Eugene Allen Rodgers

Eugene Allen Rodgers, 78, of Franklin, passed away at 10:00 p.m. on January 19th at Sugar Creek Station in Franklin.Born December 5, 1937 in Meadville, Eugene was the son of the late Harold William and Alva Lucille Potter Rodgers. Eugene was a Peacetime Era US Army Veteran, having served from 1961 to 1964. While in the military, he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal and the Marksman (Rifle M-14) Medal. On June 17, 1967, he married Wildamae Shaffer, who survives.Eugene worked at FMC in Meadville as a beam polisher, a crane operator at Joy Manufacturing, and retired from Sugar Creek Station after working in janitorial, housekeeping, and security.Eugene had a passion for roller skating since he was a young boy. He enjoyed attending tractor pulls and car shows, taking pictures of cars everywhere he went – especially of anything that was odd. Eugene was restoring a 1949 Crosley, which fueled his appreciation for tinkering with cars. He was also fond of model trains, having more than 50 sets at one time. Most of all, Eugene cherished the time spent with his family and especially loved attending his grandchildren's sporting events.In addition to his wife, Eugene is survived by his twin sons: Bruce Rodgers, and his wife, Catherine, of Sandy Lake; and Brian Rodgers, and his wife, Lisa of Wesley. He is also survived by his four grandchildren: Brianna and Brody Rodgers of Wesley; and Samantha and Gabrielle Rodgers of Sandy Lake.Eugene is additionally survived by his brothers and sisters: Duane Rodgers; Dale Rodgers, and his wife, Sheila; and Phyllis Roberts, and her husband, Leroy, all of Moundsville, WV; and Jeannette Weidner of Youngstown, OH. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Loraine Puleo, and her husband, Jim, of Oil City.Eugene was preceded in death by his parents.Friends and family will be received at the Gardinier Funeral Home, Inc., 1315 Chestnut Street in Franklin, on Sunday, January 24th from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. and from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m; as well as Monday, January 25th from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Monday, January 25th at 11:00 a.m., with the Rev. Jeff Little, pastor of Franklin First United Methodist Church, officiating. Interment will be held at Franklin Cemetery.The family suggests that memorial donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association, PO Box 96011, Washington DC 20090-6011; or to the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of American, National Processing Center, PO Box 1245, Albert Lea, MN 56007.Friends and family are invited to visit www.gardinierfuneralhome.com to send online condolences, flowers, cards, or for further information.