Rodney Paul Backer, 43, of Williams passed away suddenly of a heart failure. He was born June 1, 1967 in Charles City, Iowa to Gary and Connie Backer.

As an infant they moved to Arizona where he graduated from Phoenix Christian High School, Class of 1985. He served in the U.S. Army's 13th Multiple Launch Rocket Systems Crew until 1989. He then served in the Arizona National Guard Service Battery 1/180th Field Artillery Battalion. He attended NAU and then earned a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Information Systems from Devry University. Since 1995, he worked at Camp Navajo as a Rocket Motor Technician and then a Transportation Specialist.



Rodney enjoyed brewing beer, ballroom dancing, learning, especially physics and sciences related to sustainable living, and catching a Phoenix Suns Basketball game.



He is survived by his wife Jeannie, parents Gary and Connie, brother Robert, and nephews Robert Jr. and Ryan.



A memorial will be held on Saturday April 2nd in Phoenix. For more information please contact the family directly.



In honor of Rodney donations may be made in his memory. Some of his favorite charities were backer's of ballet (Marine Corps "Toys for Tots"), Special Olympics, National Public Radio and the American Heart Association. If you have a favorite charity you are welcome to honor him by supporting them.