Ronald Colton Rogers of Lexington, Kentucky passed away unexpectedly from a heart condition on March 1, 2021 at his lake home near Bloomington, Indiana. He is survived by his wife, Betsy; his daughters, Elizabeth and Catherine; son in-law Matt Delks; grandsons, Jameson and Marek; sisters, Sue, Betsy and Nancy; his brother, Scott; and many cousins; nieces and nephews.

Ron was born in Dayton, Ohio and spent his early years in the small town of Vandalia, Ohio. He was an avid naturalist, adventurer and amateur engineer. His pets were the likes of flying squirrels and caiman. He built transistor radios and steam engines; experimented with table-cloth parachutes and paper hot air balloons. For a little extra spending money, he trapped muskrats and sold their hides. He was an Eagle Scout. Not your typical childhood. You never knew what would come next with him!

He attended North Central High School in Indianapolis, where he met the love of his life, and later-to-be wife of over 50 years, Betsy. During high school he developed a love of jazz, chess and fast cars that would continue his entire life. He attended Indiana University (IU) graduating with a Business degree. IU was to become a big part of his life's enjoyment. It was also a family tradition where his grandfather, mother, sister, brother, daughter, son-in-law and cousins were alumni.

After obtaining his degree from IU, he spent several years gaining invaluable experience in marketing and sales with companies such as Lazarus, Wear-Ever, Square D, Lutron and Eaton, moving from Ohio to Pennsylvania to Illinois to Kentucky. He was an entrepreneur at heart with a brief foray as a gift shop owner in Chillicothe, Ohio and eventually starting his own company, Third Wave Marketing in Lexington, Kentucky. He loved that company and his employees, Joey and Fernando, who were like family to him.

During his Lexington years, he became deeply involved with the IU alumni program, having been an IU chapter president (in U of Kentucky's, IU's rival, hometown!), and held various other positions with the alumni organization in Bloomington. He was an ardent follower of the Indy Car circuit and raced on his own in his modified Mini Cooper GP which he proudly noted, out-cornered more expensive brands. He also, somehow, made time to perfect his barbecuing skills, complemented with a sip or two of bourbon with friends. And he lovingly earned the title "Rockin' Ron" from his daughters' friends.

Ron retired a few years ago to spend more time traveling and to be with his family. He had just recently moved to Indianapolis to fulfill that calling. He always loved planning the next adventure and in earlier years he and Betsy owned and raced sailboats on reservoirs, the Chesapeake and the Great Lakes. The girls also loved the trips they made every summer up to Door County, WI where he captained a 38-foot sloop on which they would live for a few weeks. Later in life, they enjoyed overseas travel and especially at home, the Bon-Aire in St. Petersburg, Florida which became a favorite. He and Betsy would often spend time on the beach there with their daughters and grandsons. Just two years ago, Ron set off with his brother Scott, to fulfill a boyhood dream of theirs to drive Route 66 in his B2BOMR Corvette. That, and attending the Pin Stripe and Gator Bowls to cheer on his alma mater were very special occasions for him.

Many people dream, but Ron lived his dreams every day. He was a self-motivated go-getter, not allowing moss to gather, ever. He will be sorely missed, but those lucky enough to have had Ron in their lives forever carry a piece of his spirit which he graciously endowed to all he met.

Arrangements:

A Celebration of Life will be held in Lexington, Kentucky, 2:30 p.m until 5:00 p.m. EDT June 5th, 2021.

Alltech Lyons Farm

2001 Catnip Hill Road

Nicholasville, KY 40356

In anticipation of planning due to Covid protocols, it would be helpful to let us know if you will be attending. Please send an email to celebratingronrogers@gmail.com.

If you would like to share a note or personal story, please feel free to post to Ron's Facebook page or below.