Obituary for J.D. Roeder

J.D. Roeder

(June 10, 1926 – July 13, 2016)

J.D. Roeder of Ponca City, OK died on Wednesday, July 13, 2016 at his home surrounded by family who loved him.

J.D. was born on June 10, 1926 in Graham, Texas to John LeRoy Roeder & Beulah Dean (Ross) Roeder. The fourth child of eight, he had two brothers and five sisters. He spent the majority of his childhood growing up in Illinois; the youngest son of a Baptist minister

Barely 18 years old, he went to work for Phillips Petroleum Co. in July of 1944 and in October of the same year, he enlisted in the United States Army. J.D. served in the Asiatic-Pacific and later as a squad leader. He was honorably discharged in December 1946 and returned to work in the oilfield for Phillips and served in the Army Reserves.

In August of 1949, he re-entered the Army and served as squad leader of the heavy mortar crew with the 32nd infantry in Korea and later was in charge of the military police section. He was honorably discharged in December of 1952 with the rank of Sergeant and returned to the oilfield eventually transferring to the Shidler/Burbank field in Oklahoma. This is where he met and fell in love with Betty Jean Fuller. They were married on May 16, 1953 and celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary before her death on October 2, 2013.

He retired early from Phillips at the age of 59 after 41 years of employment. He and Betty enjoyed good health, easy living, gardening and their grandchildren. He was a loving and devoted husband, father and family man and a lifelong Christian.

He is survived by his children, Pamela Kay Johnson and husband Keke, Leigh Ann Roeder and friend Richard Woffard and Cynthia Jean Reese; grandchildren, Caley Ann Sharp, Micah Galen Johnson and wife Kara, Bree Ann Johnson and husband Rocky, Zac Johnson and Rhonda Woffard; a sister Billie Jo Berkshire; three great granddaughters; four great grandsons and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Jean, his parents Reverend J.L. and Beulah Roeder; two brothers, Will & Carlis Roeder; four sisters, Merle Leathers, Lorene Babcock, Louise Warrick and June Catherell and a son-in-law, J.D. Reese. J.D. will be available for viewing at Trout Funeral Home on Saturday, July 16, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, July 17, 2016 from 1:00 p.m to 8:00 p.m. A graveside service with military honors will be held at Resthaven Memorial Park on Monday, July 18, 2016 at 1:00 p.m.

Source: Trout Funeral Home