Rodger was born on September 25, 1942 to Mr. and Mrs. Charles and Mildred Ebert in Chicago, Illinois.
Rodger Ebert was an Air Force Pilot for 20 years before retiring in January of 1985. In 1964, he graduated from The Citadel. He also received his Master’s Degree in Psychology while he was stationed in Europe. Rodger was an avid, lifetime Pittsburgh Steelers fan; even taking the Steelers Cruise for the last two years. Recently he came to love hockey and was a fan of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Rodger loved traveling, especially the freedom of being on a cruise ship on his scooter. He loved his dogs, and was known to have four Old English Sheepdogs residing with him at one time with his wife and family. Rodger recently added a new rescue to his family, Shadow. He loved classic rock, especially Stevie Nicks and Meatloaf. He was devoted to his family and his country.
While in the Air Force, he received the following medals, awards and ribbons: Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon with One Oak Leaf Cluster, Combat Readiness Medal with Two Oak Leaf Clusters, AF Longevity Service Award Ribbon with Three Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Four Oak Leaf Clusters, AF Presidential Unit Citation, AF Outstanding Award with Two Oak Leaf Clusters, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, AF Good Conduct Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with Five Oak Leaf Clusters, AF Commendation Medal.
Survivors include loving wife of 20 years; Barbara (Richards); daughters, Shannon Ebert of Austin, Texas and Dawn (Jim) Olsen of Port Saint Lucie, Florida; sons, Sean (Tana) Garaux of Canton, Ohio and Doug (Beth) Garaux of Hartville, Ohio; grandchildren, Rachel Olsen of Pittsburgh, PA, Brandon Geis, Zach (Sara) Olsen of Belle Vernon, PA, Michael Olsen of Omaha, NB Codey (Mariah) Garaux, Tyler (Courtney) Garaux, Nicholette Garaux, Evan Ebert, Zion Garaux, Dalton Ebert, Julia and Mycah Garaux; great-grandchildren, Kekoa and Levon Garaux; brother, Richard (Betty) Ebert; niece, Lori (Mike) Ebert-Tyworth and their children, Andrew and Katie, and many other family and friends. He was preceded by his sons, Sean and Doug Ebert.
As per Rodger's request, there will be no service. At a later date, his ashes will be buried in the Veterans Cemetery in Ohio. He wishes everyone have a toast as a celebration to his life. If you would like to make a contribution to an Animal Rescue in your area, please do so in his name. In Canton it would be DJ's Paws Rescue or the Stark County Humane Society.
The family requests, if friends and/or family wish to send sympathy cards or gifts please send them to the following address: 4501 SW Scope Street Port Saint Lucie, Florida 34953.