Ozark, MO

Edgell Lockwood Rodgers August 23, 1935 to February 27, 2021.

Ed was born in Pamona, a very small town nestled in the hills of Missouri. As a child, he attended close to 15 different schools in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and New Mexico, before  again settling in Missouri, this time in Springfield.

His job experiences have run a long and unusual line. He has worked as a fry cook, ranch hand, cat skinner, tire recapper, and on an assembly line in a potato chip factory. Acting has always been Ed’s prime interest. Ed graduated from Nixa High School.

He enlisted in the Army and played basketball for them in Germany. Upon his return, he attended Southwest Missouri State College and operated cameras for KYTV.

Ed moved on to the Pasadena Playhouse, where he majored in drama courses. He was in over a dozen movies and 90 plays. Ed played many roles on “Days Of Our Lives”. He did some cattle ranching in Jerico Springs and owned Rodgers’ Rentals.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth Bryan Rodgers and Kenneth Rodgers, plus his adored aunt Tressie Lynly. Ed is survived by the love of his life, and 31 year partner, Cynthia Noel; his daughter Kiersten White (Paul); his granddaughter Kailyn White; his sisters: Vickie Sue Teel and Donna Rodgers; his nieces: Missie Braun and Shellie Fox; three great-nephews; and one great- niece.

Ed loved old cars, dogs and going to the Table Rock Lake house. He was always glued to the TV for Chiefs football games. The family extends a special thank you to Ed’s caregiver, Janet Isaac.

Visitation will be will be on Saturday, March 6, 2021, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Greenlawn Funeral Home North. Graveside services will be at 3:00 p.m. at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Please wear masks and social distance inside.

If you should so desire, memorial donations may be made in Ed’s name to the American Heart Association or to the Parkinson’s Disease Research.