Roger Cardon Sr Neddo

MALTA - Our loving father and grandfather, Roger Cardon Neddo, Sr., 88, of Malta, returned to his Heavenly home on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2015. He was living nearby family members when he passed away in South Jordan, Utah.

Roger was born in Malta, Idaho, on the 20th of September 1926, to George Willard Neddo and Nellie Cardon Neddo. He attended Malta Elementary School and graduated from Raft River High School in 1944 while working on their family farm. Shortly after graduating, and with World War II underway, Roger enlisted in the United States Navy as a Machinist Mate, stationed in Norman, Oklahoma. Roger always desired to fly, and was accepted into the Navy V-5 program as a Naval Aviation Cadet. He completed schooling at Kansas State College and Dartmouth College, and was to enter flight school when the war ended. Later, he soloed in light aircraft.

Following WWII, Roger returned to Malta and started his own farm by leveling and plowing sagebrush land purchased from the BLM. This farm, eventually expanding to 340 acres, would serve as the Neddo family homestead for the next 65 years.

Called in 1948, Roger served for two years in the Eastern States Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. While there, he enjoyed acting and narrating in the Palmyra Pageant. Among other converts, he met, taught, and baptized a beautiful young woman, Josephine Randazzo, of Reading, Pennsylvania. Upon completing his honorable LDS mission, Roger returned to his farm in Malta, but his heart was still in Pennsylvania. He returned to Reading and married Josephine Randazzo in Philadelphia on Oct. 27, 1951. They were later sealed in the Salt Lake LDS Temple.

Roger and Jo spent the next 60 years farming and raising their family in Malta, Idaho. Additionally, Roger established an earthmoving business, Neddo Contracting, that thrived until he retired in his early 80s. Family always came first to Roger. His wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren always knew how much he loved them.

Roger is remembered for his service, honesty, industry, quality workmanship, and caring demeanor. He loved to read history and biographies and developed a strong vocabulary. He served valiantly as Sunday School teacher and superintendent, Scoutmaster, home teacher, and as a high councilor. Roger employed many Malta residents over the years in his farming, well drilling, and earth moving businesses. In addition to learning work skills, Malta youth learned many valuable life lessons in his employ. He emphasized doing one’s best in education, service, work, and righteous living. He was active in community service, including using his earth moving equipment and skill in school site preparation and land fills.

Roger is survived by his children, Roger (Jana) Neddo Jr., Gina (Mart) Griffin, and Guy (Trudy) Neddo; one brother, Phillip Neddo of Phoenix, Ariz., a sister, Virginia (Norris) Cooley of Providence, Utah; ten grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; two brothers, George Willard, Jr. and Gregory Wallace Neddo; his sister, Annell Neddo (Ray) Kempton; and grandsons, Charles and David Neddo.

The funeral will be held at noon Saturday, Aug. 15, at the Malta LDS Church with Bishop Richard Hall officiating. Burial will be in the Valley Vu Cemetery in Malta.

A viewing for family and friends will be held from 10 until 11:40 a.m. prior to the service.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Rasmussen Funeral Home of Burley.