Rodney Lee Bilger

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.