Charles “Charlie” Franklin Roden, 71, of Camdenton, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at Lower Keys Medical Center in Key West, Fla.
Charlie was born on June 15, 1954, in Lewisburg, Tenn., to Charles Richard Roden and Vivian L. (Gudger) Roden. He graduated from Montgomery County R-II High School in 1972.
In December of 1972, Charlie and the love of his life, Judith Dianne House, left the country during one of Missouri’s worst ice storms to elope in a love story for the ages. Charlie and Judith were 18 and 16, respectively. On December 15, 1972, in Mexico, Judy and Charlie vowed to love one another until death parted them — a promise they faithfully kept for 53 beautiful years.
Charlie was an adventurous spirit from the very beginning. His love for speed carried him from racing motorcycles and flat track bikes to go-karts with his brother, Clint Roden, and eventually to sprint cars. About 18 years ago, Charlie discovered a new kind of thrill — sailing. Something about moving with the wind rather than racing against it spoke to him, and it became another great passion in his life.
Together, Charlie and Judy built two homes in Montgomery City and established several local businesses. While serving with the Montgomery County Sheriff Reserve, Charlie opened M & R Express and Charlie's Quick Change, which he later sold and it became Frank's Quick Change. Charlie had a true entrepreneurial spirit — he loved building businesses from the ground up, nurturing them to success, selling them and moving on to his next great adventure.
After selling their Montgomery property, Charlie and Judy purchased a fifth wheel and spent four years traveling the country together. Eventually, they settled on 18 beautiful acres in Camdenton near Lake of the Ozarks, a place they were proud to call home.
It wasn’t long before Charlie’s entrepreneurial drive resurfaced. In Osage Beach, he founded Caddy Shack Golf Carts, which he proudly operated until his retirement in November 2025.
Charlie had a lifelong passion for fishing, spending countless hours casting lines in Missouri waters with his brother. Later, he carried that passion to his slice of paradise in Key West, where he fished the open ocean. His love for the sea led him to earn his captain’s license in 2018, allowing him to pilot charter boats and share his joy of fishing with others.
Charlie will be remembered for his fearless pursuit of adventure, his boundless entrepreneurial spirit, his deep love for family and the unwavering devotion he showed to Judy throughout their 53 years of marriage. He lived life boldly, loved fiercely and left behind a legacy of courage, independence and enduring love.
He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Charlie is survived by his loving wife, Judith Dianne Roden, of the home; children, Chelle (Bryan) Hunter of Camdenton and Richie (Missi) Roden of St. Louis; grandchildren, Kylee (Santana) Williams of Kansas City, Ashlee Hunter of Lake Ozark, Haylee (Robert) Martinez of Osage Beach, Joe (Liz) Hunter of Grand Blanc, Mich., Kaitee Hunter of Camdenton, Lexee Hunter of Lake Ozark, Julee Hunter of Camdenton, Lily Roden of St. Louis and Penny Roden of St. Louis; great-grandchildren, Cruz Williams, Kelso Williams and Milo Martinez; and siblings, Susie Keithley of Wellsville and Clint (Kathy) Roden of Montgomery City.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Vivian Roden; his grandmother, Mae Belle Roden; and his nephew, Jeff Wimmer.
