Obituary of Merton Rodger

Merton David Rodger was born August 30 1934 in Lowel Massaschuesetts to Lester and Isabell Rodger. He was the second eldest of four children. Dave ,as he liked to be called, entered into the United States Air Force with dreams of working with airplanes. He worked his way up to the rank of master seargent and received a special award for the fewest downed airplanes over a course of some ten years while serving as acting crew chief. He also worked on special projects and did heroic acts of duty to earn special awards for his unit. He was discharged out of Military for medical reasons from Vandenberg AFB in Lompoc CA. around 1966. From there the family moved to Los Angeles area where he worked in the entertainment industry until mid 1970's. He also worked in the Milwrights union repairing turbine generators. Eventually, dad found work at Our Lady Of Lourdes Church in Tujunga, Ca. taking care of the church grounds by day and custodial work at night. Upon his retirement, his later years were spent evangelizing the love of our lord and his holy mother. He lived his live with passion for God and love of family. His greatest passion though was the sounds of vintage aircraft, he would name the planes as they fly overhead. He was a hardworking father who was loved by many. He is survived by his sister Natalie Passler of Delray Florida and brother James Rodger of New Hampshire. His wife Blanche Rodger preceeded him in death September 1996. He is also survived by children: Todd Rodger of Chatsworth CA, Jeff Rodger of Lakewood CA, Cory Rodger of Glendale CA, Laura Harms of Brockton MA and Jean Page of Castaic CA. Also survived by two grandchildren: Jacob Harms of Brockton MA and Tori Rodger of Lakewood CA.