Roll Call Tribute
Donald "Don" Roderick '67 January 5, 2021 3:40 PM updated: January 21, 2021 3:41 PM
Donald Eugene Roderick
September 02, 1931 - December 25, 2020
Donald Eugene Roderick, 89, passed away at his home in Bentonville, Arkansas on Friday, December 25, 2020. He was born September 2, 1931 in Springfield, Illinois to Granville George and Mamie Helen (Aubrey) Roderick.
He was the loving husband of Trish whom he married May 16, 1987 in Avon, Illinois. She survives.
He was a teacher, farmer, conservationist, traveler and adventurer, appreciator of art and music, especially bluegrass, and card player extraordinaire with his wife, family, and friends. He had a zest for life and was active until the end.
Following graduation from Springfield Lanphier High School in 1950, he enlisted in the Air Force National Guard which was activated during the Korean War. He graduated from Illinois State University (BS) 1961 and Texas A&M University (MS) 1967. He taught in schools throughout Illinois and retired in 1991 from the Illinois Department of Education as the State Science Supervisor. He was recognized for his professional and conservation efforts.
Donald was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Doris Pitts (Robert), Patricia Mueller (Kenneth), two infant brothers and his son Rev. Keith Roderick.
He lives on in the hearts and minds of his children; Blake Roderick ('79) (Betsy), Pittsfield, IL; Pam Roderick, Round Rock, TX; Catherine Alexander (Kyle), Bentonville; Elizabeth Hanson (John), Bentonville; daughter-in-law Mary Beth Roderick, Stafford, VA; and Alaska daughter Heidi Vann (Toad), Kenai, AK; grandchildren Seth Roderick (Elvia), Stafford, VA; Micah Roderick (Amy), Springfield, IL; Noah Roderick (Cherish), Osbro, Sweden; Sarah Fitch (Jack), Fredericksburg, VA; Joseph Roderick (Rachel), Mapleton, IL; Maj. Evan Roderick (Natasha), Leavenworth, KS; Aubrey Tyndall (Andrew), Round Rock, TX; Susannah Roderick, Stafford, VA; Abigail and Helana Alexander, Bentonville and Alaska grandchildren Tucker and Sawyer Vann, Kenai, AK; great-grandchildren Quinn Roderick, Henry Roderick, Desmond Roderick, and Llewyn Tyndall as well as Alaska sister Karen Taylor (John), nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends.
He will be interred at the National Cemetery in Fayetteville, Arkansas with a Celebration of Life to be scheduled when people can gather. Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, Bentonville, Arkansas, Methodist Church, Kenai, AK or Kenai Watershed Forum, Soldotna, AK.
© Copyright 2006 - 21 Bella Vista Funeral Home and Crematory. All Rights Reserved.
September 02, 1931 - December 25, 2020
Donald Eugene Roderick, 89, passed away at his home in Bentonville, Arkansas on Friday, December 25, 2020. He was born September 2, 1931 in Springfield, Illinois to Granville George and Mamie Helen (Aubrey) Roderick.
He was the loving husband of Trish whom he married May 16, 1987 in Avon, Illinois. She survives.
He was a teacher, farmer, conservationist, traveler and adventurer, appreciator of art and music, especially bluegrass, and card player extraordinaire with his wife, family, and friends. He had a zest for life and was active until the end.
Following graduation from Springfield Lanphier High School in 1950, he enlisted in the Air Force National Guard which was activated during the Korean War. He graduated from Illinois State University (BS) 1961 and Texas A&M University (MS) 1967. He taught in schools throughout Illinois and retired in 1991 from the Illinois Department of Education as the State Science Supervisor. He was recognized for his professional and conservation efforts.
Donald was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Doris Pitts (Robert), Patricia Mueller (Kenneth), two infant brothers and his son Rev. Keith Roderick.
He lives on in the hearts and minds of his children; Blake Roderick ('79) (Betsy), Pittsfield, IL; Pam Roderick, Round Rock, TX; Catherine Alexander (Kyle), Bentonville; Elizabeth Hanson (John), Bentonville; daughter-in-law Mary Beth Roderick, Stafford, VA; and Alaska daughter Heidi Vann (Toad), Kenai, AK; grandchildren Seth Roderick (Elvia), Stafford, VA; Micah Roderick (Amy), Springfield, IL; Noah Roderick (Cherish), Osbro, Sweden; Sarah Fitch (Jack), Fredericksburg, VA; Joseph Roderick (Rachel), Mapleton, IL; Maj. Evan Roderick (Natasha), Leavenworth, KS; Aubrey Tyndall (Andrew), Round Rock, TX; Susannah Roderick, Stafford, VA; Abigail and Helana Alexander, Bentonville and Alaska grandchildren Tucker and Sawyer Vann, Kenai, AK; great-grandchildren Quinn Roderick, Henry Roderick, Desmond Roderick, and Llewyn Tyndall as well as Alaska sister Karen Taylor (John), nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends.
He will be interred at the National Cemetery in Fayetteville, Arkansas with a Celebration of Life to be scheduled when people can gather. Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, Bentonville, Arkansas, Methodist Church, Kenai, AK or Kenai Watershed Forum, Soldotna, AK.
© Copyright 2006 - 21 Bella Vista Funeral Home and Crematory. All Rights Reserved.
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