Carl R. “Pap” Rogers

Born: 8/9/1926
Died: 12/8/2012

The Farmers Market Barber

Mr. Carl R. Rogers, age 86, of New Castle, DE, passed away on Saturday, December 8, 2012, surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Shamokin, PA, on August 9, 1926, Carl was the son of the late Charles Rogers and Elsie Mace Rogers. He was raised in Shamokin and in the mid-1940s moved to Chicago, IL, where he attended barber school. After returning to Pennsylvania, he worked for a time at the Bainbridge Naval Training Center in Port Deposit, MD.
In July 1957, Carl married his devoted wife of 43 years, Beulah. Later that year in October, driving past the New Castle Farmers Market, he was struck with the idea that he should open a barbershop there–and a beloved local legend was born. Just one month later in November, he proudly opened the New Castle Farmers Market Barbershop and would continue to operate the shop each and every weekend for 55 years until his death. Carl greatly enjoyed welcoming his many customers and was a familiar and friendly face to everyone who strolled the Farmers Market. He will be sadly missed by his many friends, customers, and employees.
Carl was a devoted family man and loved telling his grandchildren stories about life during the Great Depression and his days in Chicago. His favorite pastime was visiting the many bakeries in the area and buying all sorts of delicious bread, pies, and desserts to share with family and friends.
In addition to his parents and his beloved Beulah, Carl was preceded in death by siblings, May Lake, Elsie Cavender, and Charles, William, Al, and Thomas Rogers. He will be lovingly remembered by his children, Jeffrey C. Rogers and wife Debbie of New Castle, Jon C. Rogers of Bear, Jamie C. Rogers and wife Joyce of Elkton, MD, and Myra A. Hitchens and husband Dan of Smyrna; his companion of 12 years, Dorothy Kern; grandchildren, Jeffrey Jr., Jason, Courtney, Denise, Farrah, Samuel, Logan, Cara, Caitlain, and Candice; and great grandson, Gavin.

Funeral services were held privately.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Delaware Hospice, 3515 Silverside Road, Wilmington, DE 19810.