Rodger Dale LaGard, 76, of La Porte, Indiana, passed away on December 24th, 2023, at Brickyard Healthcare-Terrace Care Center.

 

Rodger was born on March 17th, 1947, in Dallas, TX to Raymond and Meridel (McLane) LaGard.

 

On October 14th, 1972, in Mishawaka, IN, he married Carol LaGard, who survives. Also surviving are his 2 sons, Rodney (Tammy) LaGard of La Porte and Thomas (Amber) LaGard of Valparaiso; stepson, Joseph Smith of La Porte; grandchildren, Mackenzie and Mallorie LaGard of La Porte and Benjamin, Hudson, and Hazel LaGard of Valparaiso; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents;  sisters, Kathleen McMillian and Marilyn Humphreys; brothers, Raymond A. LaGard and Frank L. LaGard; and half-brothers, Charles Moore and Jerry Moore.

 

Rodger proudly served in the United States Navy, where he earned the ranking of QM3.

 

He was a truck driver and safety trainer at Praxair for many years.  Rodger was a past Commander for the American Legion Post #83, as well as a past Commander for VFW Post #1130.  He was a VVI Life Member, a member of 40 & 8 Voiture, and a past Door Village Lions Club Member.

 

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 04th, 2024, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center with VNA Chaplain Allen Wright officiating. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Patton Cemetery.

 

A time of visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday at the funeral home.

 

Memorial donations may be made to the family c/o Carol LaGard, 2900 Monroe Street, La Porte, IN 46350, or to the donor's choice.

 

Condolences may be shared with the family on www.cutlercares.com.