February 10th 1949 brought the birth of a new baby boy,
Bud and Dovie called him Rodger Dale, inspired by a cowboy named Roy.
Just six years old when Gunsmoke aired, little Rodger Dale at once was smitten,
He wanted to be like Marshall Dillon, then again, what little boy his age didn’t?
The likes of Paladin and James T. West, blazed the trail for this young buckaroo,
As Roy Rogers and Dale Evans strummed guitar and crooned, “Happy trails to you.”
“Hi-yo Silver away,” atop his fiery horse, the masked Lone Ranger shouts,
His trusty side-kick Tonto just ahead, as each trail for danger he scouts.
Rodger’s boyhood was filled with cowboys and Indians, ranchers, rustlers, and wranglers,
But a good cowboy welcomes anyone to the campfire; partners, drifters, even strangers.
The years were kind to Cowboy Rodger, as he traveled the trails of life,
God blessed him with 3 buckaroos of his own, when sweet Deanna became his wife.
He worked hard each day to earn a living; that was the “Cowboy Way.”
As hard as he worked, sunup to sundown, he always took time to pray.
Everyday would find him singing or whistling; he was sure to make you smile,
He had a great big heart, and list of fine qualities, that went on for country mile.
At times Life would try to get the drop on Rodger, but his draw was fast as lightening,
With a wink and smile, that’s all it would take and your day was sure to brighten.
He lovingly showed us the “ropes,” always “steering” us in the right direction,
At times he’d have to “corral” us, but we knew he had the best of intentions.
He had some rough rides and saddle sores, but loved the Lord first and foremost,
Jesus deputized Rodger one New Year’s Eve night, filling him with the Holy Ghost!
Liberty Vance, Hopalong Cassidy, the “Duke” – John Wayne himself,
The “Singing Cowboy” Gene Autry, now fond memories upon Life’s shelf.
In the distance I hear “Load ’em up, move ’em out, Rawhide!” and “Yippee-ki-yay!”
Just slogans of yesteryear’s cowboys that have all but faded away.
“Give me land, lots of land, under starry skies above…Don’t fence me in.”
God’s prepared a ranch the size of Texas, for our faithful father and friend.
With cowboy boots and Stetson hat, a six-gun strapped to his side,
The cowboy I called “Daddy” has taken his heavenly ride.
Cowboy Rodger has gone to his heavenly home, where the deer and the antelope play,
He’s up there with Papaw, ridin’ the range, where the skies are not cloudy all day.
“Some trails are happy trails and some trails are blue,”
It’s the way you ride the trail that counts,
There’s a happy one for you.
Happy trails to you…until we meet again. We love you Dad!
February 10, 1949 – August 7, 2008
(Written August 28, 2008)
Rodger's Rants, Writings, and Rambles 
This is truly amazing!
Some one truly loved their Father.
He had to be A Model Dad, and I know HE was.
This is more than a poem.
This is a loving Eulogy, about a very deserving FATHER.
Congratulation! Roger Dale Mangold-11.Any one would be proud Of A SON like you!
Ola Denny.
Oh my! What a fine tribute to your dad. I’m glad you’re writing it out. You will not only bless yourself and your family – but you’ll bless countless others who never had a chance to meet your dad down here. Doubtless, they’ll recognize him at once when they meet him over there! Got a feeling at least one of his “crowns” will be in the shape of a Stetson!
You are much beloved in the family of God.
Sis. mjk
Rodger,
Terry,Me,your Dad and Uncle Mike made quite a cowboy bunch. A stick became a racing steed. Any piece of cloth big enough made a bandana. Straw hats from Freds dollar store in Hayti became the hatwear of fashion. Anything resembling a sixshooter was our weapon of choice and Mangolds grove became the “Bootheel” for many a outlaw that dared to come on our range. I will miss hearing Crazy Gugenhiemer and all the great memories we four made together. Mostly I will miss hearing his booming voice say “Hey D-Bo ! How ya doin?” I loved him. Our love to your family.
Dennis
Ohhh, how wonderful! I also remember watching those tv shows, alone with Sky King, Zorro, Groucho Marx, The Hit Parade, etc……
Those bring back lots of memories (missing my dad also), thank you for sharing!!!!!!!!
Love and prayers,
The Ledbetter Family
RODG……THROUGH MY TEARS I READ THIS…KNOWING ALL THE “COWBOYS” YOU MENTIONED. I NEVER MET YOUR DAD, BUT KNOWING YOU, I KNOW THE KIND OF MAN HE WAS AND THE KIND OF MAN HIS SON TURNED OUT TO BE……I AM VERY PROUD TO HAVE YOU AS MY FRIEND…PRAYERS AND LOVE, KATHY XOOXOXXOX
Dear Rodger:
You don’t know me but I have some very special friends that are related to
you. Carl & Ola Denny and their children and grandchildren.
The poem that you wrote eulogizing your father is the best I have ever read.
There is no words to tell you that it will get easier as time goes by. It doesn’t. I still miss my father and mother so very much. As I get older, it seems that there are more and more people that I miss. That is life. But, we have the peace of knowing that one day we will see them again.
I really appreciate what you have done.
Connie Rogers
Dale…I wouldn’t have expected anything less than a poem like this from you for your dad. Time has gone so fast – now almost a month ago – but still so shocking. We pray for you and the family often, knowing you especially must feel the greatest burden as the next “Senior Mangold” man. Your load must be great. God give you what you need in the months and years ahead.
Much Love, Aim
p.s. Do you think he’s dressed like a clown and making Tommy Lee laugh??
Dalre`…
Today I went back to the place where we use to go in my mind of years gone by and think on the goodness of Jesus for all He has done for me. Then, You come to mind. Don’t you know we will have a time up Yonder. If God never does another thing for me it would be alright. He gave me a wonderful husband of almost 40 yrs of marriage I would say out of the 40 (soon to be) I cannot remember anything that I disliked about him other than he wouldn’t put himself 1st. Your dad was the “Real Deal”, he loved our family more than he loved himself. Thank you for following the path that the Lord took you on to write this memorable tribute in his honor.
Love you very much, son.
Madre` :)
Thank you to everyone that has written such nice things about my father. I will cherish your words and his memories for a lifetime to come. God bless you and thanks again to each of you for your prayers and sympathy. God bless, Rodger Dale II
Beautiful tribute to your father Rodger. So sorry to hear of his passing. He’ll communicate with you in small synchronicities if you pay attention. We’ve posted a few more things on the blog if you want to stop by again. Be very kind to yourself in this transition. Grief has her own lessons and they are profound. Best wishes, Melinda
It is obvious that you think of your father more than anyone can imagine. Your heartfelt words of this poem is precious. I too, cannot stop thinking about your dad everyday– several times a day. It’s almost been a month and I can be doing my job and instantly think about him and what a wonderful person and friend he was. As your mom and I read notes from people your father had dealt with as customers of Greens for 20 and 30 years, people that did not have to take the time to write these wonderful words to help your family. He was such a well liked guy. Not only was he a nice guy, he was a talented person–just like you Rodger Dale. Think of the hertiage you have of the Mangolds, McCool’s, Parent’s, & Harris’s. There’s a wonderful gift in that lineage. You kids are blessed with so much talent because of that family tree & God. I’m so proud of you and your call from God to be the preacher he intended you to be. Following the true call of God, will continue to keep you and your precious family under the BLOOD. We count it a privelage to be in that family too. We love you! Love, Auntie & Uncle David
NOTHING TOUCHES MY HEART LIKE A WELL WRITEN POEM.
ROGER I HAVE BEEN A POET FOR AS LONG AS I CAN REMEMBER, I AM NOW SEVENTY SIX, AND MY HAND IS GETTING SHAKEY
I NOW PLACE MY PEN INTO YOUR HAND
LET IT FOREVER FLOW JUST AS IT HAS IN YOUR POEM ABOUT MY FAVORITE NEPHEW.GOD BLESS YOU AND GOD BLESS DEANNA I AM SO GLAD WE ARE KIN FOLKS. UNCLE DON
Rodger, we knew you dad for about 20 years from the westland days. I still can’t believe hes gone. He will live on at my house in many of the pictures he framed for me. And the fun memories I have from all those years of being the family seamstress and all those pant repairs! He was a top notch human being. Love and peace to your family, Sue and Jason
I will miss my Uncle Dodge and all of his jokes, but most of all that wonderful song he sang about the “Old rejected relic”. What a wonderful tribute to him, he is surely blazing some trails up there.
What an awesome and fitting poem, I got teary reading it, both sad and laughing tears. I think about U.R. every day as I pass by my varsity lettet that he framed for me. I am sad that he is gone, but then instantly laugh because of the way he was. I will miss him. We are praying for you guys.
perfectly written. The same passion you shared with your father, is the passion you share with your heavenly father. It shows in your leadership, your praise, and your friendships(with someone like me). Love you bud.
What a fitting tribute to your dad.I miss his smiles and laughter.A great elder and I will miss his e-mails.Lord bless you and all the family. Sister Vicky W.
RODGER, YOUR DAD WAS OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER, WE LEARNED ALOT ABOUT THE BIBLE FROM HIM. HE PLANNED ALOT OF FUN ACTIVITYS FOR HIS SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS. WE WILL MISS HIM VERY MUCH. YOU WHERE VERY LUCKY TO HAVE HIM FOR YOUR DAD. GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY.
BRITTANY AND MITCHELL
Rodger, this is a awesome tribute to your dad. he was a wonderful man of God. We all have learned alot from your dad about serving the Lord. he was the real deal. we will miss his smiles, jokes, and e-mails.and the apple’s don’t fall to far from the tree. god bless. we are praying for your family. MIKE AND LINDA
Thanks to everyone that has left comments on this poem. Your kind words encourage me during the most difficult time of my life. Blessings to you all!