Rodger Dale Paoni Jr., 52, of Springfield, passed away on Friday, April 10, 2026.
Rodger, known to many throughout his life simply as “Junior,” was born on Sept. 18, 1973, to Lynell Ayers and Rodger Paoni Sr., in Springfield, Illinois. Rodger married Kristy and she survives.
Also surviving are his stepson, Jayson; daughters, Kendra, Cerria, Kaylee, Valerie, Madison, and Brooke; 13 cherished grandchildren; mother; and siblings, Kim, Richard, Amy, Amanda, Brandon, Chantel, and Clinton. He was preceded in death by his father.
Rodger grew up in Springfield near Riverside Park, where he spent his childhood roaming the woods and creating memories. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend whose quiet strength and generous spirit left a mark on everyone who knew him.
He built much of his working career through Labor Union 477 in Springfield, where he was known as a dependable and skilled laborer. He also spent time working as a laborer in Missouri before returning to Springfield, where for the last three years of his life he served as maintenance man and lodge supervisor at Inner City Mission. At ICM, Rodger changed tires, fixed cars, painted rooms, mowed lawns and shoveled sidewalks, all with a humble and cheerful spirit that made everyone around him feel cared for.
Outside of work, Rodger was a man of many passions. He was a proud shade-tree mechanic who could diagnose a problem by sound alone. He collected and restored bicycles, scrapped metal, and had a deep love for collectibles – coins, marbles, and whatever other treasures caught his eye. He was the kind of man who found value in things others overlooked.
Faith in Jesus grew increasingly central to Rodger’s life in his final years. On Feb. 6, 2026, he was baptized at Real Life Church in Springfield – a moment of profound joy for him and for all who witnessed it. He believed in Jesus and lived that belief out in the way he treated people: with generosity, love and grace.
He was the kind of family man who kept his girls’ cars running and his wife’s cup filled with ice. The kind of grandfather who always had a Hot Wheels car ready to press into a little one’s hand. The kind of friend you could count on without question. He will be deeply and lastingly missed.
Visitation will be held Friday, April 24, from 10-11:30 a.m. and a funeral service will follow at 11:30 a.m. at Real Life Church in Springfield, Illinois. Caleb Payne will officiate. Burial will be in Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery, Springfield.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes gifts to help cover funeral expenses.
