Zip Roder

(From Peterson Funeral Chapel)

Donald "Zip" G Roder, born September 9, 1943 passed away peacefully on the morning of April 29, 2025 at the Mount Vernon Place Care Center in Mount Vernon, MO after a long illness.

Zip was born in Verona, MO where he would later graduate with the Verona Class of 1961. Zip then went on to join the Navy afterwards, where he served on the USS Saratoga, where learned his trade as a machinist. The trade Zip learned would find him working for the same company for 46 years, in Neosho Missouri. The company went through numerous name changes, Rocketdyne, Teledyne, Sabreliner and finally Premier Turbine. Zip was both a machinist and inspector for jet and helicopter engines fulfilling military contracts.

 

Zip was graced with his nickname by his older brother David for two reasons. One was in playing basketball, Dad could 'zip' around with the basketball, and the other was simply he couldn't keep his pants zipped up, so it was constant telling him to 'zip' his pants up.

Zip married his beloved wife, Joyce on October 15, 1966, they raised two children, Theresa and Chris. Zip and Joyce continued living in the home in Aurora that they built in 1975.

Zip was an avid fisherman, deer hunter and golfer. He so enjoyed deer hunting season with his son Chris and grand kids. Golfing was a passion as he relished in competition. Zip was a member of the UAW, was a past president of the Aurora Little League, 1981-1982, past member of the Aurora Bass Club and both the Aurora and Neosho golf leagues, and most recently the Mount Vernon Golf League.

Zip had such a zest for life, relished in being where there was anything exciting happening. Zip was known for his quick wit, loved to tease and joke with people. He truly just loved people, and if you were one of the lucky ones, on your birthday you would get that always expected call with Zip trying to carry a tune of singing to you. You couldn’t be around Zip without not busting into laughter because of that infectious wit of his. Zip was so very proud of his grandchildren, Kyle and Shelby. He loved watching Kyle working his cattle and work his farm and was always there to help Kyle when needed. Poor Shelby, everyone knew who her grandpa was at her basketball games, the one yelling at the refs "oh bull butter". Zip was Shelby's biggest cheerleader no doubt whether in the deer blind or the basketball court. Kyle blessed Zip with a great grandson, Tyson, who Zip was delighted to see the Roder last name carried on.

Zip is survived by his wife of 58 years, Joyce, his children, Theresa (Mike) Emhoff, Marionville, MO his son, Chris, Pleasant Ridge, MO; his grandchildren, Kyle (Sydney) Roder of Crane, MO and Shelby Roder (Dakota Ebare) of Brookeland, TX, and great grandson, Tyson. He is also survived by his sister, Joan (Larry) Squibb of Springfield, MO, sister in law, Tracy (Steve) Noland of Joplin, MO, along with a several nieces and nephews.

Zip was preceded in death by his parents, George & Frances (Hierholzer), his brother, David, and sister, Myra Merritt.







A visitation will be held at Peterson Funeral Chapel in Aurora at 4:00 PM on Tuesday, May 6, followed by a brief Celebration of Life at 5:00 PM. A private graveside burial will be held at a later date at Maple Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to Convoy of Hope or Rescue One Springfield.

The family would like to give special thanks to Dave & Becky Conrow, Ken & Barb Shoenberger, and Tracy Noland for helping be with Zip during his illness. Zip will be greatly missed by his family and so many friends. Zip's happy go lucky attitude and wit will never be forgotten.