Pastor Kevin Rogers, CRE
I started my working life as a mechanic. Yes, I was the person who got dirty and seemed to always have dirt under my fingernails. But it is hard to walk away from something you are passionate about. And from an early age I had stated very clearly, I wanted to work on cars or be a racing car driver. Well God works in mysterious ways, and I achieved both of those dreams I worked in the automotive industry from 1976 to 2022. I also found the sport of Drag racing at the ripe old age of twenty and raced for several years. I tried to compete in NHRA in their Competition Class But soon realized that working on cars did not pay enough for that level of competition. So, I simply took the other route available to me and raced in the E.T. style of racing. I still follow racing and continue to help my friends with car set up and adjustments. I no longer drive much to the relief of my wife Lori. But that could always change as my son and I have a project race car in the works.
Speaking of my family, I have a great and very supportive little family. I am married to Lori. We have been married for forty-two years. I am sure she has plenty of stories about the crazy things I do and make her a part of. We have a son Bruce and three grandchildren. We have Joe the oldest at twelve, Raelyn the middle at seven, and Nicholas the youngest at three. Yes, they are all five years apart which means my son will have children in school forever. We are also blessed with my Mother-in-law Ellie who has moved in with us to complete our little family.
With all of these folks around I have found that I can cook and do enjoy cooking for the whole family bunch when they come over. I also have found that I need to practice more in this new area of my life. I want to expand my ability to make new and exciting dishes for my family while they just hope that it comes out as something they can survive. I am always open for new ways to feed the kids and willing to try new recipes so let me know some of your favorite recipes. I will give them a shot. That’s about all I can think of right now but if you have any questions just stop by and say hi. I will be glad to share stories about my past and hopes for our future.
Mary Houser
Secretary
Mary is a retired business and technology teacher who has worked with students at the elementary, junior high, high school, and college levels. She and her husband have three wonderful children, two equally-wonderful “in-law” kids, and a grandson. Mary says the best part of retirement has been having more time to spend with family and friends, to volunteer, to travel, and to have the opportunity to support the congregation of DMPC.
Robbie Gunderman
Organist
Robbie has served Dayton Memorial as our Organist/Keyboardist since May 2018. A native of Montgomery County, Indiana, Robbie has served in church music of various forms for over 40 years. She has also served as a vocal music teacher for 20 years in Clinton County area schools. Robbie enjoys all forms of worship music, blending and honoring the saintly hymns of yesterday with the contemporary scripture songs of today.
Michael Grimes
Clerk of Session
Michael Grimes became an active member of our congregation with the Confirmation Class on April 17, 1960, shortly after the Grimes family moved to Dayton from Boone County. He served as Treasurer of our Youth Group, and was elected to the Board of Trustees in 1968. Mike was ordained to the office of Deacon in 1972, and ordained as a Ruling Elder in 1980. He was first elected Clerk of Session in 1993, and has continued to serve to this day. He has served on every committee of our church (except the Women’s Organization) as well as teaching Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, serving as Sunday School Superintendent, and singing in the Chancel Choir. Mike has served on three Pastor Nominating Committees, acting as Chair or Co-Chair on two of them. He often serves as a Liturgist during our worship services, assisting interim Pastors. Mike says “I feel blessed to have been given an active part In Memorial Church for most of my life, and hope that I can continue a while longer.