William Darrell Rodgers, longtime Colfax resident, passed away October 2, 2025 at the Glenhaven Adult Family Home in Colfax. He was 86. Funeral Services will be Thursday, October 9th at 2:00 pm in the chapel of the Corbeill Funeral Home in Colfax followed by a graveside service at the Colfax Cemetery.

Bill was born September 28, 1939 in Colfax to Dale and Esther Schweiger Rodgers. When he was seven years old the family moved to Waitsburg, Washington where he grew up and attended school. He graduated from Waitsburg High School in 1957. Bill enlisted in the U.S. Navy and received training as a diesel mechanic. He met Julia M. Cook at the USO Club in San Francisco and they began dating while he was stationed in San Diego, California. He was honorably discharged in 1961 and he and Julia married and moved to Colfax, Washington.

Bill worked at Spokane Seed for a while and then at Colfax Fuel & Building Supply. They moved to Orofino, Idaho for a couple of years and he worked at the lumberyard there before returning back to Colfax. He worked for Rima-Rodgers Lumber in Colfax for many years and then spent about five years or so as a police officer and sheriff's deputy. He also did contracting work and handyman jobs on the side. Bill semi-retired in 2002.

His later years were spent with Julia by his side. He knitted blankets for his children, grandchildren and the great-grands; and it was something he and Julia enjoyed doing together. He knitted while she crocheted. They liked to watch old Westerns on TV, and took several trips or cruises. They visited places like Alaska, Australia and Mexico among others. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, wood-working, puzzles and panning for gold. At one time or another; Bill belonged to the Eagles, the American Legion, Colfax Rotary, and was a Past-President of the Jay-Cees. He taught hunter's education for Whitman County for many years.

He is survived by 4 children; William Jr. (Veronica) of New Market, AL., James (Sandee) Rodgers of Everett, WA., Kathryn (Stan) Ferrell of Sierra Vista, AZ. And Melissa Rodgers of Colfax; 4 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren; as well as by his brother Dale Rodgers and 2 sisters; Paula Rodgers and Mary Reed. He was preceded in death by a grandson Gerrick Ferrell, by his brother John, sister Collien, and by his parents.

On-line guest book is at www.corbeillfuneralhomes.com Corbeill Funeral Home in Colfax is in charge of the arrangements.