Charles Roden

Charles Dwight Roden was born Oct. 6, 1946, in Bienville, LA. He passed away Nov. 21, 2025, at the age of 79 surrounded by family. A few days before his death he told his wife they had had a good life, and he was tired and ready to see Jesus. He fought the good fight, finished the race, kept the faith, and he is now in heaven walking the streets of gold.

He graduated from Bossier High School where he was a star basketball player, which earned him a scholarship at Centenary College in Shreveport. He was drafted into the army in 1966 and fought in the Vietnam War. He was a member of the 1st Air Cavalry Division and was a decorated veteran. During his time in the Army, he earned The Soldier’s Medal, The Bronze Star Medal, and The Army Commendation Medal all for Meritorious Achievement. He also received the Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, a Vietnam Combat Certificate, and a Certificate of Appreciation from the U.S. Army Freedom Team.

Charles loved camping, hunting, and fishing, and dancing with his beautiful wife. Some of his favorite times were fishing with his wife or with his daughter Stacy, and it was always a competition of who caught the most. He also loved to travel and was very vocal in telling Meishia how to drive and she was quick to respond. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved playing basketball with the kids and loved watching Chase and Trent play on basketball teams or watching them ride bikes and he even played tea party and beauty shop with Elizabeth. He loved his family more than anything and they loved him and were so proud of the wonderful man he was.

Many people remember Charles from the years he spent working at Morton Thiokol Louisiana Army Ammunition Plant. After the plant closure, he began driving a tanker truck for Plains Resources. He worked so hard to provide for his family and they appreciated all the sacrifices he made for them.

Charles was preceded in death by his mother, Omera Beaton, stepfather Johnny Beaton, father C.S. Roden, and his brother W.R. Roden.

He was devoted to his family and survived by his wife of 55 years, Cynthia Chanler Roden (Estelle), daughters Stacy Shepherd (Gregg) and Meishia Clemons (Randy), grandchildren Chase Shepherd, Trent Clemons, Seth Clemons, and Laurin (Sugie) Clemons, great grandchildren Elizabeth, Carson, and Emery, and sisters Diane Tarver, Wanda Yates, and Phyllis Brummitt.

Visitation for Charles will be held Monday, Nov. 24 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden. Services will be Tuesday, Nov. 25 at 2:00 pm at Rose-Neath Chapel with burial to follow at Garden of Memory Cemetery in Minden. Officiating will be Bro. Haynes Mandino.

Pallbearers will be Chase Shepherd, Trent Clemons, Seth Clemons, Carl Shaw, Rodger Cook, and Bennie Wood.

The family wishes to extend sincere gratitude to Dr. Kunal Sonavane, PA Rob Smith, and the wonderful staff in the WK Bossier Step-Down Unit for the care and kindness shown to Charles and his family. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Shriners Hospital, or the charity of your choice in memory of Charles Roden.