Judge Randall Rogers, 73, of Waco passed away peacefully and surrounded by loved ones November 17, 2022.
Memorial service: 1PM Tuesday, November 22, 2022 in the Central Jury Room of the Smith County Courthouse.
Judge Rogers was born May 2, 1949 to Raymond and Shirley Rogers in Fort Worth, TX. He grew up in Forrest Hill with his lifelong best friend, Pat Walthall. They met at and attended Wichita Avenue Methodist Church and were inseparable. Randall graduated from Polytechnic High School in 1967, from there, he went to Texas Tech University School of Law and graduated in 1974. He began his legal career at a private practice firm in Fort Worth before becoming the Assistant DA for the District Attorney and his longtime friend, Felipe Reyna in McLennan County. While in Waco, he met and married his forever soul mate, Lois. They were married December 18, 1982 and soon after moved to Tyler, TX. In 1983, Randall began working for the Smith County DA’s office then appointed to Smith County Judge in 1985. In 1987 he was appointed to County Court At Law #2 where he stayed and served Smith County for 31 years. He loved being on the bench, working closely with local law enforcement and guiding people to make better choices.
Randall was a very kind, caring and compassionate man that loved his family and career. But, he also had a passion for motorcycles. For several years, he was a member of the Range Riders Motorcycle Club in Whitehouse, TX. He and Lois went on several motorcycle trips, mostly to different areas of Arkansas, but one of his favorite trips was to the Sturgis motorcycle rally in South Dakota with good friends Allen and Shera Guillory and cousins, Terry and Karen Carlson.
Judge Rogers aka Dad, Big Daddy and Mr. Binka will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. He had the best smile and the quirkiest sense of humor, but most of all he gave the greatest hugs a child or grandchild could ask for.
Randall was preceded in death by his father, Raymond Rogers and mother, Shirley Rogers.
He is survived by his wife, Lois Rogers and five children; daughter, Angel Sawyer and husband Ty of Waco; son, Randy Rogers and fiancé Brandy Roberts of Prosper, TX; daughter, Rebel Downs and husband David of Frankston, TX; daughter, Niki Hughes and husband Tobby of Waco; son, Scott Sherman and wife Linda of Waco; and bonus daughter, Shellie Thomas and husband Brian of Whitehouse, TX; grandchildren, Emily Rogers, Natalie Rogers, Lauren Rogers and fiancé Konnor Hitchcock, Noah Sawyer, Valerie Hughes, Joseph Ramirez, Chance Ramirez, Daniel Hayes, Jaycee Coker, Cole Rogers, Karsyn Rogers, Eyan Pence, Eli Echterhoff, Cooper Hughes, RayAnn Hughes and Faith Beck; three great grandchildren, Lyric Brisco, Jaxon Rogers and Joseph Ramirez. He had two of the best sisters, Holly Busbee and husband Tom of Arlington, and Donna Rogers of Fort Worth; two nephews, Jeremy Rexroat and family and Tyler Busbee and son.
Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.lakeshorefuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to CASA of Smith County or CASA of McLennan County.
Print Obituary & Condolences
Randall will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. His life reflected the inner soul of a kind and loving person with strong moral values. He was taught growing up by wonderful parents we were lucky enough to know. Judge Rogers made his mark as a fair but just member of the bench. The Sawyer family is blessed that we became extended members of the family through Angel. Love, Bill and Maeve Sawyer, Waco Tx.
Holly, Randy’s sister, is my best friend. Randy was the really really really smart brother that would come through and tease us. We were three years younger, so we made a good target for a sharp witted teenager. Randy and his Dad were best friends (his Dad was friend’s with everyone) and he made everyone his friend. When he left for college, in another town, I knew he would be something special. I knew very few people at the time that left town to go to college. He was a treasure to his sisters. They (we) could always “ask Randy.” He knew. He shared willingly. His family has suffered a great loss, and so have his friends from his Methodist youth group days. I am comforted because Mr. And Mrs. Rogers welcomed home their son.
One of my most treasured memories is coming to see Randy, Lois and the kids in Tyler. My favorite of the memories is when we spent a weekend at Randy and Lois’ house. I believe it was in the fall but the cold weather did not dissuade us from jumping in the pool and swimming. We rented Raising Arizona and it was my introduction to one of my favorite films. I also got to see a neighborhood friend beat Zelda! I’ll never forget going to the Courthouse, eating at Country Tavern and just enjoying being around the very kind, very funny Randy. Thank you for giving me so many great memories.
Well done good and faithful servant. Comfort and Serenity to those who loved him most.
My sincere condolences and prayers to Judge Rogers family and friends. I enjoyed working with Randall in the McLennan D.A. Office. There was never a dull moment. Rest well Sir.
This is one of those painful times when words can’t express the loss we feel. Randall was one of a kind, never to be duplicated or replaced. His sweet wife, loving family, and close friends were so fortunate to be a part of his interesting and meaningful life. We will miss his creative thinking, brilliant legal mind, big heart and delightful sense of humor. We will cherish the memories of our Mexico trip, the hillbilly holiday trip to Arkansas, traveling the backroads of Louisiana, Fredericksburg, and the many hours spent laughing and solving world problems together. If there is a courthouse in Heaven, we’ll know where to find you.
Judge Rogers was one of the kindest and dearest men I have ever had the pleasure to meet. We have been fortunate to be friends with his grandson, Joseph Ramirez and through him Rebel Downs and others in the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with Judge Rogers’ family but we know he has gone home to be with our Lord. Such a wonderful, kind man and he will be missed by many. Rest in everlasting peace Sir!
Thank you Trish for coming. We love you
Noviembre 20, 2022
Conocí a la familia Rogers en el inicio del año 1968, como estudiante de intercambio, y los adopté como familia..
Hoy lamento profundamente el que el Juez Randall Rogers haya trascendido. Mis más sinceras condolencias para su familia. Descanse en paz.
God Bless Judge Rogers and prayers for Lois and the family. He and Judge Mell were my first Judges as a prosecutor in the late 80’s. He always sat down with us after trials and gave us very honest and sometimes sobering critiques. He certainly kept us busy and he trained us well. He not only helped me become a good lawyer but helped me become a good judge. When I was elected as a County Court at Law Judge in my hometown, one of the first things I did was call Judge Rogers. He was so gracious to spend about an hour with me in his chambers and gave me great advice that I have never forgotten. To this day, I still use one of his famous sayings after every jury trial. Thanks for everything Judge!
My Thoughts and prayers are with y’all. So sorry for the loss of your dear brother, husband, father, and grandfather.
Always enjoyed visiting with the Judge and Lois(006) at the courthouse. Such a great and fun couple. Lord watch over Lois and family.
Judge Rogers was a wonderful man. He always had a smile for everyone at the courthouse. I had the privilege of him swearing me in for one of my terms. Prayers and thoughts to Lois and his family
I worked for Judge Rogers from January to October 1989. He was one of the most incredible individuals I have ever known. He was super smart and had a razor-sharp sense of humor. The time I spent at the Smith County Courthouse was a learning experience I will never forget. I was privileged not only to work for Judge Rogers but also with assistant district attorneys David Dobbs and Thomas Buie Mcclain. And OMG, the stories I could tell! Working for Judge Rogers was a highlight of my life. I learned so much from him, and I will never forget him or how much I respected and admired the man.
Judge Rogers will be truly missed. He loved sitting on the bench outside his courtroom. Everyone would stop & talk to him. It was never a dull moment in his courtroom. I enjoyed working for him.
Randy definitely developed his dad’s personality, which was loved by all. Raymond, Randy’s dad, and my dad were best friends for 50 years, when my dad died in 1984. I’ve not been in touch with Randy, Holly and Donna for years, but have always loved them as family. My prayers for their families.
I will miss my dad everyday for the rest of my life. I love you daddy
Thank you for the opportunity to care for your loved one. You are in our thoughts and prayers.