Cloudy, 48° F
(Sept. 25, 1957 - Sept. 10, 2012)
Rodney Dean Paris, 54, of Cody died of an accidental cause Sept. 10, 2012.
Rod was born Sept. 25, 1957, to Walter and Rose Ellen Paris in Missoula, Mont. During his childhood he enjoyed outdoor recreation, sports and church activities.
Rod excelled in music and became the top trumpeter in the Montana State High School music program. In his early adult years, Rod became a journeyman baker.
After settling in Billings, Rod married his sweetheart Donna Trumps. Together they established Rod’s Big Sky Bakery. Rod and Donna were always active in church music programs. Rod also coached children’s sports programs at the Billings YMCA.
In 2002 the Paris family moved to Cody. Together with their children they are well-known musicians throughout Cody Country.
Church activities, physical fitness and outdoor recreation remained his passions. He also became a certified farrier and equine dentist.
Rod provided fine baked goods at farmers’ markets in Cody, Powell and Billings. He loved cooking and traveled Wyoming, Utah and Montana cooking for special church events.
Rod leaves a legacy as a caring, thoughtful family man and friend with an influential spirit. After losing his ability to sing and speak, he used his diverse musical talent to voice his religious testimony.
Rod is survived by his wife Donna; children Desta Paris, Zach (Janelle) Paris, Denae (Michael) Thomas; mother Rose Ellen Paris, brothers Gregory (Anna) Paris, Allen (Renae) Paris and Jeff (Tammy) Paris; step-mother Mildred Paris; grandchildren J.J. Erwin and Daisha Thomas, along with countless nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles who will miss him dearly.
Rod was preceded in death by his father Sept. 2, 2011.
Visitation will be 6-7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 14 at Ballard Funeral Home. Services will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 15, at Ballard Funeral Home.
Memorial gifts may be made to the Rod Paris Memorial Fund at Big Horn Federal Bank.
An online memorial is available at ballardfh.com.
