W. Rogers Craig, Lt. Col (Ret)

Walker Rogers Craig, Lt. Col (USAF, Ret), born May 8, 1937 of Marlin, Texas left us to go to his heavenly home on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at the age of 86. Rogers was preceded in death by his wife of 35 years, Jean McLeod Craig, by his parents Robert Matthews Craig and Maggie Barganier Craig and his brother Dr. Robert Elliott Craig.

Born in Lake Charles, LA., Rogers grew up in Beaumont TX, where he attended French High School. While there he served as senior class president and was known as an outstanding basketball player.

Rogers graduated from Texas A&M in 1959 with a degree in Engineering. As a proud member of the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets he enlisted in the United States Air Force after graduation. He received his Master of Engineering degree from SMU in 1964. He served his country for 22 years. His distinguished military career included posts at several CONUS Air Force Bases, as well as two tours in Vietnam where he received the Bronze Star for meritorious service while serving in a Red Horse Squadron in a combat zone. After returning to the United States, he was stationed at Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio, the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs and finally a second overseas post in Stuttgart Germany.

Rogers met Jean McLeod when they were both stationed in Germany. After his retirement from the Air Force in 1981 Rogers and Jean moved to Marlin, Texas where they founded the Brazos Valley Wood Products Inc., harvesting, processing, and selling cooking woods throughout the States and beyond. Rogers and his wife Jean were patriots and proud Republicans. Together they were successful businesspeople, developers, and supporters of the community. Rogers served as a director of the Red Horse association, as an elder of the First Presbyterian Church of Lott, a member of the Board of Directors for the Marlin Rotary Club the American Legion Post 31, the Historical Allen House, the Marlin Country Club, and the Falls County Republican Party.

Rogers was a true people person who enjoyed being surrounded by family and friends. He was quick to tell a joke, enjoyed telling stories about the many adventures he lived and lived life with an open heart and generous spirit. He will be missed by all who knew him.

A viewing will be held at Adams Funeral Home at 129 Coleman St, Marlin, TX 76661 on Saturday, March 9 at 2:00, with the memorial service beginning at 3:00. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, March 23 at 12:00 noon at the Aggie Field of Honor Chapel, 3800 Raymond Stotzer Pkwy, College Station.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers memorial gifts be designated for the Rogers Craig ’59 Memorial Scholarship at the Texas A&M Foundation. You may make your gift by check or online made payable to Texas A&M Foundation. Please mail to: Texas A&M Foundation, 401 George Bush Drive, College Station, TX 77840. Online donations: http://give.am/memorial Phone: 979.845.8161