Michael T. “Mike” Rodgers
A well-known figure in the Beaumont community, Michael T. (Mike) Rodgers, 75, passed away late Monday, August 14, 2023, at CHRISTUS Southeast Texas – St. Elizabeth, Beaumont, following a brief illness. He was born January 6, 1948, in Ashland, Ohio, To Mary Hayes Rodgers and Thomas Rodgers.
A native of Ashland, Ohio, and graduate of Ashland College and Michigan State University, Mike’s early professional career as a television news anchor eventually brought him to Beaumont in 1982 as a member of the Gulf States Utilities, Inc. video production department. He remained with the company through its transition to Entergy and retired in 2016 as Entergy Texas, Inc.’s employee communicator.
Mike’s broadcaster voice, quick wit and dry sense of humor was part and parcel of his personality and endearing to those who knew him best, along with his love of history and the Beatles. It was, however, his many community involvements that made him a friend of many and known by many more.
Mike’s most familiar role, and certainly a favorite of his, involved serving as emcee for 6 Challenge – a high school game show program that ran on KFDM-TV, channel 6 for nearly 30 years, with Mike filling the emcee post for all but the first year it aired. His involvement with area media ranged wider than merely as an emcee for 6 Challenge. Mike was also a longtime member of the Press Club of Southeast Texas and over many years was active in the club and ably served as moderator of political debates and candidate panels put on by the club during election seasons.
Mike was also deeply involved with the Beaumont Community Players and was a familiar stage presence, as well as a backstage helper and indefatigable supporter of all things BCP. Mike was also an enthusiastic bicyclist, better known as “Mike on a Bike”, who enjoyed his lengthy Saturday rides with different groups of Beaumont cyclists.
Perhaps his most personal point of connection with the community involved his church—First Christian Church of Beaumont. He and his wife, Lynn, served in several positions, including as elders and board members. They were present and accounted for at church activities, including one of the church’s primary focuses, financial and hands-on support for Some Other Place.
Mike is survived by his wife, Lynn Rodgers; daughter, Jennifer Rodgers of Beaumont; sister, Christine Rodgers Crissinger of Ohio; sister-in-law, Marcia Klepper-Smith and her husband, Don, of South Carolina; nieces, Lee Chometa of Connecticut, and Dana Kleppa-Smith of Switzerland; and numerous thespians, work colleagues, cycling enthusiasts, church family, and friends through the years.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
His memorial service will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, April 20, 2024, at First Christian Church, 5290 Caldwood, Beaumont, under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His cremation arrangements were handled through Broussard’s Crematorium.
Memorial contributions can be made to Some Other Place, P.O. Box 0843, Beaumont, Texas 77704 or First Christian Church, 5290 North Caldwood Drive, Beaumont, Texas 77707.
Memorial Service
First Christian Church-Beaumont
- 5290, North Caldwood Drive, Beaumont, Texas, 77707,
- April 20, 2024
- 10:30 am
Mike made life fun, no matter what was going on. Everyone loved being around him. And we will all miss him so much. We’ll also miss his updates on the 3 family kitties.
Mike was an incomparable, enthusiastic, and dedicated contributor to anything and everything around him. His dry wit, incisive observations, and disdain for anything false were widely appreciated. R. I. P., Mike, I’m sure the heavenly choirs will respect your wish and not ask you to sing. I loved working with you – you made every show extra special. Thank you for making everything better.
Heartfelt condolences and prayers for Lynn, Jennifer, and the entire Rodgers family. Rest in Peace, Mike, my High School classmate and friend.
Mike will be missed. What a legacy he has left. He didn’t take himself too seriously, but took what mattered seriously. He was generous, compassionate, dedicated, and strong. I will cherish his memory.
My condolences to Mike’s wife and family.
Mike’s outgoing personality and love of life was always in his Facebook posts and whatever he did. He was a special person who brought much to everyone he met.
He will be missed!!
I worked at GSU in the late 80s and Mike and I both worked on the 9th floor at Edison Plaza. He was very friendly and he and I enjoyed many chats over the years. My condolences to his family. He was a wonderful man.
Lynn you are in our prayers. You and Jennifer are special. We loved Mike and he will always be in our hearts. His smile and sence of humor. The church will miss him
So very sorry to learn of Mike’s passing. Such a nice man and I’m blessed to have known him. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God grant you peace.
So very sorry to learn of Mike’s passing. Such a nice man and I’m blessed to have known him. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God grant you peace.
Mike called me as a volunteer for BCP. I enjoyed his wit & wisdom. I wish I could have known him longer. He will truly be missed. May he RIP.
Mike and I worked together many years with the Channel Six Challenge. He was a good man.
I liked Mike he was a cool guy and easy to communicate with. Another good man leaves the earth.
I was a part of the Reddy Rhythms group back in the day late 80’s early 90’s. I remember Mike well. Such a nice man with a great speaking voice. My prayers are with his family. God bless you.
Sandy (Allen) Johnson
My deepest thoughts & Prayers go out to ALL the Rodgers Family, but especially my very Sweet Lynn & daughter Jennifer! May you find Peace & Comfort.
I can honestly speak for all of our Church Family, saying that “Our hearts are broken” in the loss of our “One & only”, dear Sweet Mike!
He served our Congregation at Ist Christian in many ways.
His wonderful heart felt Prayers at our Communion Table ( as an Elder) will long be remembered ! When he spoke as Worship Leader, his words were clearly understood & when he said his words for the Offering too be passed, his words were profound & to the point!
RIP Mike, for your work here on Earth is done & now you are resting in the arms of our Lord Jesus Christ!
In Christian Love, your Church Friend Evelyn Gerber
Lynn – Please know that you and Jennifer have my deepest sympathy. Prayers being said for both of you and for perpetual light to shine on Mike’s soul.
Candy Mathis Hollis
I was a guard in the early 90’s at gulf states and remember MIke well. He was an easy going soul and enjoyed talking with people.