Harry "Bud" Rodgers

On February 1, 2024, the world got a little more darker as the biggest and brightest light of our lives faded away. Harry “Bud” Rodgers Jr, 64, passed away unexpectedly that Thursday afternoon at Trumbull Regional Medical Center with his son and significant other by his side. 

Bud was born on May 20, 1959 to Harry Rodgers Sr and Arlene Rodgers in Warren Ohio. He was a “Hustlin’ Hillbilly” his entire life growing up in Trumbull County. Bud was a graduate of Howland High School and from there his passion for cars took off. 

In 1979, Bud took his passions and made them his own opening Bud’s Towing & Recovery in Cortland which has become the oldest towing company in Cortland to this date as well as a staple in all of the local parades. 

When not polishing chrome or helping people who were stuck in the mud, Bud loved spending his time at his second home, The Trumbull County Fairgrounds. He spent over 30 years of his life serving on the Fair Board and many of those years as Fair Board President on and off. Bud’s infectious smile and wave was known by all as he cruised by in his golf cart off to help however he could. In 1993, Bud took on the greatest role of his life as a dad and instilled the passion of the fair and towing industry within his son, Harry. Up until he left this world, Bud had Harry by his side through it all spending as much time as they could together doing what Bud loved and Harry admired. 

Bud was a member of The Towing and Recovery Association of Ohio as well as The Association of Professional Towers of Ohio where he participated in shows all across Ohio and nationally earning him too many awards to count. 

Bud will be deeply missed by his mother Arlene Rogers; son, Harry Rodgers III (Shane Rodgers), and his significant other, Merrily Carroll along with his many nieces and nephews and extended family. 

Greeting him in heaven is his father Harry Rodgers Sr and brother Dave Rodgers. 

Family and friends may visit from 3:00-8:00PM on Monday February 12, 2024 at Packard Music Hall, located at 1703 Mahoning Ave. NW in Warren and from 10-11:00 on Tuesday February 13, 2024 at Packard Music Hall. Funeral services will follow at 11:00AM, officiated by Rev. Jim Baer. 

After services, family and close friends will process to Trumbull County Fairgrounds where friends from towing companies, fair friends, police, fire departments, and EMS can line the midway for Bud’s last ride through the fairgrounds.

Family and friends may send their heartfelt condolences by visiting www.lanefuneralhomes.com