Wallace H. Rogers Jr.

April 5, 1945 - December 10, 2020

Wallace H. Rogers Jr., 75, of Lompoc, CA went to be with the Lord on December 10, 2020, following a year-long battle with esophageal cancer. A celebration of life will be held at a later date along with a private family inurnment. Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project ( www.woundedwarriorproject.org ) or to Volunteers for Inter-Valley Animals (VIVA) ( www.vivashelter.org ), two causes that were close to his heart.

Wally, as he was known to his family and friends, was born on April 5, 1945, to Wallace H. Rogers Sr. and Virginia (Graham) Rogers in Seattle, Washington while his father was serving in the United States Coast Guard in Alaska and the South Pacific in World War Two. Following the war, he moved with his family to Western Nebraska, where he grew up first on a farm before moving to town. He graduated from Mitchell High School in 1963. He was a proud Cornhusker, graduating from the University of Nebraska in 1968.

After graduation, Wally enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he honorably served 20 years with the Space and Missile Command. While serving at Vandenberg Air Force Base, he met and married Kristin (Barr) Rogers, who he was happily married to for 45 years. Wally retired from the U.S. Air Force in 1988, having earned the rank of Lieutenant Colonial. Following his military retirement, Wally earned his teaching credential and taught third through fifth grade at Miguelito Elementary School in Lompoc for 15 years.

Following his second retirement, Wally continued to volunteer his time to many local causes. Wally was a volunteer math tutor at Miguelito after retiring from full-time teaching. He was also a lifetime member of the Lompoc Elk's Lodge, working on the Scholarship Committee and running the Bingo fundraisers. He was a member of the Lompoc Unified Methodist Church and served on their finance committee for many years. Wally loved golfing at the Mission Club, taking cruises with his family, and watching his large collection of movies. He also enjoyed researching, setting up, and playing with his latest technological purchase.

Wally will be missed by his wife, Kristin Rogers of Lompoc, CA.; his daughter and son-in-law, Stacey and Mark Hamamura of Mission Viejo, CA.; his daughter, Kelley Rogers of Great Mills, MD.; his sister and brother-in-law, Linda and Ron Sommer of Fort Collins, CO.; and many nieces and nephews.

Wally was preceded in death by his parents, Wallace and Virginia Rogers, and his brother, Ralph James Rogers.