David Baldwin Rogers

David Baldwin Rogers , 81, of Decatur, Indiana passed away Saturday, May 6, 2017 at Adams Memorial Hospital Emergency Room after having suffered two strokes and breathing complications.

He was born on May 28, 1935 in Menston, Yorkshire, England to the late Eric Rogers and the late Phyllis (Baldwin) Rogers. On May 20, 1989 David was united in married to Susan Ann (Cooper) Rogers in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

David was educated at Menston primary school and then at Salts school before doing further education at Bradford Technical College to be a draughtsman. He was a veteran of the Royal Air Force (RAF), having served after the conclusion of World War II as an engineer on the airplanes

He was a well-known and respected engineer in the UK automotive industry. David worked for many of the leading automotive engine component suppliers in the UK. He was responsible for the design and development of many internal combustion engine components with an emphasis on Pistons for gas and diesel engines. Rising to the rank of vice-president of both engineering and marketing for GKN Pistons, one of the leading suppliers of automotive components in the UK. David then moved to the GKN Technology group where he was instrumental in developing Metal Matrix composite materials for use in internal combustion engines. This led to David working with the Zollner Piston Company of Fort Wayne, Indiana, eventually moving to the USA in 1988. David continued to work his engineering and marketing skills at Zollner and also became the foundry manager.

David left Zollner for new challenges with the Amcast group as they developed their low pressure die casting technology. He worked at both their Fremont and Gas City facilities in Indiana before overseeing the construction of the Amcast, state of the art, facility in Wapakoneta, Ohio. Upon completion, David managed the facility before retiring and entering the consulting field.

People who knew David will recall that he was a true Yorkshire Man who given a task he would work tirelessly until the job was brought to a successful completion.

David and Sue have been foster parents for over 25 years to several children, some of whom they adopted. Opening his home and his heart in this manner was always a special gift that David was able to provide. He enjoyed reading and stamp collecting along with gardening. He liked his sport playing both football and cricket, playing cricket for Menston and Lymington when he moved south with his job. He was well known for both batting and spin bowling. David watched and followed Leeds United football team all his life He also ran a fruit farm with strawberries and raspberries when he lived in the Midlands. David liked his cars to the point of exporting two when he moved to USA.

Gifted in theater, he took part in the Shows at Guiseley Amateurs where his father was musical director. David was also active in the Adams County 4-H Horse and Pony Program in which his daughter, Kirstyn, participated.

He is survived by his wife, Susan Ann Cooper-Rogers of Decatur; three daughters, Kirstyn Rogers of Decatur; Samantha (Kris) Myers of Decatur; and Lesley (Steve) Taylor of Plymouth, England; brother, Jeffrey Michael Rogers of Leeds, England; five grandchildren, Daniel (Michelle) Riden; Andrew Riden; Nicholas (Laura) Riden; Zoe Myers; & Alexander Myers; & four great-grandchildren, Jacob Riden; Annabelle Riden; Rebecca Riden; & Lois Riden.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Richard Rogers and two sisters-in-law, Susan Rogers & Rita Rogers.

A memorial service will be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 10, 2017 in the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur .

Preferred memorials are to Adams County Community Foundation Angel Fund – Heart.