Rodney Ayes Boudreaux

Rodney Ayes Boudreaux, age 94, passed away peacefully on April 13, 2025, in West Hills, California. A devoted husband, father, and pioneer in aerospace engineering, Rodney's life was marked by a deep commitment to science, family, music, and a well-timed joke.

Born on December 26, 1930, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Rodney grew up surrounded by the vibrant culture of the Crescent City-a place that would forever shape his love for Dixieland Jazz and fresh seafood. His academic journey began at Loyola University of the South, where he earned a B.S. in Physics. He continued his studies at Louisiana State University with an M.S. in Physics. Driven by an insatiable curiosity and passion for flight and exploration, Rodney pursued further education at the University of Cincinnati, earning both an M.S. and PhD in Aerospace Engineering. He was the first person awarded a PhD in the field of Aerospace from UC. He was awarded the University of Cincinnati Distinguished Alumnus of the year in 1988. He also was awarded the San Fernando Valley Engineer of the year in 1987. He retired as Sr. Vice President of Test and Engineering for Rocketdyne Corp. in 1989.

Rodney proudly served as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. His military service reflected his lifelong dedication to public service and technological advancement.

Rodney's professional career was defined by his work in space exploration-a field he cherished deeply. He had critical contributions to some of the most iconic programs in American aerospace history, including The Apollo programs, The Lunar Orbiter and the Space Shuttles. His work left an indelible mark on the scientific community and helped propel humanity into new frontiers.

Rod often wondered how to get his kids out of the city and keep his sanity with his intense aerospace job. In 1973, the family spent a summer vacation in Sequoia National Park. On an afternoon drive, with a car full of kids and a blown radiator hose-they found themselves stranded on private land. An old man on a tractor offered them cold water from his well instead of scolding them for trespassing. That moment sparked what became their cherished years as "LA Farmers," embracing rural weekend life on a walnut farm with enthusiasm.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Rodney was a man of many passions. For over seventy years he played the trumpet with joy and vigor until his upper lip could no longer withstand the pressure-his love for Dixieland Jazz never waned. He also had a legendary sense of humor that brought laughter to those around him.

Rodney had an enduring love for Louisiana cuisine-especially crawfish-and made annual pilgrimages back home to indulge in its culinary delights.

He was preceded in death by Jeanne, his beloved first wife, as well as his parents Frank and Helen. He is survived by his adored second wife Gail and her sons Mark Clark and Robert Wayne Clark; his adult children Dan (Marilyn), Linda (Ron), David, Michael, and Steven (Correen). Grandchildren; Katherine (Patrick), Christina (Joshua) and Daniel, Brandon (Amy), Garrett (Sacha), Zachary (Angelica), Courtney and Dylan. Great-grandchildren Katelyn, Sean, Abigail, Nicole, Judah, Francesca, Levi, Leia, Danny & Jake; and all those whose lives were enriched by knowing him.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Crawford Lorenzen Mortuary located at 8717 Tampa Avenue in Northridge, California 91324. Burial will follow immediately after at Oakwood Memorial Park at 22601 Lassen Street in Chatsworth, California 91311.

Rodney Ayes Boudreaux lived a life filled with purpose-exploring space above while staying grounded through music, family traditions, and laughter here on Earth. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him.