Police reveal Rodgers funeral procession route to Evergreen Cemetery

Posted on May 3, 2017
Josh Rodgers’ funeral procession map. (Photo Courtesy: Google Maps/Bloomington Police Department)

By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – The community’s final tribute to fallen U.S Army Ranger Josh Rodgers will include a funeral procession on Saturday that will wind its way through the Twin-Cities, from Eastview Christian Church in Normal to historic Evergreen Cemetery in Bloomington, where the 2013 Normal Community High School graduate will be laid to rest.

Bloomington police announced details for the procession Wednesday saying it will start at the church at about 2:30 p.m. Saturday, following a celebration of life service.

The procession, escorted by marked squad cars from local police agencies will move south on Airport Road, west on Empire/Route 9, and weave through town on Towanda, Washington, Clinton, and Oakland…then to Lincoln, Wright Street, and Miller, into Evergreen Cemetery. That’s where another favorite son is buried, former Illinois Governor, Presidential candidate, and UN Ambassador Adlai Stevenson.

Intersections along the 8 1/2-mile route will be blocked, and residents are invited to line the streets to offer support for Rodgers’ family.

Burial for Josh Rodgers will be private and the cemetery will be closed to the public from 1 p.m. until 6 p-m Saturday.

Earlier, the military announced Rodgers’ remains will return to his hometown Friday morning at Central Illinois Regional Airport. A ceremony will be held there at 10 a.m. for the casket’s arrival.

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