Former Rogers

Joseph "Joe" Bernard Rogers was a man of God who loved and honored God, family, and friends. He exemplified a belief that all things were achievable and possible through "faith in the good Lord". Joe was born on July 8, 1964, in Omaha, Nebraska as the second son to Lola Marie Rogers and Joe Louis Rogers. Joe accepted Christ at an early age and he loved, honored and trusted God in his day-to-day life. Much of what Joe learned as a young believer was from his grandfather; the late Reverend Emmett T. Streeter who served as pastor of the Claire Methodist Church in Omaha for 19 years. Joe adored his grandfather and cherished the wooden pulpit he inherited from him. In 1966, after his parents divorced, his mother moved Joe and his two brothers, Chris and Tracy to Denver, Colorado. In 1975, his mother married John Terry and the family became members of Bethesda Baptist Church, under the pastoral leadership of Reverend Harrell Alexander in Commerce City. Joe loved the choir's singing and he loved being a part of youth activities and the ministry of Reverend Alexander. Joe seemed to be a natural born leader, beginning with always telling his brothers what to do! He attended Bradley Elementary School and Kearney Junior High School. Joe enjoyed music and loved to play tennis. Joe played the trumpet and became Drum Major while attending Adams City High School. He lettered in track, tennis, and jazz band. He also participated in the Upward Bound Program, a program designed to prepare high school students for college, this program was what changed the academic course of his young life. He worked his way through Colorado State University (CSU) majoring in Business Administration, graduating in 1986. While a student at CSU Joe was highly involved as a student leader. He served as the President of the Congress of Afro-American Students (CAAS) for two years. During his sophomore year he was initiated into the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated; Omicron Tau chapter. Joe was a student dedicated to service and often was the leader in marches and demonstrations against social injustices such as; apartheid in South Africa and issues related to financial aid and resources for students. He was a big brother in the Office of Black Student Services' Big Brother/Big Sister program and an active member of the Black Business Scholars Association. Joe was also an Orientation Leader with Preview CSU. He was the recipient of numerous awards and honors including the Overall Achievement Award presented by the Office of Black Student Services and he was selected as the Colorado State University Homecoming King during the 1983-1984 academic year, becoming the first African American to hold this honor. In 1986, Joe was selected by Business Today Magazine as one of the top 200 Student Leaders in the United States. It was during these formative college years that Joe set his sights on studying law with a focus on public service. However, one of his most memorable experiences while at CSU was when he met the love of his life and soul mate Juanita "Kay" Hardy, who would become his bride on July 25, 1992. To this union three children were born; Trent Joseph Alfred; Jordan Kay and Haley Nicole. Joe earned a scholarship to attend Arizona State University Law School where he enhanced his public speaking skills. Joe served as president of the Black Law Students Association, was a member of the National Championship American Bar Association Negotiation Team and the Jencks Cup Closing Argument State Championship. He also won the National Bar Association's National Negotiation Competition—a contest involving 80 U.S. law schools. After earning his law degree, Joe began his law career working as a contract associate with the firm of Harris & Palumbo, followed by the firm of Snell and Wilmer and then served as an extern clerk for the United States District Court for the State of Arizona. Joe spent part of his time providing free legal services for the poor in rural southeast Colorado as part of the Colorado Bar Association's Lend-A-Lawyer Program. He then went on to practice law with one of Colorado's most prestigious law firms; Davis, Graham & Stubbs from 1989 – 1993. After four years with the law firm Joe finally made the step into his dream of working in public service. In 1993, he and his new bride moved to Washington, DC where he served as legal counsel to former U.S. Senator Hank Brown. In our nation's capital, he worked on issues related to business, agriculture, banking, telecommunications, economic development, transportation, housing, and the law. For two years, Joe worked for Senator Brown then decided to make his own bid for public office. Joe, Juanita and their infant son Trent returned to Denver in 1996 and he decided to run for a seat in the House of Representatives. Although he started out the race as an unknown by the general public he ran a strong race and gained name recognition. In 1998, Joe used the momentum from his run for the Congressional seat to run for Lieutenant Governor of Colorado. In 1999, Joseph Bernard Rogers was sworn in as the youngest Lt. Governor in the nation and the second African American in Colorado to hold this position. Joe loved Colorado and during his tenure as Lt. Governor, Joe wanted nothing more than to make life better for all Coloradoans in every corner of our state. Joe served as chairman of the newly formed National Conference of Lieutenant Governors. He was a principal speaker at the 2000 GOP National Convention. He served on the seven-member National Commission on the Voting Rights Act. Joe has been recognized for his work and commitment to strengthening America. Among his numerous awards is as a recipient of the prestigious Trumpet Award from Time Warner's Turner Broadcasting. The Trumpet Award is one of the nation's highest honors bestowed in recognition of African American achievement and heralds the accomplishments of individuals who have made significant contributions and enhanced the quality of life for all Americans. Persons who have received the award range from Muhammad Ali, former Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, Rosa Parks, and Lena Horne to General Colin Powell. Joe has been profiled by Newsday, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Washington Times and Business Week, Ebony, Jet, and teacher magazines. Ebony called him a "political trailblazer." The New York Times wrote he is a "young, articulate, energetic and well-prepared newcomer." Joe was also recognized by his undergraduate alma mater; Colorado State University's Office of Black Student Services as a "Pillar of Excellence" in 2007. Joe excelled as a national speaker with his "Dream Alive" program. He created the program twelve years ago as a tribute to the legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He inspired and motivated audiences from grade school, high school, college students to corporations and various other organizations. Joe was a charismatic speaker who stressed the importance and value of truly understanding the struggle of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960's in order to carry on the legacy of Dr. King. Joe authored the book, "The Letter to My Son" dedicated to his son Trent, to provide hope and instruction to the "sons of his community." In addition to the Dream Alive Program Joe continued to help others through his law practice portraying the same enthusiasm, commitment, and desire. He took on every case with zeal and passion. Despite his busy schedule Joe still found time to give back to his community as a mentor in the Adams City High School, "Reaching for the Stars Program" and a number of other activities. He was an active member of the True Light Baptist Church under the leadership of; Pastor William T. Golson, Jr. Joe found time to be a true public servant who provided the gift of hope, love and compassion to all with whom he came in contact. Anyone who met Joe Rogers could appreciate his honesty, sense of humor and his humble and caring demeanor. Joe's motto was "to have a good time, all you need is good food, good friends, and good conversation." Joe shared his life with everyone, especially on Thanksgiving when he opened his doors to all for his traditional home cooked dinner. The highlight was always when the "sacrificial bird" was presented and carved for all to eat. Joe's favorite place was Disney World, where he would try to visit yearly and was able on his last vacation a few weeks ago to take his entire family on a Disney Cruise and to Disney World. His family will always remember this comforting and memorable time. The world lost a great young man who was a loving husband, thoughtful son, devoted father, caring brother, loyal friend, colleague and orator. Joe B. Rogers departed this life to the embrace of the Lord on October 7, 2013, in Denver, Colorado. Those left to cherish his memory and mourn his loss, include his loving and devoted wife of twenty one years, Juanita K. Rogers; three children, Trent J. A. Rogers, Jordan K. Rogers and Haley N. Rogers all of Aurora, Colorado; his mother, Lola M. Terry of Denver, Colorado; his father, Joe L. Rogers of Omaha, Nebraska; three brothers, Christopher J. Rogers, LaTra T. (Lai-NaAhtiCoa) Rogers and James E. Jones, Jr. all of Denver, Colorado; his aunt/godmother, Barbara J. Scarbrough of Tuscaloosa, Alabama; aunts and uncles, Joanne Daylie of Denver, Lee E. Rogers, Sacramento, California, James Rogers, Carson, California, Betty Mayhue, Sylvia (James) Archer, Sr. all Omaha, Nebraska, Clara Rogers, Oakland, California and Ella Jean Rogers, Omaha, Nebraska and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins; brother in law, Michael O. (Pamela) Hardy, Thornton, CO; sister in laws, Angela C. Wilhite and Terri L. Hardy both Denver; nieces Shiniquwa Hardy, Breanna Rogers, Taylor N. Hardy-Roy and T'ngela Wilhite; godsons, Cameron M. Browne, James E. Sykes, III, Michael J. Sykes, and Jonathan J. Sykes; goddaughters, Danielle A. Browne, Brie N. Sykes and Morgan K. Browne and a host of other relatives and many, many friends. Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.

Funeral Home: Pipkin Braswell Funerals and Cremations - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Visitation: 10/15/2013 at 12:00 PM , Colorado State Capitol Rotunda - 200 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Visitation: 10/15/2013 at 6:00 PM - True Light Baptist Church - 14333 Bolling Drive, Denver, CO
Service: 10/16/2013 at 11:00 AM - Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church - 1500 South Dayton Street, Denver, CO
Cemetery: 10/16/2013 - Following the Funeral Serivce Fairmount Cemetery - 430 South Quebec Street, Denver, CO