William Gene Rogers, 93

William Gene Rogers, 93, Red Oak, died April 1, 2014, at the Garden View Care Center, Shenandoah.

William Gene Rogers, the son of Grover C. and Ellen (Bond) Rogers, was born Jan. 2, 1921, in Long Beach, Calif. Gene graduated from Red Oak High School in l938 and attended George Washington University while he was employed with the FBI.

In 1942, he was recruited into the Office Strategic Services, forerunner of the CIA. Gene was trained in London, England by Great Britain’s MI6 Secret Service agents with Chinese experience. Gene served in the China Theatre of Operations OSS Espionage Unit. He served in the Army during WW II and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for successfully infiltrating occupied Shanghai, reporting enemy troop movements. Gene then served as a CIA field agent in five South America counties and was Chief of Station in Ecuador. His last CIA assignment was as Assistant Chief of Station in Mexico, until his deteriorating vision forced his retirement.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents and infant brother, Rex.

Gene is survived by numerous cousins including, John Rogers of Shenandoah, Jim Sifford of Red Oak, Sandra Sifford of Lincoln and Barb Syata of Ankeny; other relatives and friends.

Gene’s wishes were to be cremated. A private family inurnment in the family plot at Oaklawn Cemetery in Oakland will be at a later date.

Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at sldfuneralhome.com.

Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.