Rodger Derr

Rodger W. Derr was born in Holt County on June 6, 1925 to Charles G. and Alberta M. (Sipes) Derr. He graduated from Oregon High School in 1943.

On June 20, 1948 he married Irene L. Metcalf, and they became parents of three children.

Rodger served in the U.S. Army during World War II.

Rodger farmed, worked at Jackson’s Body Shop, and operated Derr Autobody from 1979 to 1996. He was a lifetime resident of the area.

Rodger passed away on Friday, November 9, 2012 at a St. Joseph hospital at the age of 87.

Preceding him in death were his parents, and his brother, Gary Derr.

Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Irene, of Oregon; sons, Rodney, and Danny and his wife Shirley, all of Oregon; daughter and son-in-law, Georgi and Leland Land of Graham, Missouri; sister, Joetta Williams of St. Joseph; nine grandchildren, Chad Derr, Heather Whitmire, Melanie Johnson, Bryan Derr, Jason Derr, Krista Morris, Laura Wright, and Becca and Hanna Lane; 13 great grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

Rodger was an avid gardener and a dog lover. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, and country western movies. Rodger was a fan of classic cars.

Services were held on Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012 at 11:00 am at the Chamberlain Funeral Home in Oregon.. Interment with military rites was held at the Maple Grove Cemetery, and memorials may be directed to the cemetery.