ROBERT E. RODECKER, 1LT, USMC

Robert Rodecker '55

Date of birth: December 13, 1932

Date of death: October 1, 1959

Age: 26

Lucky Bag

From the 1955 Lucky Bag:

ROBERT EUGENE RODECKER

Savannah, Missouri

After a year at Northwest Missouri State, Bob took up his quest for higher learning at Annapolis. Although not one for the books he still managed to star and help others with their academic troubles. Bob could usually be found either at band practice or in the rack. A non-dragger at Navy, Bob's major interests were cars and firearms. His one problem at USNA was with the P. T. Department but he managed to squeeze past all the tests. Part of his ambition realized by graduation from the Academy, Bob is looking toward the Marine Corps to fulfill the remainder. Whether it is the Corps or the Fleet, the service will get a fine officer.

He was a member of the Winter Drum and Bugle Corps Leadership.

ROBERT EUGENE RODECKER

Savannah, Missouri

After a year at Northwest Missouri State, Bob took up his quest for higher learning at Annapolis. Although not one for the books he still managed to star and help others with their academic troubles. Bob could usually be found either at band practice or in the rack. A non-dragger at Navy, Bob's major interests were cars and firearms. His one problem at USNA was with the P. T. Department but he managed to squeeze past all the tests. Part of his ambition realized by graduation from the Academy, Bob is looking toward the Marine Corps to fulfill the remainder. Whether it is the Corps or the Fleet, the service will get a fine officer.

He was a member of the Winter Drum and Bugle Corps Leadership.

Loss

Bob was lost when his F8U Crusader collided with another over the Caribbean Sea on October 1, 1959.

Other Information

From researcher Kathy Franz:

He graduated from Savannah High School in 1950 with the song “Stormy Weather” by his senior picture. He played football and was a member of the National Honor Society.
He attended Northwest Missouri State Teachers College at Maryville and was on its honor roll in August. He was also in the Band, Math Club, and Industrial Arts Club.
He received his appointment to the Naval Academy by Senator James P. Kem in February 1951.
In August 1952, Robert was guest speaker at his mother's Savannah Sertoma Club.
After graduation from the Naval Academy, he attended a picnic at the Stone Mountain home of Congressman and Mrs. James C. Davis. The guests then attended the movie “Showboat” at the Municipal Theater.
In August, Robert reported to Quantico, Virginia, and after five-months training, went to the Naval Air Station at Pensacola. After graduation there, he went to Whiting Field Naval Auxiliary Air Station in Milton, Florida.
He married Viola Pauline McWhorter in May 1958 at the Shenandoah Presbyterian Church. One of his ushers was Lt. Gary M. Quinn. The couple lived in North Miami Beach.
At the time of his death in October 1959, the planes were part of Marine Fighter Squadron 235, Marine Air Group 32. Hurricane Gracie was buffeting the southern states coastline including the home base of Beaufort, South Carolina. Notification of his death and the other pilot's injury was delayed until the wives could be reached.
He was a member of the Savannah, Missouri, Lodge No. 71, A. F. and A. M., and the First Presbyterian Church in Beaufort.
His father was a state highway patrol sergeant and later an insurance claims adjuster. His mother was a first grade teacher at the Webster school.

Robert is buried in Memorial Park cemetery in St. Joseph, Missouri. He was survived by his wife, Viola, and parents.