Dustan Rogers

BANGOR – Dustan S. “Dusty” Rogers, died in Bangor on June 6, 2017. He was born May 12, 1926 in Veazie, the son of Shirley Worth Rogers and Emily (Ranney) Rogers. He graduated from Old Town High School and enlisted in the U.S. Navy to serve his country as a First Class Seaman when he was 17 to be allowed to finish high school as he became 18 before graduation and would have been inducted into the Army. His first ship assignment left without him as he became ill with the disease of mumps. When he became well amd while waiting for a new assignment, he was directed to attend a “40 MM weapon school”. The ship he was to be on was sunk with all lives lost. He was commissioned to the USS 136 Chicago, operating the 40 MM gun. During July of 1944, the USS Chicago participated with other battleships in the bombardment of the Kaymaishi Industrial area. Dustan was also involved in a night shore bombardment mission against the port of Hamamatsu. Using radar, assisted by spotting planes dropping flares and rockets, Dustan and his fellow crew members fired at bridges, factories and the rail yard. At one time, he spent 90 days on alert for Japanese submarine threats. After several more attacks, Dustan and his fellow crewmen witnessed the Japanese surrender, initiating the end of WWII, and received a personal thank you from President Harry Truman. On August 5, 2010, he was honored and his name entered into the Honor Roll of the National World War II museum where his name is on permanent display at the museum entrance. After serving his country, he attended Husson College and Bentley Business College and served as treasurer of the Federal Credit Union at Viner’s Shoe Company. He pursued accounting positions for several years when he decided to change his focus and began employment for the State of Maine in the Bridge Division for 28 years. He retired as a Bridge Maintenance Supervisor. After his retirement, he again enjoyed a part time position as a bookkeeper for W.H. Gorham Co. Dustan’s first love was his beloved wife, Jeanne. He was a skilled craftsman and great problem solver and together they built their home where they have lived for 63 years. They enjoyed RV traveling in the winter months for 10 years where they visited all the lower United States and Alaska. They also traveled to all the Hawaiian Islands, visited several Caribbean Islands on cruises and walked the Mayan Ruins in Mexico. He enjoyed interacting with other travelers as a member of two travel clubs. He was a member of two local social clubs, the VFW Post #01761 and the American Legion #0178. He loved football, dancing, gardening and a good joke. He was a good man. He is survived by his loving wife, Jeanne, of 66 years, daughter Barbara of Minneapolis, MN, granddaughter Gabrielle and her husband Michael Goldforb of Vance, AL and grandson, Morgan Bridges of Minneapolis, MN; several nieces and nephews. Dustan was predeceased by his parents, sisters, Margaret Davis, Ruth Swartz and Mary Gott, and brothers, Charles and James Rogers. The family wishes to thank everyone for the caring, loving attention and care that was always present at Stillwater Health Care, for both Dustan and Jeanne, on this, their last journey. A memorial service will be held 10 am Monday, June 12, 2017 at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center Street, Bangor with the Rev, Art Gowie officiating. Following the service, the family invites relatives and friends to share conversation and refreshments at the Family Reception Center of Brookings-Smith, 163 Center Street, Bangor. Interment with military honors will be private for the family at Mount Hope Cemetery, Bangor. Those wishing to remember Dustan in a special way may make gifts in his memory to the American Lung Association of Maine, 122 State Street, Augusta, ME 04330. Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingSmith.com.