Rogers, Bob, 1921-2013

Interview with Robert and Daisy Rogers, a longtime North Texas music professor and his wife, concerning the childhood of Bob Rogers in Bartlesville and Tulsa, Oklahoma; education at Juilliard School of Music and Columbia Teachers College; service in World War II-era Army; and career as faculty member in North Texas School of Music (piano) from 1948 to 1984, including experience with State Senator Lyndon B. Johnson and memories of "Fess" ['Fessor] Graham. Daisy Rogers' childhood in Red Eagle and Tulsa, Oklahoma, and education at Oklahoma A & M.

Robert J. "Bob" Rogers of Denton, professor emeritus of piano pedagogy from 1948 to 1984 and assistant dean from 1969 to 1975, died Tuesday, May 14, 2013, at the age of 91. Service: A worship service celebrating Bob's life will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church. Family visitation: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday at the UNT Alumni Center. Memorials: If desired, memorials can be made to the Robert J. Rogers Piano Scholarship at UNT, 1155 Union Circle #311250, Denton, Texas 76203-5017; the Campus Theatre; or the Denton Christian Preschool. He was born Nov. 7, 1921, in Bartlesville, Okla. During his childhood, his mother often had to chase him off the piano bench so his sisters could practice. He married Daisy Putnam on Dec. 7, 1944. Bob came to North Texas State Teachers College in 1939 on a double bass scholarship after learning to play double bass since a piano scholarship was not available. After serving in the Army Signal Corps during World War II, he completed his bachelor's degree in piano at the Juilliard School. He received his master's degree from Columbia Teachers College. He joined the music faculty of UNT in 1948. He was a charter member and chapter adviser for the music fraternity Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and the family home was a gathering place for many fraternity members. He was an accomplished classical pianist, performing several times as soloist with the UNT orchestra. A man of incredible energy, for much of his career he played nightly at many clubs in Dallas and Fort Worth with the Bob Rogers Trio. In retirement, he was a popular performer at fundraisers around Denton, often as a member of the Donna Trammell Group. Bob never sought the spotlight, preferring to remain in the background at his piano. He remained young at heart because of the energy he gained from performing with his many friends. He was also an active community volunteer at organizations including the Denton Genetic Counseling Service, Denton Christian Preschool and the Music Library at UNT. Mr. Rogers' many honors include the UNT Green Glory Award in 1985, Denton's Community Arts Recognition Award in 1999, UNT Outstanding Retiree in 2003 and UNT Outstanding Alumnus Service Award in 2012. Survivors: His wife of 68 years, Daisy Putnam Rogers; daughters, Beth Lorino and her husband, Dusty, and Kay Rhoads and her husband, Chris; son, Robert Rogers and his wife, Ellen; grandchildren, Brian Fletcher (Susan), Lisa Parker (Daniel), Sam Rogers (Kelly) and Rebecca Rogers; and great-grandson, Patrick Fletcher.