Oray Rogers Obituary (1930 - 2024)

Oray Paul Rogers, Sr., age 93, passed away following a brief illness on Saturday, August 17, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. A visitation will be held at Ibert's Mortuary in Franklin on Friday, August 23, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The following day, visitation will resume at Ibert's Mortuary from 10:00 AM to 12:15 PM, after which a procession will be made to the Church of the Assumption Catholic Church in Franklin for a Mass of Christian Burial. Fr. Gilbert Dutel will officiate the Mass, with Fr. Joel Faulk as co-celebrant. Following the Mass, a graveside service will be held at Franklin Cemetery, where military honors will be rendered. Oray served in the armed forces on active duty during the Korean Conflict. Following his service in the Army, he attended the Chicago DeVry Institute, studying electronics repair by mail. Oray opened Rogers Radio TV & Appliances and successfully ran the business for nearly forty years. He purchased a Radio Shack franchise in 1973 and proudly operated the business in the City of Franklin until 1997. With his lifetime partner, most ardent supporter, and closest advisor/confidant Louise always by his side, Oray was a civic leader and public servant for almost his entire adult life. He was a long-time Franklin City Councilman, also serving as Mayor Pro Tem for a portion of those years. He was elected St. Mary Parish President and began serving two full terms in 1992. During his tenure, St. Mary Parish was devastated by Hurricane Andrew. Due to his leadership skills, he was instrumental in overseeing the entire clean-up and recovery efforts. Governor Mike Foster appointed him to the Louisiana Lottery Commission, where he served for over eight years. He was appointed to the Louisiana Boxing Commission by Governor John Bel Edwards, serving until his death. Continuing his public service, Oray served on the 2000 St. Mary Parish Charter Review Commission and was a St. Mary Parish Elections Commissioner for over twenty years. He also served as a courtroom bailiff in the St. Mary Parish Courthouse for many years. Additionally, he served as a St. Mary Parish Jury Commissioner until the time of his death. Oray was a mentor to many children in Franklin in the 1960s, volunteering as a Little League baseball coach and umpire for many years. He was an avid sports fan and loved to watch sports on television, especially LSU baseball and football. He was a longstanding member of the Franklin Jaycees. He enjoyed spending time and socializing at the Cypress Bayou Casino. Oray was an expert craftsman and innovator. He was extremely organized and kept meticulous records, including a calendar with all of the important events in the lives of his family and friends. He was a proud Louisiana Cajun and an accomplished Cajun accordion player. He loved spending his days fishing on the banks of the Bayou Teche and the Calumet Cut. Oray was a founding board member of Franklin’s Krewe of Teche and remained a member until his death. He was also a lifelong and proud Democrat. Serving as pallbearers are; Michael Rogers, Dale Rogers, Oray Rogers Jr., Jake Robicheaux, Christopher Rogers, Matthew Tourney, Cody Rogers and Nicholas Tourney. Honorary pallbearers are; Benjamin Rogers, Ovay Rogers, Eugene Foulcard, Duval Arthur, Sam Jones, Michael Domingue, David Naquin, and Henry "Bo" LaGrange. The two readers are Matthew Tourney and Regan Barilleaux. Gift bearers will be Jenny Darce and Elaine Karam. Oray is survived by his loving wife of seventy-two years, Louise Hebert Rogers; their children Kathy R. Tourney (Roy), Michael J. Rogers (Julia), Dale J. Rogers (Tammy Jo), Oray P. Rogers Jr. (Elisabeth), and Tammy Susan Rogers; his twin brother, Ovay G. Rogers (Diane); his sister-in-law, Viola Jackson; grandchildren, Christopher Rogers (Angie), Regan Barrilleaux (Bodie), Matthew Tourney (Tina), Jill Meyers, Stacy LaFont (Earl), Stephanie Battaglio (Scott), Nicholas Tourney (Carie), Jenny Darce (Steven), Ryan Aucoin (Sabrina), Kent Rogers (Holly), Marla Rogers (Michael), Lauren Dewhirst (Alvin), Cody Rogers, Benjamin Rogers, and Maxwell Rogers; twenty-six great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren; as well as a host of extended family and friends whom he loved dearly. Oray was preceded in death by his parents, Whitney and Gladys Verret Rogers; two sons, Kevin Paul Rogers and Charles “Chuck” Rogers; his siblings Uric Rogers, Floyd Rogers, Doris Walker, and Sadie Weathersby; and one great-granddaughter, Nayvie Alivia LaFont. The family would like to thank the staff of Bayou Bend Health System, Dr. Roland Degeyter, Dr. Robert Lewis, Dr. Mohamad Allam, Dr. Jesus Chua, Dr. Shivakanth Burugu, as well as recent caregivers Debra Declouet and Jane Armstead for the wonderful care they provided during this difficult time. rtourney@cox.net