Martha Rogers Holman, ’47, Passes Away
M
artha Rogers Holman, 95, passed away peacefully January 5, 2021, at the longtime Rogers family home on Church Street in bucolic Fayette. She was born Martha Leola Rogers in Jefferson City, Mo., on June 6, 1925, and spent most of her life in Fayette. Central basketball games were a favorite pastime for Martha and her husband, Bill. They were locally famous for passing out lollipops to players at the conclusion of games. Bill died December 12, 2009. Martha was the daughter of the late Daniel Carle “DC” and Emma (Dixon) Rogers. DC Rogers was an attorney, cattle rancher, and former mayor of Fayette. DC and Emma Rogers raised five children in Fayette: Dixon, Sarah, Martha, Dan, and Clyde. All five children went on to earn advanced college degrees. Dixon and Dan were West Point graduates. The Rogers household was a collection of formidable intellects, and Martha was no exception. She was especially proficient in music, math, and foreign languages. Martha graduated from Central Methodist College in 1947. During her college years, she was homecoming queen, an honor student, and drum majorette of the marching band. After a 1947 post-graduation tour of Europe, she married Robert J. “Bob” Bricker in Glendale, Calif. Bob was attending Occidental College, where he played football. Throughout their marriage, Martha and Bob lived in Glendale; St. Joseph, Mo.; Port Isabel, Texas; Dallas, Texas; and Lake of the Forest, Kan. They had four children: John, Kathryn, Patricia, and Karl. Martha and Bob divorced in 1970, and Martha began a new chapter in her life. She moved to Lawrence, Kan., home of the University of Kansas, where she became house mother for the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity. During her time in Lawrence, Martha earned a master’s degree in mathematics at KU. Martha became reacquainted with Lt. Colonel William “Bill” Holman in 1985. Bill and she had been friends many years ago when they were both students at Central
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in Fayette. They were married November 1, 1986. Bill and Martha made Fayette their home and traveled the world together. Martha became stepmother to Bill’s four children: David Holman, John Michael Holman, Steve Holman, and Carol Chafee. Martha and Bill were very active in the Fayette community. Central always held a special place in their hearts as they funded three different Hall of Sponsors Scholarships. As a couple, they took part in the American Legion, FAHA, Main Street, and FayetteArmstrong Community Betterment, and served as docents for CMU’s Ashby-Hodge Gallery of American Art. As recently as 2017, the Bill and Martha Holman Collection was on display in the gallery, featuring 68 works from 17 different artists. Upon Martha’s death, the collection has been donated to the Gallery and portions are now on display in the current exhibit. Survivors include her four children: Karl
(Debbie) Bricker of Lenexa, Kan., John Bricker of Southport, Conn., Patricia Bricker of Kansas City, Mo., and Kathryn (Frank) D’Angelo of Zephyr Cove, Nev.; four stepchildren: David Holman, John Michael (Cynthia) Holman, Steve Holman, and Carol Chafee, all of Fayette; and numerous grandchildren, step grandchildren and great-grandchildren, along with nieces and nephews. The family wants to give special thanks to Martha’s niece, Becky York, for the love and support she provided Martha. A celebration of Martha’s life is planned in Fayette on June 6, 2021, her 96th birthday. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the William S. and Martha Rogers Holman Scholarship at Central Methodist University. Memorials may be sent to 411 Central Methodist Square, Fayette, MO 65248. Final arrangements are under the direction of Friemonth-Freese Funeral Service of Fayette.
