Roderick “Rod” Odell Emerson, Jr.

Staff Sargent Roderick Odell “Rod” Emerson Jr. of Sour Lake, Texas passed away Tuesday, March 8, 2017 at age 73. Rod was born to parents, Ann F. and Roderick O. Emerson Sr. on November 4, 1943 in Muskogee, Oklahoma.

Rod grew up as the elder of 2 sons with younger brother Charles R. (Chuck) Emerson. In 1961, at the age of 18, Rod enlisted into the in the United States Army National Guard. He later transferred to the United States Army where he collectively served a total of 11 years in the US Armed Forces. During his military tenure, Rod trained hard and also took several classes in heavy vehicular repair and heavy duty truck driving. Rod received numerous medals and badges, as well as letters of commendation and appreciation from superior officers. Rod is also a Vietnam veteran and was awarded with; Vietnam Service Medal, 2 Over Seas Bars (signifying a cumulative 12 months overseas) and a Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Rod honorably discharged from the US Army on March 20, 1972. As Rod transitioned into his civilian life, he continued to use his skills, experience and passion from the military to build into a lifelong career.

Rod’s amazing skills to troubleshoot and repair almost anything from appliances to diesel engines supported himself and his family for many years but he also used these same skills to help many family members and friends in their time of need. His extreme passion for the field of transportation eventually led him back into that field and then as an owner/operator. Later in life he moved back into a career of dispatching and even when he retired worked part time as a truck driver. Rod instilled his great work ethics and passion into several of his children and he will continue to live on through them.

Rod is survived by his wife Jean, brother Charles Emerson, daughter Ladell Poole, son Ron Emerson, daughter Sally Alred, son Todd Emerson, daughter Dena Wortham, daughter Rhonda Gautreaux, son Chris Emerson, step son Chris Cole, step son Brian Cole, 26 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren and many long time friends.

The interment will take place with service and military honors at the Central Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, 3348 University Parkway, Leesville, LA 71446 on March 17, 2017 at 1:00 PM.