Robert Kenneth Roden

Robert Kenneth Roden passed away on January 5, 2022 at his home of natural causes due to age. Born on February 14, 1936 in Salt Lake City, UT to George B. and Regena Roden. He was the eldest of five children. At the age of five, his family moved to Mar Vista, CA in the spring of 1941, with his father working at Douglas Aircraft Company. After attending K-5th grades and at the conclusion of WWII, the family returned to live in Draper, UT in July 1947. He attended Draper Jr. High and graduated from Jordan High School in 1954, he later attended BYU. Prior to serving as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Great Lakes Mission (1956-1958), he served in the US Army Reserve (1953-1961). He wed his beloved wife, Jolene Cox of Draper, on November 6, 1959 in the Salt Lake Temple.

He worked 35 years in the pharmaceutical sales industry, working in the Utah, Idaho and Wyoming territories. Ken served in several callings in his church, including Bishop of the Draper 5th Ward (1970-1976) and in two Stake Presidencies (1976-1989). He loved serving the youth and was very active in the Boy Scout program, earning the Silver Beaver award. He loved the mountains surrounding Draper and had climbed the summit of Lone Peak with his sons and brothers. He loved to fly fish in the small streams of the area and take his family on weeklong camping trips. Ken loved to garden as well as working in wood, making freestyle wooden toys and games.

Later in life, he had several heart issues that slowed him down and his family came to his aid, seeing that he received the best loving care. Ken had several friends with whom he enjoyed spending time. He spoke often of his beloved wife and missed her greatly as Jolene passed away of cancer in 2010. They are together again.

He is survived by his six children Robert L (Annette), Bruce L (Liisa), ReNae (Steve), Mark K (Lisa), LeAnn (Demian) and Daniel G (Bonnie), 21 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and his siblings: Janet, Steven (Dianne), Phyllis (Howard), Paul (Pat).

Viewings will be held Tuesday, January 11th, 6:00 PM-8:00 PM and Wednesday, January 12th, 9:45 AM-10:45 AM at the Corner Canyon Stake Center located at 13366 S. 1300 E., Draper, UT. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 12th at 11:00 AM in the same building. Interment will be at Larkin Sunset Gardens, Sandy, UT.