Matthew R. Rogers, a former trooper with the Wayland post of the Michigan State Police, died Sunday, May 12. He was 50 years old.

A long-time resident of Rockford, he joined the Wayland post in 2013.

Matthew dedicated 28 years of his life to the Michigan State Police. He began his career in September 1995, graduating from the 113th Trooper Recruit School. Matthew’s first assignment was to the Rockford Post, where he served in road patrol, narcotics, and as a detective trooper.

He was promoted to sergeant at the Precision Driving Unit, training law enforcement officers from across the nation in police vehicle and motorcycle operations. Matthew transferred to the Wayland Post in August 2013, and continued to influence those around him as an administrative sergeant.

Following that assignment, he transferred to the aviation unit, where he excelled and held one of his most notable roles as the Tactical Flight Officer (TFO) sergeant, where he also led the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) program.

Matt recently acquired his Commercial Instrument Multi-Engine Airplane License.

Outside of his professional life, Matthew was known for his love of the outdoors. He was an aspiring farmer and enjoyed participating in 4-H activities with his girls. He enjoyed family camping trips, riding his motorcycle, fishing, and kept busy in his off-time running his own stump-grinding business.

Matthew is survived by his daughters Taylor and Jordan Rogers, who were the light of his life. He also leaves behind his parents, Richard and Ann Rogers his brother, Doug (Melissa) Rogers, his niece Caitlyn, and nephews Ryan Rogers and Josh Newsom, his significant other, Nikki Moore, whose love and support were steadfast, and his former wife and mother of his children, Kristen Rogers, with whom he shared many cherished memories.

Services will be held at 11a.m. Friday, May 17, at Ada Bible Church – Knapp Campus, 3869 Knapp St NE, Grand Rapids. Matthew’s family will greet relatives and friends from 4 to 8 pm Thursday, May 16, at the Pederson Funeral Home, 127 N. Monroe St., Rockford, and from 10 a.m. until the time of services Friday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Matthew’s memory may be directed to the Western Michigan University College of Aviation, Attn: Gift Processing, WMU Foundation, 1903 W. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo.