Devern Conrad Rodocker, Sr.

Funeral services for DeVerne C. Rodocker, Sr. will be held Wednesday, October 31, 2007, at 2:00 pm in the Chapman-Black Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. David Head officiating. Burial will follow in the Woodland Cemetery under the direction of Chapman-Black Funeral Home, Inc.

DeVern was born January 21, 1931 in Lead, South Dakota to Fred Henry and Christine Amanda (Powers) Rodocker. Mr. Rodocker attended school in Lead where he later graduated. After graduation he moved to Brewster, Nebraska. At that time he started working as an automobile mechanic for his father. On January 30, 1951 DeVern entered into the service of his country during the Korean War in the U.S. Army. He served as a Medic Parachutist. Sergeant Rodocker was honorably discharged on January 29, 1954; he had obtained the following decorations: the Parachutist Badge, National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.

Mr. Rodocker returned to Tulsa, Oklahoma and enrolled at Spartan School of Aeronautics. After completing his certification as an Airframe and Power Plant Mechanic he accepted employment with Spartan. On June 22, 1957, DeVern was united in marriage to Betty R. (Childers) in Tulsa, Oklahma. He later began working for McDonnell/Douglas. While working at McDonnell/Douglas, DeVern would work on B-52 and B-17 Bombers. In 1965, DeVern then accepted a position with American Airlines as a line mechanic. DeVern continued working for American and in the 1980ís, he accepted a position as supervisor over inspections which he held until his retirement in 1993. Following retirement DeVern continued to work in the aviation industry as an independent contractor. He continued working for American through out their U.S. hubs as well as Delta Airlines over inspections.

DeVern had many hobbies. You would often find him out on the farm helping his son working on the farm. He also cherished the time attending events that his grandchildren participated in. Mr. Rodocker also enjoyed building and repairing his airplanes that loved flying. There was not anything that DeVern could not fix or repair no matter what the situation was. Mr. Rodocker was an active man, he was not one to sit idle and had recently purchased a home in Cleveland that he had began renovating. DeVern was a member of the AFL/CIO for over 20 years as well as a Mason for over 50 years.

Mr. Rodocker passed away Saturday, October 27, 2007 in Tulsa, Oklahoma at the age of 76 years 9 months and 6 days. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Survived are his loving wife, Betty of the home; one son, DeVern C. Rodocker, Jr and wife Penny of Cleveland, Oklahoma; one sister, Delores Martin of Palatka, Florida; four grandchildren, Dustin Chadwell, Greg Rodocker, Amanda Harmon and husband Brad, David Rodocker; one great granddaughter, Darian Chadwell as well as numerous other relatives and friends.

Pallbearers will be Dustin Chadwell, Greg Rodocker, David Rodocker, Scott Moore, Nick Childers and George Nichols.