Val Rodgers, of Ozark, MO passed away on Monday, July 1, 2013, at the age of 82, having been born on May 27, 1931, in Greene County, Mo to parents Arthur B. and Faye L. (Brock) Rodgers.

Val was preceded in death by his first wife, Iva, in 1997, as well as his parents.

Val is survived by his wife, Ruby, step-children, LaQuita Hall and her husband, Fred (Springfield, MO), Caroll Elkins and his wife Mary (Forbestown, CA), and Gary Elkins (Cassville, MO); and grandchildren, Shaundell Hall (Deptford, NJ) and Nathan Hall (Springfield, MO), and Tony Elkins and his wife Fran (Loomis, CA).

Val was a member of the 1949 graduating class of Willard High School and attended SMS. After serving in the Navy, Val worked for many years for the Springfield Public Schools. Most recently Val worked for 22 years at Cox South Hospital in various positions but most recently at the information desk greeting visitors and offering a smile and kind words to everyone.

Val was a kind and caring human being. He cared for his first wife, Iva, through her final illness. Val and Ruby were married for 15 years and the last several years Val provided kind and thoughtful care to Ruby as her health declined.

All who had the privilege of his acquaintance immediately knew that he was a "good man" in the finest sense of that word. He always had a kind word for everyone and never met a stranger.

Val will be greatly missed by his family, co-workers and his many friends.

Graveside services will be held at 2 pm on Monday, July 8, 2013, officiated by Klingner-Cope Family Funeral Home at Rivermonte Memorial Gardens, 4500 S. Lone Pine Ave, Springfield, MO.