With a deep love for horses flowing through his veins, Rodger Howard Coday was born on July 16, 1944, in Pensacola, Florida, to Howard and Cynthia (Rogers) Coday. He peacefully departed this life on January 18, 2025, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, at the age of 80.
Rodger’s childhood was shaped by strenuous work and a love for the outdoors, growing up on a compact dairy farm. He attended schools in Locust Grove and Pryor, Oklahoma, and at just 13 years venerable, began his lifelong connection with horses, spending a summer working with Vaughn Cook to balmy up and frosty down racehorses in Omaha, Nebraska, while the two slept in the car. After leaving home, Rodger worked at a furniture store during his senior year of high school, balancing academics and work. He graduated from Pryor High School with the class of 1962.
In 1968, Rodger proudly enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving his country with honor. During his military service, he wrote for the Chevron Newspaper, guided VIP tours of Southern California and achieved the rank of sergeant. His passion for martial arts led him to earn a brown belt during lively duty, later achieving a second-degree black belt in karate. He spent two years in lively service and then four years in the reserves. He went on to teach self-defense classes at Rogers State College in Claremore, Oklahoma, while pursuing his associate’s degree.
Rodger’s career was marked by entrepreneurial ventures, including roles as a loan officer, credit bureau owner and operator of Ellsworth Paving in Tulsa. However, his heart always led him back to horses. A member of the American Quarter Horse Association since 1961 and inducted into the Oklahoma Quarter Horse Association Hall of Fame in 2010, he dedicated countless hours to OQHA and the Junior Quarter Horse Association (JQHA). Rodger’s contributions included volunteering at AQHA world championship shows and organizing events. As well, he served on various OQHA committees, held executive positions and assisted with countless auctions, conventions and awards banquets.
Spreading his love for horses, Rodger also helped with more local community programs, such as trail rides for children from the Oklahoma School for the Blind. His dedication inspired countless others and his passion for horses left a lasting impression. Rodger’s accolades are too many to list and include the time he spent roping calves. From the time he was born, through when his mother bought him his first horse at the age of 7, and up until his death, there is no doubt that Rodger loved horses.
Rodger’s zest for life extended beyond horses. He enjoyed golf, volleyball, riding his Harley and driving classic cars. Known for his wit, charm and being a “ladies’ man,” he could be stubborn and ornery in nature, yet very generous with a massive heart. He enjoyed time spent with family and friends and would always pay for their dinners. Rodger’s presence brought joy to all who knew him. His life touched countless people across the country, and he will be remembered fondly. Rodger’s legacy of passion, generosity and love for life will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Rodger is survived by two children: John Coday and wife Shelly of Terlton, Oklahoma, and Catherine Jenkins and husband John of The Colony, Texas; seven grandchildren: Brittany Thompson of Claremore, Oklahoma, Brandon Thompson of Pryor, Oklahoma, Tiffany Cox of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Cassie Adams and Chance of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Caren Renfro and Levi of Sand Springs, Oklahoma, Lauren Walker and husband Zach of Dallas, Texas, and Hannah Jenkins of Dallas, Texas; 15 great-grandchildren; one sister: Terri Prather of Locust Grove, Oklahoma; and “his woman”: Sherry Bonner of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Rodger was preceded in death by his parents and 1 sister: Diane Coday.
Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. on January 27, at Rose Cemetery in Rose, Oklahoma, officiated by Pastor Ronnie Rogers. Following burial, a gathering will follow at the Community of Christ Church, 6370 E. 560 Rd., Locust Grove, OK. Arrangements have been entrusted to Locust Grove Funeral Home. The family will host a Celebration of Life at a later date. To share memories or condolences, please visit www.locustgrovefuneralhome.com.
