Carlton Rogers

Carlton B. Rogers passed away Aug. 16th, 2016 surrounded by his family, following a short, but tough battle with cancer. Carl was born in Arkansas Jan. 14, 1941 and his family moved to Arizona when he was a baby. He grew up in Surprise, AZ.

Many people knew Carl as "Good eye", he first earned this nickname when he worked in the farming industry in Yuma. Carl would be requested as a lister, because he could cut the straightest rows, despite missing his right eye. Later, it was perpetuated during his horseshoe days by all of the ringers he would pitch. He started pitching horseshoes as a child, which established a life-long love of the game. In addition to horseshoes and playing pool, he was an outdoorsman and loved to camp, fish, hunt and instilled that love of the outdoors to his children.

Carl was co-owner of M&R Construction for a decade in Wickenburg in the 80s working in dirt excavation and he also had a knack for witching wells. He met Cindy, fell in love and they were married in 1988. During this time Carl was very active in the Wickenburg Elk's Lodge. He was a member for 34 years and was Elk of the Year in the 80s. He served as the Chairman of Bingo and installed the first horseshoe pits at the lodge, starting tournaments and a weekly family night.

Carl leased Wayside Inn at Alamo Lake in the 1970s and had the opportunity to purchase it in 1992. Carl and Cindy Rogers owned and operated the Wayside Inn at Alamo Lake from 1992-2007 and 2009-2015. He catered to the Alamo Lake fisherman and his residents at Wayside Inn meant the world to him. Carl was known for cooking the Best Green Chile Cheeseburgers around. Carl and Cindy sponsored Horseshoe and Golf Tournaments, Annual Halloween parties, Thanksgiving and their Annual Poker Runs in the desert, which always included Carl's "meat in the ground" and beans. Carl was generous with his time and energy and worked long hours to keep the stories and good times rolling.

Carl was the ultimate storyteller! Whether you were sitting around the campfire, fishing/hunting, cutting wood or just taking a drive, Carl always had a riveting story to tell---that got better with each beer. Through Carl's stories he taught everyone to enjoy life.

Carl is preceeded in death by his father Charlie Acie Rogers and his mother Melissa; brothers and sisters (Verlin, Asbury, Inez, Wesley, Altus, Violet, Fair Ellen, Lillie, Bonnie and Bill); his granddaughter Melissa Cook and great-granddaughter Hailey Rhodes. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Cindy; his children Tricia (Rick), Pam, Paula (Preston), Penny (Randy), Charlie (Amy), Carlton Jr. "CJ" and Melissa (Ryan): grandchildren; Erica, Emily, Brad, Tanner, Clint, Tyler, Carson, Nick, Noah, Kaden, Gracie, Zak, Mason and Luk: great-grandchildren; Aubree, Bryce, Brooke, Avree, Rori, Braiden, Degan, Addison, Austin, Kason and Axel: his sisters and brothers; Bob, Delila, Dewell, Doug and Ruth and many other family and friends.

The funeral will be held Sat., Aug. 27th, 2016 at 11am at Wickenburg Funeral Home followed by a celebration of life at the Elk's Lodge in Wickenburg.