David Louis Rodgers, 76, of Tucson, AZ, passed away on September 7, 2026.

A Celebration of Life will start at 2 p.m., on Friday, October 23, at Eastgate Funeral Service, 3117 E Century Ave.

Burial will be held at Fairview Cemetery.

David was born on June 9, 1950 to John Edwin Rodgers and Hazel Marion (Azar) Rodgers at Harriman Jones Clinic and Hospital in Long Beach California. His family moved to Bismarck, ND when he was a toddler to be closer to his mother’s family and for the birth of his sister, and then moved to St. Louis Park, MN where he grew up. Sadly, in 1965, his dear mother passed away from a long battle with scleroderma which was a terrible loss for the family.

David attended the St. Louis Park school system graduating from High School in 1968. He then pursued a Bachelor of Theatre Arts degree at the University of Minnesota, graduating in 1973 and a Master of Theatre Arts degree from the University of Idaho, graduating in 1975.

He had a passion for acting, music, radio broadcasting and the entertainment world. He acted in many plays and films while pursuing his studies and later in life when he moved to California. While he was studying at the University of Minnesota, he worked as a bartender at the hottest night club and music venue in Minneapolis, The Depot. Also, he worked as a radio announcer while at the University of Idaho. He loved to sail, scuba dive, snow ski, play tennis, billiards, backgammon and dominoes.

After graduating from the University of Idaho, he moved to Minneapolis, MN and was the manager for the Wolverines Jazz Band. He enjoyed booking this group at local venues and special events including President Jimmy Carter’s Inaugural Party in Washington DC on January 20, 1977.

In 1978, David had a serious car accident. It took him close to two years to recover with the loving care of his father and a strong determination for life. After his recovery, he pursued a film degree at the University of Southern California. Following graduation in 1984, he worked at USC in the film department, continued to pursue his acting career and worked in post-production film management. Also, David loved to dance the Texas Two-Step and had a special place in his heart for his feisty cat, Milla.

In 1995, he returned to St. Louis Park, MN to help his father who was declining from vascular dementia and prostate cancer. David oversaw his care and was a dedicated, loving son. Following his father’s passing, he moved to California and then to Arizona to be closer to his sister and nephew.

He is survived by his sister, Betty Rodgers Casties, his nephew, Christopher Casties and his wife Megan (Pelletier) Casties and many wonderful cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Hazel, his brother-in-law, Bertrand Casties, and other beloved family members.

In lieu of sending flowers, the family requests that donations be made in memory of David to the Entertainment Community Fund, a national nonprofit organization that provides support for performing arts and entertainment professionals over their lifespan: https://entertainmentcommunity.org