Edward Dwayne “Big Ed” Rogers, 70, of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. He was born on November 19, 1955, in Leavenworth, Kansas, and lived a life defined by service, faith, brotherhood, music, mentorship, and love for family and community.

Edward was preceded in death by his mother, Alice Jane Henderson (Smith); his father, Vernon F. Rogers Jr.; his grandmother, Vernedith Richardson; his grandfather, Edward Henderson; his aunt, Mabel Littrice; his uncles, James Clark and John Clark; his brother, Charles Thomas; his sister, Lisa Rogers; his nephew, Ryan Wallace, Sr.; and his niece, Deona Rogers.

He leaves to cherish his memory his grandfather, Carlton “Pop” Richardson; his uncle, Joseph E. Clark (Debbie); his brother, Michael Jefferson (Lorna); his sisters, Marsha Thomas and Vanessa Spellman (Ronald); his nieces, Gloria Swanagan (Mark), Carla Wallace, Alice Jane Wilson, Athena Roberson, Summer Lee Collins, and Heaven Rogers; his nephews, Johnnie Wilson and Shantez Jefferson; along with numerous great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, extended family members, fraternity brothers, and lifelong friends.

Edward graduated from Leavenworth Senior High School in 1973 and attended Pittsburg State University from 1973 to 1976. While at Pittsburg State University, he met his best friend, Shawn Scanlon. Though they were simply classmates at first, their friendship quickly became a brotherhood that lasted a lifetime. Growing up just blocks apart in Leavenworth, their bond grew stronger through the years, and they remained steadfast friends and confidants until Edward’s final days.

A lifelong learner, Edward later earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resources Management from the University of Arkansas Grantham in 2017. In Febuary,1976, Edward answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Navy. As a vocalist with the Navy Band, he traveled throughout the world sharing his remarkable musical gifts. He received an Honorable Discharge on October 3, 1979, and carried the pride of military service with him throughout his life. Following his military service, Edward made Orange County, California, his home for many years, where he successfully operated his own drywall business. His passion for helping others led him to work with young people, mentoring and encouraging troubled youth while working at Leavenworth High School. He later served as an Educational Coordinator at ITT Technical Institute.

Throughout his professional career, Edward built a reputation for excellence, dedication, and leadership. He worked as a Talent Operations Specialist with Salient Federal Solutions, identifying top-tier candidates for positions supporting the Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, and Department of Homeland Security. He also served as a Technical Recruiter and Engineering Resource Associate with Darnell Technical Services before retiring in 2015. His passion for supporting others eventually brought him back into the workforce with Crimson Phoenix Government Solutions, where he served as a Resource Operations Specialist from 2020 until 2024.

While Edward’s professional accomplishments were many, his greatest impact was found in the lives he touched. He was immensely proud of maintaining more than 30 years of sobriety and dedicated himself to encouraging and supporting others on their own recovery journeys. He never hesitated to share his testimony, offer guidance, or lend a helping hand to those in need.

Edward had a passion for travel and especially treasured the adventures he shared with his beloved niece, Gloria Swanagan, and shopping extravaganzas with sister Marsha Thomas. Whether traveling across the country or simply spending time together, those moments created memories that will be cherished forever.

Known affectionately as “Big Ed,” he was impossible to miss. He loved dressing to impress and was known for his extensive collection of suits, ties, shoes, hats, and jewelry. His impeccable style, bright smile, and larger-than-life personality made him unforgettable wherever he went.

Music was one of Edward’s greatest gifts. Blessed with a rich baritone voice, he sang in virtually every church choir of which he was a member and was frequently asked to perform at weddings and special events. Whether singing a hymn, a gospel favorite, or a song for friends, his voice had a unique ability to inspire, comfort, and bring joy to others. Everyone who knew Edward remembers his great smile and the warmth he brought into every room.

Edward’s commitment to service extended beyond his career and church involvement. In 1975, he became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., beginning a lifelong dedication to scholarship, leadership, and community service. He served as Chapter President of Pi Omicron Lambda Chapter in Leavenworth, Kansas; Kansas Executive Director; Kansas Executive Director Emeritus; Director of Education and Scholarship Chair; and served as the Community Service Organization Chaplain. In 2025, he proudly received his 50-Year Alpha Phi Alpha Membership Pin, a testament to a lifetime of unwavering commitment to the aims and ideals of the fraternity.

One of Edward’s final acts of service before his illness was helping to reactivate the Gamma Chi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. at Pittsburg State University, the very chapter where he crossed into Alpha Phi Alpha 51 years earlier. This achievement held special meaning to him and reflected his enduring commitment to ensuring that future generations of young men would have the same opportunities for brotherhood, leadership, scholarship, and service that had shaped his own life.

Those who knew Edward will remember his warm heart, infectious smile, unwavering faith, powerful singing voice, impeccable style, and willingness to help anyone in need. His legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched, the wisdom he shared, the songs he sang, and the love he gave so freely.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23

Edward Dwayne “Big Ed” Rogers leaves behind a legacy of service, brotherhood, faith, perseverance, and love that will continue to inspire all who knew him. Though he is no longer with us in body, his spirit, his voice, his laughter, and his love will forever remain in the hearts of those blessed to know him.

Services will be held Friday, July 17, 2026, at Independent Missionary Baptist Church, 601 Pottawatomie Street, Leavenworth, KS. Visitation will begin at 8:30 a.m., followed by funeral services at 10 a.m.