David Lane Roden

David Lane Roden of Enterprise, AL died peacefully in the company of his daughters on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, of flu-related complications. He was 71.

Born in the flat, endless horizons of west Texas, David grew up in Plainview and Kress, with extended stays in Morris, OK - a place he cherished deeply all of his life. Easily swayed by his mischievous brothers and cousins, he often found himself in the typical boyhood troubles of ruining brand-new boots in the mud or being discovered with a small stash of tobacco. He was a creative child and designed an iteration of his high school mascot, the Kress Kangaroo. David also loved music, specifically the band The Turtles. He enjoyed strumming along on a guitar and was an amazing whistler. He had a distinct knack for inventing song parodies out of thin air, a talent which he passed along to his children.

Eventually David landed in south Alabama, working as a stenographer for the state Court Systems through the 1980s and 90s. He fell in love quickly and often, thus was constantly in euphoric joy and devastating heartbreak. His housekeeping skills were an abomination, but he had a soft spot for his kids and was easily manipulated into giving them their hearts’ desires - a letterman jacket in elementary school, cassette tapes with explicit lyrics, the hottest new Transformer toy. Eternally a dreamer, David made space for his kids’ best and worst ideas. He showed them that you can paint a rental house in multiple colors to your liking and drive whatever outdated car you love. Anything was possible with a bit of elbow grease.

Life dramatically changed for David following a terrible car accident in 1999. He suffered multiple traumatic brain injuries and was not expected to survive. Still, he carried on for another 27 years, living in multiple care facilities in Arkansas, Florida and Alabama. Though the early years of his care were difficult on David and his family, his later years were joy-filled. He often carried a big smile and warm greetings for caregivers and other residents, alike - particularly when cheeseburgers and Dr. Peppers were involved. The family wishes to extend our deepest gratitude for the dozens of caregivers who supported David and us along this journey. You made life possible for us! We also want to give deep thanks to Hunan Chinese Restaurant in Enterprise for being THE PLACE for nourishment, family time and great memories.

David was preceded in death by his parents Hugh and Inez Roden as well as his beloved uncle Floyd Sharp and cousin Denise Robinson. He is survived by his children, Alicia Roden (Matt), Amanda Roden, Melonie Burton (Justin), and Rheanna Roden; his grandchildren, Layne, Leighton and Eva Grace; his brothers, Denver and Dana (Brenda), and a plethora of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, plus his tremendously kind roommate, Mr. Dewey.

In lieu of a public service, David’s children will inter his remains into a set of bowling balls so that they can take their father bowling again as a family - it was one of his favorite and long-missed hobbies.