Community doctor and educator’s work changed face of Corsicana
By Guy Chapman – Navarro County Gazette
Dr. Kent Rogers, Medical Director of the Corsicana/Navarro County Health Department, passed away this afternoon, Jan. 30, at 2:01 p.m.
Born on Dec. 8, 1945, Rogers was prolific doctor in the community for his private practice and public health work. He also volunteered on the sidelines of Corsicana Tiger games, and was affiliated with the Medical Arts Clinic in Corsicana for 29 years. Rogers also served as Chief of Staff at Navarro Regional Hospital, and medical director of the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit.
Additionally. Rogers served on the Corsicana Independent School District Board of Trustees from 1992 to 2010, rejoining again in 2014.
Rogers had been proactive since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, sharing daily updates about cases reported in Navarro County, until he was hospitalized several weeks ago after contracting COVID-19 himself.
Earlier today, in a post on Rogers’ Facebook page, Father Ed Monk shared this message:
“Dear Friends of Dr. Rogers,
After a long and valiant struggle with COVID-19, Dr. Rogers faced the choice of being on a ventilator for a long term. Dr. Rogers used most every available treatment for COVID-19, but already diminished lung capacity made recovery difficult. Dr. Rogers made the brave decision to move to comfort care only.
Dr. Rogers’ family thanks you for all your prayers and support, and asks that for the next period of time you allow them space to be together as a family during these precious moments. Please refrain from calling or texting, but please do feel free to leave messages of love and support here.
In his own, inimitable way, Dr. Rogers asked me to convey to you one simple message, summed up by #blockyourman
The message is:
1) Wear a mask
2) Wash your hands
3) Stay 6 feet away
God bless the Rogers family, and please keep them in your prayers.
Fr. Ed Monk”
The staff of Navarro County Gazette express sincere condolences to his family, friends, patients, and staff. We also express our appreciation for his decades of work and commitment, and daily updates during this current health crisis.
