Dr. Don Rodgers

Dr. Donald Eugene Rodgers

Don was born in Carlisle, Arkansas on October 26, 1941, to parents Horace and Catherine Rodgers. He moved to Los Alamos, New Mexico as a young boy and then to Albuquerque in his teen years. He attended Sandia High School where he met Charlotte Ann Murphy. Don and Charlotte married in 1962, and together they had three children – Debbie, Laurie, and Mike.

Don attended the University of New Mexico (UNM) and graduated in 1964 with a degree in chemistry. After graduation, Don was accepted into the first class of UNM’s School of Medicine and graduated with honors in 1968. After medical school, Don did his internship and residency from 1968 to 1970 while in the United States Navy at the Naval Medical Center hospital in San Diego, California. After completing his residency, Don became a flight surgeon and from 1970 to 1976 served in San Diego and Pensacola, Florida. He was awarded the Surgeon General Award for Scholastic Achievement in Aerospace Medicine at the Naval Aerospace Medical Institute, Pensacola, Florida in 1970.  Don’s active duty took him to many places, including Guam and Ethiopia. He retired as a Naval Commander in 1976.

Don and his family returned to New Mexico in 1976 and he joined the New Mexico Eye Clinic to practice Ophthalmology until his retirement in 2019. He practiced with Dr. William O. Edwards, Dr. Richard Gray, Dr. Joseph Duffy, and Dr. John Teahan. The clinic grew to include medical offices in Farmington and Rio Rancho, New Mexico.

Don served in the New Mexico Army National Guard from 1976 through 2001. During his time with the National Guard, he served as the New Mexico State Surgeon for one year and retired as a Colonel in the US Army. He received the United States of America Legion Merit Award upon retirement in 2001. 

He served as a member of Sunrise Rotary Club of Rio Rancho, New Mexico Ophthalmology Society, the Knights of Columbus, and Society of Saint Vincent De Paul. 

Don, Charlotte and friends Dr. Peter and Peggy Beaudette owned, bred, and raced thoroughbred horses in New Mexico for nearly 20 years. He truly enjoyed this adventure in his life.  It took Don and Charlotte to many wonderful places. Don also loved flying and held a private pilot license. He also enjoyed golf and sports. He was a passionate UNM Lobo basketball and football fan. He especially enjoyed attending his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events.

Don is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Charlotte Ann Rodgers, and his children:
  
Daughter Deborah M. Skene and husband Derek W. Skene of Castle Rock, Colorado
Daughter Laurie R. Coleman of Albuquerque, New Mexico 
Son Michael D. Rodgers and wife Danielle Rodgers of Lake Oswego, Oregon
 
His Grandchildren:
Grandson Brett R. Skene of Colorado Springs, Co  
Grandson Kyle S. Skene and wife Gates Wooley Skene of Jackson, MS
Granddaughter Alexandra N. Skene of Denver, CO
Granddaughter Audrey C. Colemen of Baton Rouge, LA
Granddaughter Ashley M. Coleman of Castle Rock, Co
Granddaughter Karlie K. Rodgers of Wilsall, MT
Grandson Andrew Julian Rodgers of Santa Rosa, CA
Grandson Brooks J. Veneski of Lake Oswego, OR
Great Granddaughter Charlotte Elizabeth Skene
Great Granddaughter Maggie May Stafford

Brother and Sisters:
Sister Marylyn Sue Harman and husband Charles P. Harman of San Diego, CA
Sister Carol Cocherell of Albuquerque, NM
Brother Scott Ewing Rodgers and wife Marybeth Rodgers of Rio Rancho, NM
Sister Cassie Ann Anderson of Albuquerque, NM 

Don is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his mother Catherine Adolphine Scott of Mountain Home, AR, his father Horace Ewing Rodgers of Little Rock, AR, and baby boy Rodgers of Albuquerque, NM.

Don was devoted to his family and loved to spend time with them, especially during the holidays. As a physician, he truly loved his patients and staff. He was always kind and loving to all who crossed his path. Those who knew Don loved his quick wit and great sense of humor. Don was always generous with his time, resources, and skills and never hesitated to help family, friends, and those in need.

Memorial services will be held on Thursday, December 28, 2023, at 9am at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church at 9502 Fourth Street NW Albuquerque, NM 87114.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the UNM School of Medicine.