George Kenneth Roderick

Son of Joseph T and Effie May (Huffman) Roderick (F-3)

Married to Lois Griffin June 27, 1934.

Parents of Ronald Lee (D-4), Mary Joanne, Anita Sue, Byron Leon, George Kenneth Jr., Terry Kipton, and Judith Carol.

Brother of Charles (F-5), Harry (G-3), Florence (F-2)
Grandson of George D and Mary Huffman (F-6)

Kenneth was born at the Huffman homestead, which he purchased from the other heirs in 1947, becoming the fourth generation to live there.

He was a graduate of Il. State University, Normal Il., and taught in several schools in the area. He also worked at the C&EI Railroad in Danville.

Aunt Lois and Uncle Kenneth bought the original homestead in 1947. He taught school at that time, and they were both very busy with their family. One of the ways they relaxed was walking up to the cemetery in the evening. Many times I’ve driven down there with our family, and if they weren’t there, they would soon walk up.

He was a trustee many years and drafted the cemetery book which is the guide still in use today. This was adopted by the board of trustees.

Kenneth used his tractor to keep the outside of the chain link fence mowed, trimmed the evergreen trees, and found the rock which he and I got for the front of the cemetery. We set it that evening, took up a collection among we who were there, for the cement and Charles Roderick put it in.

Kenneth talked to me many times, when he would insist that I stay for a bite of lunch which Aunt Lois had fixed, and of course I would stay and eat with them. We talked often of how to raise enough permanent care money, as we needed more income to be able to pay a fair price for mowing.
After Aunt Lois passed away he was more concerned, as his own health was failing. He and I talked several times when he was in Florida. He sent a check for $3000, after seeing that all his children and grandchildren had permanent cares, to complete the task of having enough money on interest to have an adequate income for upkeep.

I knew he was very ill, and held the check. After he passed away, his family met and instructed me to honor the check in memory of Aunt Lois.

We shall alway be thankful for his generosity and his leadership.

Robert Hall