall; sister, Julia Jester; and beloved grandparents; Lula and Monroe Keys.
Surviors: Wife Connie Rogers; son Sean Tucker; stepson, Jeremy Hawpe; brothers, Jim, Jody, Oren and Patrick Rogers; step brothers, John and Gerald Paschall; step sister, Susan Hays; uncle, Gen Nix; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Brown Owens & Brumley Family Funeral Home
425 S. Henderson St.
(817) 335-4557
CMA Craig Lambert
Big John
I worked with him for years (from 1985 on) then also became involved with him in the motorcycle world as I ministered to other bikers in the name of Jesus. Big John was right there, giving us time and resources both personal and club time to further the cause of Jesus. I have no doubt about his statements to me that he believed in Jesus for his salvation. I pray for Connie, Family & friends who are grieving that God will send comfort in a mighty way to each one, knowing that we each can choose Jesus and be in heaven with the opportunity to see Big John again.
May God bless you and preserve his wonderful impact upon this world.
CMA James Tidmore
I was first introduced to Big John by an old friend Boozefighter Chaplain Irish Ed Mahan. Typical in the motorcycle culture I had to work on building trust before being accepted. In a short period of time John accepted me and became a dear friend. He told me many times that I was always welcome at the clubhouse and I spent many hours there and became accepted by most of the club members. John had the biggest heart and was loved by most everyone he met. Once you met John you could never forget him. He and Irish Ed initiated the Boozefighter Easter Sonrise Service that continues today as a tradition. John was a little rough around the edges but on many occasions John professed to having acceped Jesus Christ as his Lord & Savior. He will be missed by so many people. Prayers go up for Connie and her sacrifice of taking care of John. What a guy, Big John one hell of a man. Love ya brother. I’m sure Jesus is laughing and scratching his head since John got there.
Toddi Frizzell
Attended Trimble Tech high school with John. We graduated in 1968. Condolences to Connie, family and so many friends. So sorry for your loss. God bless you all . Toddi Frizzell
Debbie Swinney
I was sad to hear this, my Dad work at Bell with Big John for years, I grew up riding motorcycles & was around Big John a lot. He was a very loving guy.
The last few years, I’ve ran into some Boozefighters & have wanted to go visit him, but haven’t had a chance to. I regret not making time to do so now. Big John will be missed.
Chapter 23
I would like to offer our deepest sympathys to Connie and all the family. Big John was a Rock for many years in the BFMC and he will be sadly missed by all. Knowing God has the big teddy bear in his loving embrace now can maybe help sooth the pain of losing our dear friend and a great Brother. On behalf of BFMC Ch 23, Canada, Sewer, Pres, CH 23.
Jerry Rogers
I’m at lost for words, as I knew of him as a cousin, but really never got know him as an adult. I’m sure he was a wonderful person to be around. Prayers for the whole family
CMA James Tidmore
I was first introduced to Big John by an old friend Boozefighter Chaplain Irish Ed Mahan. Typical in the motorcycle culture I had to work on building trust before being accepted. In a short period of time John accepted me and became a dear friend. He told me many times that I was always welcome at the clubhouse and I spent many hours there and became accepted by most of the club members. John had the biggest heart and was loved by most everyone he met. Once you met John you could never forget him. He and Irish Ed initiated the Boozefighter Easter Sonrise Service that continues today as a tradition. On many occasions John professed to having acceped Jesus Christ as his Lord & Savior. He will be missed by so many people. Prayers go up for Connie and her sacrifice of taking care of John. What a guy, Big John one hell of a man. Love ya brother.
CMA James "Whatzup" Tidmore
I was first introduced to Big John by an old friend Boozefighter Chaplain Irish Ed Mahan. I was a little imtiminated at the time. As per normal of most M/C’s you have to prove yourself to them before they trust you. In a short time John accepted me and we became friends. He told me that I was always welcome at the club house and over time most of the members accepted me and many friendships developed. Over 20 yrs ago John and Irish Ed initiated the first ever Easter Sunday Boozefighter Sonrise Service which continues today as tradition. John was rough around the edges but expressed many times his accepting of Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. John was a person that once you met him you could never forget him. Almost everyone he met loved him. He had the biggest heart and always willing to help anyone in need. He will be missed by many. My heart and prayers go up for Connie for caring for John so many years. What a guy and one hell of a man. Miss and love you brother.
P.S. I’m sure John has Jesus laughimg and scratching his head as to why God let him in.
Patricia Brill
Brooklyn and I are truly saddened by this. May you rest in peace sir. You were a gentle giant and had a heart of gold.
Brooklyn and PattieBrook
Billy Curry
So sorry to hear of this so late, We All will miss BIg John. Billy2Feathers, Boots Adcock & Several more Brothers of this Man !
Delton Parker , Chaplain
God bless , the leader of the pack at the Motorcycle Christmas run, toys for tots! Rest easy . Big John
Roxie Allen
So sad to hear of Big John passing. I knew him for many many years. Yes he was a Gentle Giant and loved life. Rest In Peace my friend.
Lenny & NayNay Cummings
Big John,
I’m saddened by the news, I’m so happy with all the toy runs we have done together and for the times Lenny and I would see you at 4-corners and other rallies. Thank you for the jokes, your smile and for your friendship you will always be in our prayers and in our hearts.
Ch. 129 Alvarado Tx,
All your wisdom and teachings will not go forgotten. You were a friend and brother to many of us. We will always remember the stories and laughter we had with you. We send our love up to you and to your family in this time of loss. We will miss you deeply ole friend. “Give ’em hell, till we get there”.
Your Brothers from Ch. 129
Dell Young
“Big John” Rogers was a big man with a big smile and a very big heart. He brightened the lives of everyone he met. He was a man who was not ashamed to show love and care, and to reach out to help others in need. John loved many people, and many people loved him. It was my privilege and honor to call him my friend, and he was a very loyal friend to me. I regret that I just found out that he had been promoted to heaven. I am saddened at his passing, but, I rejoice in knowing that he is enjoying the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ Our Lord and Savior. John will be greatly missed in this life, but we will see him again.
Janet Hiatt
I was so sorry to hear of Big Johns passing. He was there when my husband, Bob (Ace) Hiatt passed away in 2000 giving support to my family. I will be keeping Connie and family in my thoughts and prayers RIP Big John
Jim Schusler
John was a dear personal friend and I will surely miss him.
Robin R.
Big John…wow. I am saddened to hear of your passing.
First of all, I’d like say that my heart and prayers go out to his family as well as his MC family. I havent seen Big John in probably 30 years. I have fond memories of him as a child and growing up. My dad and brother had a mechanic shop in the Riverside area of Ft Worth called “Hooper Auto Repair”. I remember Big John coming by my dads shop and my dad & brother helping him with his bike and trike. He would tickle me until I wet my pants and then laugh his big ol laugh so loud that it echoed and I’d get mad then he’d pick me up and give me a piece of candy. He was a big ol teddy bear who made me feel safe as a child. Big John, you never met a stranger and im sorry I didnt get a chance to see you again and get one of those hugs that made you feel safe…RIP Big Man. Much love…From that little girl who looked up to you. XO
Little Amos (Amy)
I have been thinking about Big John. I haven’t heard about him in quite some time and I decided to look him up. I am so sad about his passing. He was a good man with a big heart. He was my step dad, when I was very young. I saw him a couple of years ago. He looked exactly the same, except more like Santa Claus with his white beard. He was the kind of man that would do anything for those he loved. He would give you the shirt off his back, or his last dollar in the bank. Although it had been well over 20 years since I saw him again….and I was very young, he still made an impression on me.
In January 2019 was the last time I saw him, when he rode his trike into Ft Worth to come see my mom. But when I saw him, I was worried about his health. He wasn’t getting around very well, and had put on more weight.
Big John you will truly be missed! And you will forever have a place in my heart! Love you!