Rogers W. Cairns, a respected Deltona resident and senior aeronautical structural design engineer, passed away at his home on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at the age of 93. Mr. Cairns was surrounded by his loving family at the time of his passing. Known for his significant contributions to aviation and space technology, he leaves a lasting legacy in both his professional field and the Deltona community. Funeral services are scheduled for Thursday, October 22, 2026, at 11 AM, to be held at the Ralph F. Scott Funeral Home in Portsmouth, with Pastor Danny Blevins officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
Mr. Cairns dedicated his career to engineering, notably serving as a senior aeronautical structural design engineer for Sikorsky Aviation Corporation, based in West Palm Beach, Florida. His expertise was critical to numerous high-profile projects. Among his most recognized designs were the Black Hawk helicopter, a widely deployed military aircraft, and the parachute assembly utilized by NASA space shuttles during their critical re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere. Beyond his direct role at Sikorsky, Mr. Cairns also contributed his skills as a subcontractor, working on projects in various U.S. states and extending his professional reach internationally to Montreal, Canada. His work underscored a career defined by precision, innovation, and a profound impact on aerospace safety and technology.
His educational background provided a strong foundation for his distinguished career. Mr. Cairns was a proud graduate of Brooklyn (NY) Tech High School. Furthering his studies, he earned a Bachelor of Engineering degree from NYU’s prestigious Guggenheim School of Engineering, where he honed the skills that would later define his professional achievements.
In his personal life, Rogers W. Cairns shared 41 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Maudynea Blevins Cairns. The couple exchanged vows on February 9, 1985, in Decatur, GA, and celebrated their anniversary earlier this year. A man of deep faith, Mr. Cairns was an active member of Trinity Assembly of God in Deltona. Within the community, he was known for living with a "Christ-like spirit" and was regarded as a steadfast, trusted friend. He consistently demonstrated a selfless nature, often putting the needs of others before his own.
Beyond his professional and community commitments, Mr. Cairns enjoyed a rich array of interests. He had a particular passion for traveling, especially finding joy in visiting historical sites and museums, which reflected his lifelong curiosity and thirst for knowledge. An accomplished pianist, he also found great pleasure in music. As an avid reader, he cultivated a broad knowledge base, making him knowledgeable on nearly every subject, yet he remained notably humble about his extensive expertise. Among his greatest personal joys was connecting with his great-grandchildren, often through FaceTime calls, a testament to his devotion to his family.
Rogers W. Cairns was a devoted husband, stepfather, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Maudynea. He is also survived by three stepchildren: Timothy Joe Stepp and his wife, Charla, of Wheelersburg, OH; Sherry Deanna Cairns Jordan of Vanceburg, KY; and Thomas Edward Stepp and his wife, Ashley, of Canal Winchester, OH. His four grandchildren include Christa Renee Call and her husband, Kyle; Brianna Leigh Stepp-Adkins; Hunter T. Staggs; and Jonathan Thomas Stepp and his wife, Rachel. Mr. Cairns also leaves behind five great-grandchildren: Ava Grace Bolander, Kylie Renee Call, Alaina Faye Call, Seleah Kate Call, and his namesake, Zachary Roger Andrew Yonkers.
For those wishing to pay their respects, the family will receive friends at the Ralph F. Scott Funeral Home in Portsmouth. Visitation hours are scheduled for Wednesday, October 21, 2026, from 6 to 8 PM, and again on Thursday, October 22, 2026, for one hour prior to the service.