Captain E. Earle Rogers II, USN (Ret.), beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and decorated Naval officer, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on June 17, 2026. A man of deep integrity, humility, and service, Captain Rogers devoted his life to his country, his family, his faith, and his community.

Captain Rogers was born February 18, 1938, in Orlando, Florida. While attending Stetson University, he was ordained by his church and regularly preached on weekends. After graduating in 1959, he dedicated his early career to public education before answering the call to serve his country in the United States Navy. In 1960, he entered Officer Candidate School and earned his wings as a Naval Aviator in 1962, beginning nearly three decades of distinguished military service. Captain Rogers was also a proud graduate of the Naval War College and held a Master of Science degree from George Washington University.

His sea duty assignments were marked by courageous leadership and innovation in naval aviation, including tours with Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron SIX (HS-6), Helicopter Combat Support Squadron SEVEN (HC-7), and as Air Boss aboard the USS Nassau (LHA-4). He wore the Command at Sea insignia for three vital aviation units: HM-12, HSL-30, and HSCW-1 — each one a testament to his trusted command and strategic foresight. Ashore, his service included key posts in training, personnel management and base leadership, culminating in command of Naval Air Station Corpus Christi and staff service with the Chief of Naval Education and Training in Pensacola, Florida.

Captain Rogers retired from active duty in 1988 after nearly 28 years of service. His commitment to naval aviation continued in his second career with the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation, where he served as Vice President for Communications and Chief Operating Officer until his second retirement in 2008.

Among his many honors, he received the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal with two Gold Stars, the Air Medal, and the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device. He was presented the Stephen Decatur Award by the Navy League for outstanding personal contribution to the Navy in the course of actual operations, advancing its readiness and competence. Most recently he received the Captain Mark Starr Pioneer Award from the National Helicopter Association which recognizes those who have significantly advanced Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard rotary-wing aviation.

Beyond his military and professional achievements, Captain Rogers was a man of deep and abiding Christian faith. He was the spiritual cornerstone of his family — leading with quiet strength, moral clarity, and an unwavering belief in God’s grace through Jesus. He prayed over his loved ones, counseled with wisdom, and lived out his values daily. His legacy of leadership, faith, and love will continue to guide and inspire his family for generations, and live on through the many lives he touched.

Captain Rogers was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Beulah Rogers, and his brother, Charles Rogers.

He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Marilyn Barrineau Rogers of Pensacola; their children, Jeff Rogers (Carol Ann) and Kristin Rogers Santo (Rich); five cherished grandchildren, Lorin Santo Jackson (Richard), Clayton Santo (Miriam), Conner Rogers, Chase Rogers, and Ashley Santo Mathis (Bryant); and two treasured great-granddaughters, Halle and Vera Jackson. He is also survived by his sister, Annell Rogers Tidwell.

Fair winds and following seas, Captain, and well done, good and faithful servant.

A celebration of his life and service will be held at Olive Baptist Church in Pensacola, Florida, on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, with a visitation at 11:00 a.m., and a service at 12:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation, an organization that held a special place in Captain Rogers’ heart