of Mountain Home, AR
February 3, 1947 - April 20, 2024
Richard Rodney ''Rod'' Soubers was born February 3, 1947 in Yakima, Washington. He passed on to the spiritual world on April 20, 2024.
Rod was preceded in death by his father and mother, Clifford and Ola; two brothers, Clifford Jr. and Henry and a sister, Caroline Marie.
He is known to be survived by cousins, Joyce (Soubers) Wagner Schwindt and Clara (Soubers) Butler. Rod never married and had no children.
He retired from the National Archives in 2006 and moved from Washington, DC to Mountain Home, AR. Here he became active in the Baxter County Historical Society and the Baxter County Republican Committee. He served as Archivist for the Historical Society and as chairman of the BCRC for many years. He was instrumental in turning Baxter County red in 2012. Rod interrupted his college education with two tours of duty in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne ''Screaming Eagles''. In April 1970 the Screaming Eagles engaged the Viet Cong in the last major battle of the Vietnam War. This engagement was covered in detail in the book ''Ripcord''. Rod earned numerous medals for exemplary actions during that battle. After discharge from the Army, Rod finished his bachelor's degree in history and then went on to get his masters in Archival Service. His first job after graduation was as curator at the Eisenhower Presidential Library in Abilene, KS. He then went on to help set-up and open the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California. During the planning and establishment of the Reagan Library, Rod worked directly with President Reagan, which he greatly enjoyed. In the final years of Rods career with the National Archives he was loaned to the National Security Council (NSC). This part of his life he could not, would not, talk about. ''Classified Top Secret''.
From the family, friends and the world, Rod will be missed.
Visitation for Mr. Soubers will be Monday, April 29, 2024 from 12 noon until 2:00 PM; Funeral Service will begin following visitation at 2:00 PM. All services are in the Chapel of Roller Funeral Home of Mountain Home. Burial will follow in Baxter Memorial Gardens.
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5 Condolence(s)
James Cassedy
Monday, November 11, 2024
Just heard this sad news today- appropriately, Veterans Day. I worked with Rod at the National Archives in the old Suitland Branch, Suitland, MD. I was new to the Archives then, and I remember Rod as an outstanding mentor. He, my wife Karen and I also enjoyed more than one meal at `Tony Chan´s Mongolian Barbecue.´ He was a stalwart fellow, and as noted, a Veteran. I honor his Service. RIP, Friend and Mentor.
Doyle Webb
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Words alone can not express my respect for Rod as an American Public Servant and Patriot! His leadership as the Chairman of the Baxter County Republican Committee will never be matched. He lead the committee at a critical time in Baxter County’s and Arkansas’ history as Baxter County and Arkansas became solidly Republican Red for the first time in over 140 years! Rod’s attention to detail and work ethic made all the difference! The Founding Fathers surely crowed around him as he entered the Gates of Heaven!
Well Done Good and Faithful Servant!
Enjoy your well deserved rest!
Doyle Webb
Republican Party of Arkansas
Chairman 2008-2020
Chairman Emeritus
Martha E White Lee
Sunday, April 28, 2024
The condolence message from Maryanne Edge says exactly how Rod will be remembered for me. He was a great blessing for the Historical Society.
Mike and Dianna Roller
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
Rod was such an asset to his community. He was dedicated to service to the organizations he was involved with. He will be greatly missed. He was a very generous man. Rest in Peace.
Sincerely,
Mike and Dianna Roller
Maryanne Edge
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
Rod will always be remembered for his kindness and generosity toward so many people and organizations. The Historical Society wouldn't be what it is today if it hadn't been for Rod and he will be greatly missed. RIP Rod and thank you for everything.