Rodger Edmonds

“When the cares of my heart are many, Thy consolations cheer my soul.” Psalms 94:19 RODGER EDMONDS JR., the fifth child of Roger and Monwilla Edmonds, was born on June 5, 1934 in Baltimore, Maryland. He suddenly departed this life on December 8, 2012. Rodger, fondly known as Sonny, grew up with his siblings and his close knit extended family in East Baltimore. In a story he started about his early life, he reminisced about going with his father to the ice house to buy ice for their snowball stand at their home on Rutland Avenue. He was amazed at seeing how the large block of ice, after being loaded onto the front of his father’s car, would melt forming the shape of the grill and bumper. He also expressed his love and admiration for his father (although not negating his love for Mama… “who feed me and washed me”) he also wrote… “From the time I could walk my most recallable days were with my father”. Roger was baptized in the Zion Baptist Church as young boy where he attended Sunday School, choir, and BYPU. In later adulthood he recommitted his membership at Zion and has been a faithful steward ever since. He was a featured soloist in the young people’s choir and the senior choir. He had a great tenor voice. Roger was educated in the Baltimore City Public School System. At Carver High School he was known for his prowess on the football field, making All-City status and winning an athletic scholarship to Delaware State College. After two semesters of college he entered the United States Army, completed his service time and was honorably discharged. He worked for many years at the Glidden Paint Company. He retired after over thirty years of dedicated service from the Bethlehem Steel Corporation. Within those career years he also took time to continue his pursuit of higher education at Baltimore City Community College. In union with Frances Distance, he had two children, Roger Edmonds III and Roslyn Edmonds-Hajek. He was a loving and ever present support to his son and daughter during their childhood and that tight bond continues until now. Sonny was known by family and friends for his outlandish sense of humor, generous spirit, cowboy hat and boots and his love for the music of Willie Nelson. He also enjoyed traveling and was known to jump into his vehicle and journey cross country on a whim. He leaves to mourn and cherish fond memories: his son, Rodger Edmonds III; daughter, Roslyn Edmonds-Hajek; son-in-law, Thomas Hajek; grandson, Roger Edmonds IV; brother, Louis Edmonds; sister, Margaret Edmonds-Holt; sister-in-law, Jeanne Edmonds; aunts, Ruth Edmonds and Eva Johnson; loving nieces, nephews, Just Cousins; and many other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Rodger Edmonds

June 5, 1934 - December 8, 2012