Donald Eugene Roderick

Donald Eugene Roderick, 89, passed away at his home in Bentonville, Ark., 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 (Betsy), Pittsfield, Illinois; Pam Roderick, Round Rock, Texas, Catherine Alexander (Kyle), Bentonville, Elizabeth Hanson (John), Bentonville; daughter-in-law, Mary Beth Roderick, Stafford, Va.; and Alaska daughter Heidi Vann (Toad), Kenai, Alaska; grandchildren, Seth Roderick (Elvia), Stafford, Va., Micah Roderick (Amy), Springfield, Illinois, Noah Roderick (Cherish), Osbro, Sweden, Sarah Fitch (Jack), Fredericksburg, Va., Joseph Roderick (Rachel), Mapleton, Illinois, Maj. Evan Roderick (Natasha), Leavenworth, Kan., Aubrey Tyndall (Andrew), Round Rock, Texas; Susannah Roderick, Stafford, Va., Abigail and Helana Alexander, Bentonville, and Alaska grandchildren, Tucker and Sawyer Vann, Kenai, Alaska; 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, Ark., with a Celebration of Life to be scheduled when people can gather. Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, Bentonville, Ark., Methodist Church, Kenai, Alaska, or Kenai Watershed Forum, Soldotna, Alaska. Arrangements are by Bella Vista Funeral Home and Crematory. Condolences may be expressed at www.funeralmation.com.