Melvin James "Butch" Rood

Mr. Melvin James “Butch” Rood, was born on March 21, 1943, to Marguerite King Rood and James Byron Rood, in Niagra Falls, New York, and died February 8, 2012, at his home in Deltona, Florida, surrounded by family and friends. Butch was the second of five children to Marguerite and James. Butch had an older sister, Margaret “Peggy”, and three younger brothers, John, Ronald “Ronnie”, and Robert “Robin/Bob”. Butch grew up in Michigan and spent his teen years in Hialeah, Florida, near Miami, before moving back to St Claire Shores Michigan in the 1960s.

Butch married Mary Ann Sweet and had two beautiful children, James “Jim” and Celina “Maria”. Butch spent a lot of time watching Jim and Maria participate in various sports, including football, baseball and softball. They took several vacations to Florida, spending time at the beach and Disney World.

Over the years Butch worked at Ford Motor Company, drove a semi-truck cross country, and spent his later years being a jack of all trades (and master of many). He knew just enough to be dangerous.

Denise and Butch knew each other for years. Their son, Jason, was born in July 1987. Denise finally managed to tie Butch down, and they were married in August of 1989, in Pontiac, Michigan. They moved to Florida a year later, and bought their home in Deltona in 1992.

Butch spent many years involved with Jason in Boy Scout Troop 312. He loved camping and spending time outdoors with his son and the boys in the troop. He began as a Committee member, was Assistant Scout Leader, and was a member of the brotherhood of the Order of the Arrow.

Butch has many beautiful grandchildren. Butch’s son, James, married his wife, Kathy, in August 1990. Butch was best man for his son at their wedding. Jim and Kathy have two children, James (age 19) and Aimee (age 17). Butch’s son and wife moved to Florida with their children to be closer to him in June of 2000, and bought the house across the street.

Butch’s daughter, Maria, has six children, with one on the way. Mercedes (age 21), Sarah (age 17), Seth (age 12), Tessa (age 11), Violet (age 8), and Eryka (a/k/a Melvin) (age 2), with baby Ulrich on the way. Maria lives in Michigan with her six children.

Butch’s son, Jason, is engaged to be married to Natalia Brickey. Natalia has a beautiful son, Tyler (age 5), they live just a few miles away in Deltona.

Butch had a love of antiques, and had an extensive collection of eagles. Butch was known to have a perpetual garage sale in both Michigan and Florida, and would pick up a “deal” wherever he went. If you needed it, he probably had three or four laying around somewhere. A garage was never meant for a vehicle in Butch’s eyes.

Friends may call on Sunday, February 12th from 2 - 3 pm at Deltona Memorial Funeral Home, 1295 Saxon Boulevard, Orange City, Florida, phone: 386-775-4260, where funeral services will immediately follow at 3:00 pm with Pastor Don Fields of the Fellowship Baptist Church officiating. There will be a pot-luck gathering at their home immediately following the service.