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Rodney Lee Bilger
May 17, 1956 ~ March 2, 2013
ARLINGTON -- Rodney Lee Bilger, 56, passed away Saturday, March 2, 2013, in Arlington.
Memorial service: 11 a.m. Saturday, March 16, in Wade Family Funeral Home Chapel, 4140 W. Pioneer Parkway, Arlington.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to TheMeredithHatchFoundation.org, 1301 E. Debbie Lane, Suite 102-119, Mansfield, Texas 76063.
Rodney was born May 17, 1956, in Clarkson, N.Y., to Samuel L. Bilger and Miriam E. Hummel Bilger. He was raised in Brockport, N.Y. Rodney served in the U.S. Army, 2nd Armored Division, from 1974-1977 alongside his best friend, Patrick Compeau, with two tours in Germany. Rodney also served in the Texas Army National Guard from 1981 to 1987 with Company G, 149th Aviation Battalion "Hookmasters" as a flight engineer on CH-47 helicopters alongside his brother-in-law, John Easley. An Arlington resident for the past 32 years, he worked as a finance manager for Auto Nations Ford. Rodney enjoyed collecting art, building bird houses, woodworking and gardening. He loved family gatherings and sharing family history.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Cheryl Easley Bilger, in February 2012; three brothers, Gary, Nelson and Ray; and his sister, Shirley.
Survivors: Godson, Shaun Michael Bilger; twin brother, Randy Bilger and wife, Susan; brothers, Mervin and wife, Theresa, and Samuel and wife, Evie; sisters, Susie Sapp and husband, Pat, and Rachel Prince; brother-in-law, John Easley and wife, Teresa; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; and childhood friend, Patrick Compeau.
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It is never easy to lose a friend or loved one. May your family remember the happy times of your life and know you are safe in God’s hands.
Aww Cowboy! You fought a tough battle! But Cheryl was there–the nurse in her pulling you away from your pain…I know you are with your beloved family now, but I wish we could have kept you here a little longer. God bless you. Love from that “silly blonde”.
Another light has gone out from our class ,
I am very sad to hear the news of Rod’s passing and I would like to send my thoughts and prayers to his family. I graduate high school with Rod and have many fond memories of growing up in small town Brockport with a class of 265 students. My deepest sympathy,
Lori Mufford
I am very sorry for Uncle Rod’s passing. Although I have never met him, I know other family members who will miss him very much and my heart and prayers go out to all friends and family who knew him. God bless and rest in peace.
You will be missed by all the lives you touched. You were so kind to help when someone needed it. The guys at Autonation will miss you dearly. Always there with a smile. Wanda said you always brought her lunch as you did for many in your department. What a guy Robert and I will miss you very much. Our thoughts and prayers go out to yur family who will never fill your void. See you someday!
We were certainly blessed to have the Greatest Brother-in-Law there ever was.. Your
Love and Dedication to my sister Cheryl will always be remembered along with our great times together going to the lake, working together in the car business and our time together in the National Guard. You left us with so many great and fun memories.
Love Ya Brother
John and Teresa Easley
Rod you will be missed by so many. We are sad that your not here with us, but we know you are with Cheryl now as you always have been. God Bless you and your family. Forever rest in peace my friend.
“Rest In Peace Dear Rodney”
Our thoughts and prayers be with your family
and loved ones during this sad time.
I’m sorry I never got to meet you until today.
I’ve had you in mind for months and finally something in me went to Ford to go see you (yes in my black shoes and yes I am still driving the 2001 mustang you sold me 13 years ago) and as I drive up and ask for you a man tells me I’m sorry he has passed away. My heart sank to the very bottom as I said no way he said yes I’m very sorry. I said OMG his wife how is she? he tells me she passed away a year before him (second blow) I thought he loved his wife so much he must of missed her terribly and went to go home to her. I’m sorry I didn’t see you sooner. I’m so sorry; you always said “you’re the daughter we never had”. I wanted you to meet my fiancé (he is a twin). I wanted to show you I still drive the same car. I remember calling you “rod something is wrong with her (my car) and you told me well maybe there is a loose nut behind the wheel.†Lol I had no clue you were making fun of me, I said “no there isn’t any lose nuts behind the wheel and if there are where are they?†you never let me forget that moment. I love you Rockin Rod! I KNOW YOU LEFT OF A BROKEN HEART. YOU ARE FINALLY WITH CHERYL AND GOD. I know you two are at peace surrounded by many black shoes and lose nuts. I miss you terribly!