Curran Price Rogers, III
Curran Price Rogers, III, was called home to his Lord on Jan. 14 after a long and courageous battle with COPD. Ever the competitor, Price fought and confounded the medical experts until the end. He was a loving and faithful husband to his wife, Judy.
Born on June 16, 1937, in Beaumont to C. Price Rogers, II, and Beatrix Smith Rogers, Price moved to Austin with his family in
1953 after his father was appointed to a position in State Government, and continued to live in the Austin area from that point forward. Price was a proud Texan, whose heritage dated back to our State’s Independence, as he is a direct descendent of General Edward Burleson (who would become Vice President of the Republic of Texas), who was there in San Jacinto to help oversee the surrender and capture of Santa Anna.
Price was a strong and athletic man who had a great love for sports! He was the starting left tackle (#73) for the McCallum Knights, entering the school the first year it was open. He was a huge Longhorn, Cowboy, Astro, and Texas Rangers fan! Fond memories included an annual weekend at the State High School Basketball tournament at Gregory Gym, where he would take son, Spike, for each and every game of the tournament for numerous years. There were also many trips to Houston for Astro weekend baseball series. Price was an avid fisherman and camper, and sons Jon and Spike can remember many nights in their sleeping bags at the indoor docks in Jonestown. Price made friends with strangers as they sat up all night waiting for crappie to take the bait and bend the pole! Wife, Judy, would then put on a great fish fry upon their return.
Price was a proud American and served his Country first as Reserve in the National Guard and then as an active duty member of Army National Guard, where he served in the Gulf War. All told, he proudly served his country for over 38 years, retiring as a Sergeant Major. He had deep roots and interest in politics, where his family remembers many days as he sat with Papa (Price’s father, Price, II) discussing conservative politics. These things all contributed to a man who embodied great principles! Even when he was at his weakest, Price always addressed those who assisted him as “Sir” and “Ma’am.” In his career, Price also spent many years employed by the State of Texas at the Welfare Department and the State Board of Insurance.
Price was also a proud member of the Grand Lodge of Texas, A.F. & A.M., where he was a member just like his Father before him. He was a past President of the Patrol unit as well as President of the Clown unit, and over the years developed many great relationships with fellow “Shriners” and those he helped serve. Even though they didn’t know Price, many children enjoyed the big, tall clown with the painted face and grin known as “Mr. Clean.”
Price is survived by his wife, Judy, of Lockhart; son, Curran Price “Spike” Rogers, IV, and wife, Colleen, of Austin; son, Jon Pilgrim and wife, Frances, of Lockhart; daughter, Jodi Cosper, of Kerrville; and sister, Sylvia and brother-in-law, Larry Chiappino, of Meadowlakes, Texas. He had 12 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Allan Rogers, and Grandchildren Justin and Karla Montague.
The family wishes to extend their thanks and appreciation to Parkview Rehabilitation and Long Term Care in Lockhart, as well as Gentiva Hospice, in particular Jennifer Camp, who was instrumental in insuring Price’s comfort care.
Arrangements are being handled by McCurdy Funeral Home. A private family burial service will take place Jan. 25 at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Price’s name to Shriner’s Hospital for Children – Houston.
Our condolences and thoughts are with all the family. I had the honor and privilege of meeting and visiting with Price during my military career. The Rogers family has a rich history of military service and service to the great State of Texas. God bless you for your service Price. You set a high standard for all.
Major Jed Rogers
Disabled American Veteran
Austin, Texas