Rodney Jerome Drude

Mr. Rodney Jerome Drude, age 66 of Ponchatoula, Louisiana, passed away on Tuesday, January 29, 2019, at University Medical Center. He was born on Thursday, December 25, 1952, in New Orleans, Louisiana, the son of the late Raymond A. and Nella Mae Turnage Drude Sr.

Rodney was a member of the Ponchatoula Volunteer Fire Department for 41 years where he served as First Assistant Chief for 5 years and as Chief for 5 years. He was a former member and Past President of the Ponchatoula Jaycees.

Mr. Drude was also employed at the Holsom Bread Company for 25 years as a supervisor.

Rodney is survived by his wife of 45 years, Cookie Hernandez Drude, daughter & son-in-law, Kellie D. and Glenn Dale Bridges, grandchildren, Brody Bridges, and Ashlyn Bridges; brothers & sisters-in-law, Raymond A. and Debra H. Drude, Jr., and Randy J. and Donna L. Drude; sisters and brothers-in-law, Renee D. and Craig Steib, and Robin D. and Michael Berner; mother-in-law, Ruth T. Hernandez, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond A. and Nella Mae Turnage Drude Sr. and his father-in-law, Rev Johnnie Hernandez.

Family and friends will be received at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home in Ponchatoula, on Friday, February 1, 2019 from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm and on Saturday, February 2, 2019 at St Joseph Catholic Church in Ponchatoula from 9:00 am until 11:00 am

A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 am, on Saturday at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Fr. Paul McDuffie officiating.

Interment will follow at Ponchatoula Cemetery in Ponchatoula, Louisiana.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Spirit of Charity Foundations, University Medical Center, 2000 Canal St., NOLA 70112, on online www.spititofcharityfoundation.org.

To view and sign the family guest book, please visit www.harrymckneely.com.

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