John Gilbert Roeder, Jr., 72, died Monday, March 9th, 2026.

He was born in Madison, Indiana on November 23, 1953 to John G. Roeder and Nyla (Brown) Roeder. He married the love of his life, Janice Roeder, on October 2, 1987. He graduated from Rising Sun High School in 1972 and attended Indiana State University where he obtained his Bachelor of Education. He then obtained a Masters of Education from Ball State University and an Education Specialist Degree from Indiana University. He began his teaching career at Northern Wells Community Schools in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and then went on to teach science at Rising Sun-Ohio County School Corporation where he enjoyed coaching track and field. He made a tremendous impact on many of the athletes he coached. He then spent eight years as the principal of Sunman Elementary, which was a role that he particularly loved. Thereafter, he served as assistant Superintendent at Sunman-Dearborn Community Schools for three years and then Superintendent for nine additional years. He was deeply loved and respected by many of the teachers, staff, coaches, and administrators everywhere he worked. His greatest pride was being a father and grandfather. No matter how busy he was, his top priority was always his family. He never missed a grandchild’s activity, both near and far. 

He is survived by Janice Roeder, Amanda Maxam (Jeff), Sam Hautman, Kimberly Hughes (Sam), and by his beloved grandchildren Trent Maxam, Eli Maxam, Adelyn Maxam, Jake Maxam, James Hautman, Lillian Hughes, Gwyneth (Winnie) Hughes, and Margaret (Maggie) Hughes. He is also survived by his beloved brother and sister-in-law Joe and Jenny Roeder, and by his nephew and niece, Branden (Tara) and Danielle (John) Hoeweler.  He enjoyed boating, fishing in Canada and on the Great Lakes, vacationing with his family, but his greatest joy was watching his children and grandchildren grow.

Memorial contributions can be made to John G. Roeder, Sr. Library Enrichment Fund c/o Ohio County Community Foundation, or to the John G. Roeder, Jr. Track and Field Scholarship to benefit track athletes at East Central High School.

Visitation will be Friday, March 13th  from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. followed by a 6:00 p.m. memorial service at Markland Funeral Home, 327 High St. Rising Sun, IN 47040

Family and friends are also encouraged to attend a graveside memorial service on Saturday, March 14th 11am at Rose Hill Cemetery 171 S. Mason Montgomery Road Mason, OH 45040.