Floyd “Pete” Rogers

Honorable Floyd “Pete” Rogers, age 90, native of Natural Dam; longtime resident of Van Buren; beloved husband of the late Hazel Dean Hopkins Rogers; loving father to Lenora Carson and Edward Rogers; cherished grandfather to Skylar Carson and Zac (Kesha) Carson, JD; great-grandfather of Scarlett Carson; devoted brother of Faye (Mike) Laufer; and dear uncle and friend to many passed on 01-13-2026 in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.

Rogers retired after 40 years of public service on 12-31-2002. Key career milestones include 3 years as a Tulsa Police Officer where he worked while attending The University of Tulsa College of Law, 8 years as the Crawford County Prosecuting Attorney, ten years as the Crawford County Municipal Judge and sixteen years as a Circuit Judge for Sebastian and Crawford Counties in Arkansas which later transitioned into the Level-1 Senior Circuit Judge of the Twenty-First Circuit of Arkansas. Rogers ended his career on a high note. One of his proudest moments and a peak accomplishment in his eyes was the spearheading of the planning and implementation of the Crawford County Drug Court which opened its doors on 10-18-2001. He felt strongly and passionately that low-level, non-violent offenders should be given an opportunity to recover from addiction and to prevent or deter them from future criminal activity believing that prison in itself is a weak deterrent to crime and ineffective in rehabilitation for many.

Born in Natural Dam, Arkansas on 10-31-1935 to Agnes Clara Fain Rogers and Edgar “Ed” William Rogers. He was one of 7 sons and 3 daughters that lived to adulthood. He was true to his Arkansas background being an outdoorsman at his core. He never lost his love of or interest in fishing, hunting and gardening. He ruined many pairs of dress shoes while still wearing his business suit as he tilled his garden while at home for many lunch breaks.

Rogers was deeply proud of his Arkansas roots – a bigger Razorbacks’ fan would be hard to find. Wooo Pig Sooie! However, he realized at an early age for that time in history (the 1950s) and without any skills or education that there was not likely going to be too many career opportunities for him if he stayed in rural Arkansas. With a sense of adventure and a hint of rebellion, Rogers ran away from home while still a junior in high school. He swore his siblings to secrecy, threw caution to the wind and packed his bags. He borrowed some cash from one older brother, Leonard E. Rogers, who kindly and happily donated the money for a bus ticket to Grandview, Washington where his older brother, Hebert Eugene “Bill” Rogers lived. Unexpected and unannounced he knocked on Bill’s door. To his credit, Bill and his wife Nelly welcomed him with open arms. He was given a stable home for the next several years. Bill provided the direction, supervision and encouragement needed to instill in him a desire to do well in his secondary education and paved the way for him to attend college later down the line. This one move changed the whole trajectory of Rogers life. Bill paid for Rogers first year of college at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington.

Rogers moved back to Cedarville, Arkansas after two years of undergraduate studies in Washington. His mother Agnes had arranged for him to coach basketball and to teach English at Cedarville’s High School, which he enjoyed immensely. It was during his time back in Cedarville that Rogers reconnected with Hazel Dean Hopkins whom he had known since childhood. She would later become his devoted wife and confidant for the next 50+ years. A few years later Rogers moved back to Tulsa where he finished his education and established a clear career path in the legal field. Once again, his mother Agnes assisted in the direction of his life’s path by asking prominent Van Buren Judge Ralph W. “Cotton” Robinson if he would give Rogers a place in his successful law firm. Providing the start to Rogers legal career, Judge Robinson welcomed him to his law firm. This opportunity was key to Rogers later success in the legal field and in Arkansas politics.

Rogers demonstrated his civic pride with ongoing membership and support for the Rotary Club of Van Buren and additionally with 67+ years membership with the Cedarville Masonic Lodge #762. Though a host of friends and family have been there for Rogers and his family throughout his life, special recognition and thanks must go out to many both living and deceased. These include: Luzana “Lu” Graff, Richard “Rick” Carson, Neill L. Bear, Eldon and Betty Bush, Neyron and Anna Mae Edwards, Dee and Maurice Hubbs and family, Donna and Jerry Williams and family, Ed and Shirley Yeager and family, Gloria and Harry Kiefer and family, JD and Mary Lois Carter and family, Joanne and Lee Conner with special recognition for Tanya and Johnny, Jim and Billie Hopkins and family, Bill Joe and Kay Rogers with special recognition to Rick and Dick, Joe and Joan Rogers and family, Leonard Rogers and family with special recognition to Larry, Bill Rogers and family with special recognition to Donna and Sylvan, Dave Rogers and family, Matt Rogers and family, Jimmy Rogers and family with special recognition to Gina and Wade, Betty Rogers Harris and family with special recognition for Scooter, Jessie M. Rogers Gruber and family, Faye and Mike Laufer with special recognition to Michelle, Linelle and Larry Lee, Rev. Willie and Beverly Mooney and family, Phil and Patsy Cox, and a host of others who have provided a lifetime of love and support.

The family of Judge Rogers finds comfort in and rejoices knowing there has been a celebratory, happy reunion between Floyd “Pete” and his loving wife Hazel Dean. They are at peace.

Funeral services will be 11AM, Tuesday January 20, 2026, at Ocker Memorial Chapel in Van Buren, 700 Jefferson Street. All arrangements and cremation were under the direction of Ocker Funeral Home.