Dee Larue Rodd, who resided at 1904 W. Warren Street in Marion, was born September 17, 1921 in Cambria, Illinois to the late Leonard Rodd and Kate Lipe Rodd.
A graduate of Marion High School in the Class of 1939, he attended Southern Illinois University from 1939-1942 and was graduated from the U.S. Naval Flight School in late 1942.
He was married October 11, 1943 to the former Ruth Anne Bowman in St. Louis, Missouri. Ruth was born October 7, 1925 to Virgil W. Bowman and Gladys Butts.
Rodd served in World War II and the Korean War as a combat pilot. A squadron leader, he flew 50 missions over Korea. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross and two Air Medals, among several decorations. He left the Navy with the rank of Commander.
Following his service in the war, Dee joined his father, Leonard, in the realty and insurance business in 1946. His father had started the business during the war in 1943. The Rodd’s operated Rodd Realty Company out of a business office located at 818 W. Main Street for many decades. His father passed away in 1974.
Rodd had been a member of the Board of Commissioners of Williamson County Airport Authority for 26 consecutive years. When the airport board reorganized and elected Rodd as its chairman in 1954, it also waived acceptance of salary. During the years that Rodd chaired the board, the airport grew into the most modern one south of Springfield.
Active in politics, Rodd ran an unsuccessful campaign for the 50th District Senate seat in 1964. He ran under the platform of reduced relief rolls, tax reorganization and more state aid for schools.
Dee L. Rodd was a Past President of the Rotary Club 1969-70, Lions Club 1954-55 and Chamber of Commerce in 1964. He was a charter member of the Marion Jaycees in 1954.
Rodd was also past President and past Secretary of the Egyptian Board of Realtors, and past President of the Southern Illinois Life Underwriters Association and past Vice President of the Illinois Association of Insurance Agents.
He served on two sub-committees during the Williamson County Quasqui-Centennial celebration that occurred in 1964.
Rodd was also a member of the National Federation of Independent Business, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Scottish Rite of Masons, State of Illinois Association of Realtors and National Association of Real Estate Boards.
Rodd was a member and Lay Leader of First United Methodist Church. A former Sunday School teacher and Past President of the Lael Class, he was a current member of the class teaching committee.
Dee L. Rodd, 58, Marion realtor and civic leader, died in Marion Memorial Hospital Wednesday afternoon, July 9, 1980, two hours after he was injured in a four vehicle accident at the intersection of Illinois State Route 13 (DeYoung) and North Carbon Street at 2 p.m.
The former Navy pilot during World War II sustained a broken leg, and head and internal injuries when his automobile collided with a coal truck and hurled down an embankment south of Route 13 into the fence of Wendy’s restaurant property.
Police issued a ticket to Barton Webb Jr., 54, Carterville, driver of the coal truck, charging him with disobeying a traffic signal. Coroner James R. Wilson empaneled a jury for an inquest to be scheduled later.
One week after Rodd’s death, the Marion City Council passed a Resolution of Respect for Dee Rodd and Bill Whiting, who also passed away the previous week, to acknowledge the contributions both men had made to the city. Mayor Butler cited Rodd’s 25 years of service on the airport authority board and praised him for his exemplary service to the people of the community and the unselfish contribution of his time and leadership.
Survivors in addition to his wife and mother include two children, Bill Rodd of Marion and Mrs. Gary (Kim) Holmes of Creal Springs; a brother Rodger Rodd of Marion; three sisters, Mrs. Chester (Geraldine) Robbins of Bettendorf, Iowa, Mrs. Robert (Barbara) Bradley of Marion, and Mrs. Donald (Sidney) Minner of Lexington, N.C.; and two grandchildren, Gary Paul and Mary Ann Holmes of Creal Springs.
Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, July 11, 1980 at Wilson Funeral Home in Marion with Reverend William E. Leckrone and Reverand Carl Hearn officiating.
Pallbearers were Dr. James Felts, Frank Thompson, James Eaton, Charles Stoker, Dr. Carl Planinc, Richard Darby, L.C. Cavaness and H.J. Keller.
Burial followed in Maplewood Cemetery in Marion.
Rodd’s wife, Ruth, passed away July 27, 2011.
(Extracted from the Marion Daily Republican, July 9, 1980; Southern Illinoisan articles, 1960’s-70’s; compiled by Sam Lattuca on 12/17/2013)