Rodney Naucke

Rodney Ernest Naucke was born December 27, 1930 in Herculaneum, Missouri and died peacefully January 3, 2026 in Fort Smith, Arkansas one week to the day of celebrating his 95th birthday. He was preceded in death by his cherished wife Sally of 72 years, parents William and Rebecca Ann Byington Naucke, brothers William “Bee” Naucke, Fred “Babe” Naucke, sisters Ruth Hagen, Norma Blakemore, Mary Ann “Deet” Osborne, and son-in-law Larry Evans.

Rod grew up in the Methodist Church and attended Herculaneum Public Schools and graduated with the class of 1948. He played football for the Black Cats and was active in the drama club. After graduating high school, he moved to Fort Smith, Arkansas to live with his sister and brother-in-law Dr. Jim and Norma Blakemore where he attended Fort Smith Junior College and studied business administration. He married classmate Sally Crampton in 1950. He joined his father-in-law at Dale Crampton Roofing and Sheet Metal Company at it’s inception in 1952 where he had a long career in commercial construction and retired as President. He was a member of the Midwest Roofing Contractors Association and served as President in 1983. He and Sally made many lifelong friends through their travels and association with the organization.

As a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and friend, he will be remembered for his warmth, generosity of spirit, and display of gratitude to one and all. He was a whistler and singer of tunes, a daily habit that his caregivers noted affectionately.

Rod and Sally were lifetime members of Central Presbyterian Church where they raised their seven children. Rod and Sally served as youth group leaders, he was a deacon, elder, and served on the building and grounds committee. Late in life, they stayed actively involved by assisting with the weekly counting of worship service offerings.

Rod’s love of both golf and the outdoors began in his childhood in Missouri. He and his brother “Babe” caddied at the Joachim Golf Course for a quarter and a coke. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed annual elk and deer hunting trips to Colorado as well as fishing anywhere he could “wet a line”. Rod was a proud member of the Lunkers and Liars Club and shared many fishing trips with brothers, brothers-in- law, and friends, but was never more enthused than when he was sharing those experiences with his children, grandchildren, and great grands. Picnics, hikes, and a drive to look at the fall leaves were frequent family outings and annual July 4th celebrations at “Slick Rock” with fireworks and Big Red hold fond memories for family members and friends. He loved a good road trip and completed exploring every state in the United States with his last fishing trip to Alaska. He cherished his adventures, always with his bride Sally by his side as his map reader and travel companion. He had a love for the west and made many trips to Colorado, Yellowstone, the Tetons, Glacier National Park, Canada, Lake Louise and Banff.

All the way to the very end of their marriage, Rod and Sally continued to have coke dates on the front porch. He continued to sing to to his loved ones, I love you a Bushel and a Peck and a Hug Around the Neck. Rod lived to the fullest and was never happier than when surrounded by his family and loved ones in front of a wood burning fireplace. His memory will live on in the stories retold, the laughter shared, and the love that endures in the hearts of all who shared time with him and his beloved Sally.

Rod is survived by his five daughters, Rebecca (Becky)Naucke Evans of Fort Smith, Nancy Naucke of Atlanta, Georgia, Jane Naucke Corley of Little Rock, Sally H. Naucke of Fort Smith, and Jill Naucke Weindel and husband Mike of Fort Smith. Two sons, Rodney D. (Buz) Naucke, and Fred Naucke and wife Monica of Fort Smith. Eight grandchildren , Ellen Evans Selby and husband Shane, Preston Evans, Harris Corley, Jackman Corley, Bliss Corley Mosser and husband Nic, Dr. Alexandra Weindel and fiancé Eric Quiroz, Bennett Weindel, and Griffin Weindel. Five great grandchildren, Miles Selby, Caroline Selby, Finley Selby, Ames Mosser, and

Ernest Mosser. Sister- in- law Elizabeth (Cissy) and husband Carl Rose along with many loved nieces and nephews.

The family would like to recognize and express much gratitude for caregivers Bruce, Cassandra, Diane, Jazmin, Melanie, Debbie and Annette for their compassionate and loving care over the past few years and special friend Vicki who helped in the home for many many years. We would also like to acknowledge and extend our gratitude to Mercy Hospital, Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital, Brooken Hill Health and Rehab, Area Agency on Aging, Dr. Joshua Clark, and Dr. Loyo.

Stateroom hours will be Friday January 9th 8:00am-5:00pm, January 10th and 11th 9:00am-1:00pm at Edwards Funeral Home.

A private family burial is scheduled for Monday, January 12th at Oak Cemetery with a 2:00pm Celebration of Life Service at Roebuck Chapel, First United Methodist Church of Fort Smith, Arkansas. Following the service there will be visitation for family and friends in the Narthex.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Rodney and Sally Naucke Endowment, University of Arkansas Fort Smith Scholarship Foundation, P.O. Box 3649 Fort Smith, AR 72913 or The Fort Smith Boys and Girls Club, 4905 North O Street, Fort Smith, AR 72904 or fsbgc.org