Rodney Eugene Cole
Rodney Eugene Cole, age 66, of Crestline, Ohio, died in the early morning hours of Saturday, December 5, 2020, after a hard-fought battle with COVID-19. He passed in the presence of his loving wife of 47 years, Kathy, and with the rest of his family holding vigil outside the hospital.
Rodney was born on March 24, 1954, in Shelby to Marlin and Effie Cole. Rodney graduated from Buckeye Central High School in 1972. He possessed the most common sense of any man his family knew, gained through a lifetime of real-world education. To provide for his family, Rodney founded Cole Distributing, Inc. as a one-man fuel route in 1980. Through hard work and sacrifice Rodney and Kathy, along with their son Mark and their faithful employees, have taken great pride in keeping families across the area warm during the winter and in keeping farmers operational for more than 40 years. Rodney’s appreciation for his customers and love for his company were on display for many years at his pancake breakfast where he would personally thank every customer. In 2007, Rodney was inducted into the North Central State College Entrepreneurial Hall of Fame.
While to the public Rodney was best known for his successful business, Rodney was happiest at his farm surrounded by his loving wife, Kathy, his three children Collette (Mark) Davis, Mark, and Heather (Brian) Belden and his five grandchildren Cole Davis, Meghan Belden, Lauren Davis, Elizabeth Belden, and Owen Davis. The one thing he loved above all things was family. He enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren grow up and supporting them in everything they did. When he was with his grandchildren you would always see him smiling.
Rodney was a farmer at heart. He spent his whole life on the family farm which has been in the family for over 100 years. He and Mark spent countless hours in the spring and fall tending to the fields. Recently, his oldest grandson, Cole, has been assisting.
Rodney was a kind and generous man who served others in many ways. He was a devoted parishioner at Sacred Heart. He provided advice and mentoring to all who came to him looking for help. He was an advocate for children through CASA. He could be seen supporting many local Church festivals, 4-H clubs, and other community functions.
Rodney is survived by his other half, Kathleen (Studer) Cole, whom he wed on December 1, 1973, his 3 children and his 5 grandchildren, his mother, Effie Cole, his sister, Ardella, and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Clarence and Lucille Studer. He was preceded in death by his father, Marlin E. Cole, and his sister, Arlene.
For safety reasons, Mass of Christian Burial for Rodney will be private by invitation only. Calling hours will not be observed. Family and friends are welcome to watch Rodney’s funeral mass live on the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Bethlehem, Shelby Settlement Facebook page on Wednesday, December 9, 2020 at 1 PM. Fr. Mike Geiger and Fr. Jeff Smith will concelebrate the Mass and burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family hopes to have a celebration of Rodney’s life at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, 5742 State Route 61 S, Shelby, Ohio 44875, or The Brian Muha Foundation, 874 Helenhurt Court, Westerville, Ohio 43081, www.BrianMuhaFoundation.org.
Care for Rodney and his family is being provided by the Penwell Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby.
Our deepest sympathy to the entire family. Rodney was a generous person in very many ways. He will be missed.
Our deepest sympathy to Kathy and Collette, Mark & Heather and their families. You are in our thoughts and prayers! God Bless you all!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families during this difficult time. Rodney was a very caring and generous person. Always willing to help others. He will be missed by many.
Hugs to all of you. Wish we could be there to support you.
Phil and Deb Wierzba and family
Anne Belden and family
I’m so sorry to hear about Rodney. Prayers for you and your family. I remember him from double dating in high school with you two. He was such a fun guy.
Kathy, you have my condolences, prayers for you and your family.
Our deepest sympathy during this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
We are so sorry to hear of Rodney`s passing. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
So sorry to hear about Rodney’s passing. Prayers to the Cole family
My deepest sympathies to Kathy and the kids! Rodney truly was a great man and has set a wonderful example to every young man! May he rest in eternal peace with our loving Lord!
Kathy I am so sorry. Never through I would be saying those words to you the same year Jon passed. I am just so sorry. Please know that you are in my prayers and thoughts. I am here for you and will contact you in a week or so. Heather mark and collette you have my sympathy and prayers. God be with you all. Love kathy
I am so sorry for your loss.
We are so very very sorry to here about your husband and dad. My heart breaks for all of you just going through this with my dad. Rodney was a very kind, caring and generous man. Many many hugs and prayers going out to all of you!
Our sincere sympathy to all the family.
Kathy and family, my sincere sympathy for the loss of Rodney. My thoughts and prayers for you and your family.
We are so very sorry to hear of Rodney’s death. Prayers are surrounding you, and may the peace of Christ be with your whole family.
Kathy and Family…we are so very sorry to hear about Rodney…his obituary was so very well written and shows how much he was loved and how much he loved all of you. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Kathy, you have my deepest sympathy for you and your family. I know I’m a long way from you, but if I can help in any way please do not hesitate contact me. May God Bless you!!
My deepest sympathy to the entire family. One of those ‘little’ gestures of kindness, if my memory is serving me correctly, is of Rodney making sure the New Washington Band members received a free drink after our performance at the Sacred Heart festival. I know he did much more, but it was just one more way that he showed he cared. I will be lifting you all up in prayer.
My heart breaks for all of the Cole family!!!! I have some great memories spending time with the Cole family. I pray your many memories of Rodney will always bring you happiness. Prayers and hugs to all!!!!
To all the family– I know you don’t know me but obviously i knew Rodney, he had been up to our farm many times–there is truly not enough kind words to describe what a wonderful human being Rodney was. I understand how great of pain you are all going through as my family has definitely had it’s share of heartache. Please know that all of you are in my thoughts and prayers.
With deepest sympathy
Locust Knoll Farms
Scott Horn and all my family
Kathy, Collette and Cole family,
Please know that you are all in our love, sympathy and prayers. May our precious Lord comfort you, give you strength and courage in the days ahead.
John and Barbara McKinley
Kathy and family,
Our deepest sympathies to you and your entire family. Rodney was a truly good man and will be missed by so many. Dan thought so much of him, the past fifteen that he worked at Cole’s he realized what a hard working person he was building the company to what it is today. He considered him not just an employer, but a friend.
May you find comfort knowing how others care. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Keep all the good memories close to your heart and he will always be with you.
Dan & Gail Clady
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I was saddened to hear of Rodney’s passing. I am so sorry and keeping his family in my prayers. I will never forget when my son was hurt and in Cleveland Metro, Rodney had a driver bring us gasoline in our tank to help with our many trips. I will never forget that! He always had a smile on his face.
Our deepest sympathy for your loss our prayers are with you during this sad time.
Therese (Warren) & Charles Bower and family.
Kathy and Family, we were so sorry to hear about Rodney’s passing. He was such a great guy and will be missed in this community. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you all.
Sympathy and prayers for you all. May God give you continued strength through all this.
We are so very saddened for your families great loss. Our deepest condolences to the entire family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Rodney was a very generous man that supported so many great things in our community. May the Lord bring you comfort and peace.
With sincere sympathy,
Steve and Jessica Clark
We are saddened over the passing of Rodney. He was a great guy and family man. Out heartfelt sympathy and sending prayers.
We are so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.
My deepest sympathies. Your whole family is in my prayers. Thank you for everything, and I’m so sorry for your loss.
May your new guardian angel wrap his arms around You and bring you peace we know he has earned his wings bless you all
Kathie and the entire Cole family,
Our hearts are broken since we heard about Rodney. We have so many memories of your family and ours over the years which we will always hold close to our hearts. He was a wonderful man and we will truly miss him, especially seeing him at Woody Ridge. We will miss him so much. With deepest sympathy.
Robert and Bonnie Hall
Words cannot express what the loss of Rodney means to friends, family and especially Kathy. Rodney was our kind, loving, gentle, big hearted cousin who always shared his love and smile with everyone. Our parents, George and Maxine Cole Jr. had a special place in their hearts for Rodney, who would take the time to stop and visit.
Praying for strength and peace.
We are so sorry to hear of Rodney’s passing. Prayers for all of you during this difficult time.
I’m so very sorry to hear of your loss. Sending prayers of comfort for all of you.
We are so sorry for your loss. And we want to express our deepest sympathies!!! We’re thinking of you and may God bless you alll!!
Thinking of you all Kathy, Mark, Heather, Brian, Collette, Mark and families. We were so very sorry to hear the sad news of Rodneys passing. He was such a wonderful and thoughtful person. He always had a kind word to say. He will truly be missed. Sending love to you all.
Jodi & John Brant
So sorry for your loss Kathy you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless joe Dunlap and family
My deepest sympathy to the family. I’ll miss him. He was a good friend and neighbor. He always had a genuine heart and smile. May GOD comfort your family.
Julie and I are so sorry for your loss and we are praying for the healing comfort only God can give at this time. Rodney was a kind and generous man who always went out of his way to help. He will be missed by all who knew him.
With deepest sympathy,
Joe and Julie Janisch
Our thoughts and prayers are extended to the family of Rodney during this sorrowful time. His life was well lived sharing with family and friends his kindness. He now rests in the arms of our Savior. Bill & Karen Rieman Zephryhills, Florida.
Deepest sympathy to the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
My deepest sympathy to the entire family. All will be in my thoughts and prayers.
We extend our deepest sympathy to all of the family. Rodney always seemed to have a smile on his face. We will continue to keep all of you in our prayers.
We are very sorry for your loss.
John and Angel Schroeder
May God of love and mercy, embrace you and hold you close through the coming days. You all continue to be in our prayers.
Eternal rest grant unto Rodney, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.
Our heartfelt condolences to you during this time of sorrow. You’re in our thoughts and prayers.
With deepest sympathy Anne & Chris Dykes
Our heartfelt prayers are lifting your family up at this most difficult time . May our Blessed Mother wrap her mantle around you ❤️ ❤️
My deepest sympathies to all the family. He was blessed by family and many friends.
We are so sorry to hear about Rodney. Such a wonderful person. Our thoughts are with you! Carol and George Rudo
Sending our thoughts of comfort and wishes that the many special memories of Rodney you hold in your heart will help you through this sad time. May God bless your family. Keeping you close in thought and prayer.
To the entire Cole family,
We were so shocked to here of Rodney’s passing. You have our thoughts and prayers as you all grieve your loss. May God ease your pain in the days and even years ahead.
We are so sorry for your loss Kathie, and the whole family. He was a caring and good man. You are in our prayers and thoughts.
Brian, Heather and family. I am so very sorry for your loss your family is certainly in my prayers. He is resting peacefully in the gentle care of our savior. Love and prayers, Linda
Kathie,Mark and your entire family, My deepest sympathy to you and your family. And what a nice and fitting obituary. My thoughts and prayers to you all.
Our deepest sympathy sent to the family. Hugs and prayers during this difficult time. So sorry for your loss.
~Becca from the Pulmonary clinic
Dearest Effie: We are so sorry for your loss. We can’t imagine what it is like to lose two of your children. We love you,Effie. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Our deepest sympathy to your family. So sorry for your loss.
Kathy & family, my sincere condolences to you on the loss of your loving husband, father and grandfather. Rodney was one of the first people to hire me around the age of 16 to work on the family farm. He was kind and generous and taught me many things I remember to this day. May your strong faith and the love of family and friends be of comfort to you at his time. God Bless.
Our deepest sympathy to Kathy and the entire family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Our deepest sympathy to your family. You are in our prayers and thoughts.
Kathy & Family,. May God give you the Comfort and Strength thru this time of Loss. Our Prayers for Rodney to be be lifted up and Granted Eternal Peace. God Bless❤️
Effie, Kathy, entire family
You are in our thoughts and prayers. So sorry to hear about Rodney .
Kathy, Mark and family, I was so sorry to hear of Rodney’s passing. He was such a wonderful, down to earth man with a huge smile and a giving heart. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you — and I pray for peace as well — to comfort you all during these challenging times.
Mark and the entire family, John and I are very sorry to hear of your loss. Praying for all of you.
Extending our deepest sympathies to the entire Cole family. Few people know this story, but my wife and I will always fondly remember Rodney as our Guardian Angel. On our wedding day, Fri, Dec 15, 1972, it started snowing in the late morning and never let up. By evening it was a full blown blizzard depositing over 11 inches of snow. Around midnight we left our reception at the Shelby K of C’s and made our way down Rt 96 to retrieve my suitcase at my parents home on Brannon Rd. Upon arriving we found Brannon Rd completely drifted shut and totally impassable by car. Just moments later, out of nowhere, a big red 4-wheel drive truck shows up…it’s Rodney! He graciously took me down Brannon Rd to retrieve my luggage and…as they say…the rest is history. Rodney was our Guardian Angel then and now he’s everyone’s Guardian Angel. May he rest in peace.
I am so shocked and heartbroken over Rodney’s death. I had many thought provoking talks with Rodney during Rotary meetings and outings.He was such a thoughtful and generous man. Kathy I send you all the love and prayers. The world was a better place with him in it.
Dear Kathy, Collette, Mark, and Heather,
I am so sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories. You are in my prayers during this difficult time.
Patty Holland
So sorry to hear this sad news. He was such a good man. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
We extend our deepest sympathy to all of the family.
As Heaven’s gate opens to receive the newest soul, the love and memories made by Rodney with his family and friends will live until they rejoin him. God’s blessing and faithfulness will sustain you. Thinking especially of my friend Ardella, with sympathy and affection.
Kathy and Family,
When I heard Rodney was sick I prayed that he would be one of the lucky ones to beat it…I was very sad when I heard that he lost the battle. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kathy and family. So sorry for your loss. Rodney will be missed greatly, he was such a great person. My heart and prayers to you and the family
Great guy and good customer for many, many years. My sincere sympathies to Rod’s family and good friends.
Tim Woofter
Stanwade Tanks
Kathy and Family,
I am sorry for your loss. Rodney was a good friend and a truely good human being. Know that I am thinking of you and praying for you in this difficult time.
We are so sorry for your loss and keeping you in our thoughts & prayers.
Kathy and family may God give all of you Love and Strength thru this time of loss. Our prayer are with Rodney who was a man who live a beautiful life and had a heart so deeply loved.
Grant him Eternal Peace.
Prayers for all
Deepest sympathy.
To Kathy and family, We are broken hearted for your family when we heard of Rodney’s illness and passing. He was kind hearted and we will never forget how he helped our family when Mike was so ill . Prayers are sent to comfort you and all the family.
Kathy, Mark and Heather, Collette and Mark, Brian, Ardella and families and Effie, our sincere sympathy to you in the passing of Rodney. Our hearts and
prayers are with you.
Our world was a kinder place with Rodney in it. Kathy, our hearts break for you and your family in losing Rodney. He was so kind to our granddaughter, Vivian when she wanted a tour of your condo at age two! We enjoyed his calls that he was coming to Marblehead Friday or Saturday and asking us to join him for breakfast or to meet you two at Ciao Bella for dinner. We feel bad that we couldn’t get together the last time he called because of a scheduled surgery. We hope we can see you when you are up to it. We pray for all of your family.
Dear Heather and family,
I am so very sorry to hear of your father’s passing. May you feel God’s presence and peace during this time.
Rodney was a good friend to me and many others. I will try harder to be a better person, so that I can meet him again in heaven. My prayers will continue for him as well as for all of you. Karl Sutter
Our thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family. Joyce and I greatly respect Rodney for kindness and his commitment to church and family, we could all learn to be better people if will simply follow in his foot steps.
Our deepest sympathy in the loss of Rodney. So sad to hear this. Prayers at this time for your entire family.
Sincerely,
Darrell and Marilyn
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your extended family.
Kathy, Collette, and Heather,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families during this time. I have enjoyed the friendship with Collette and Heather over the years and the wonderful, inviting visits to your home Kathy. Sending my love and comfort your way.
We wish to extend our most sincere sympathy to your families. He will be remembered in our prayers..
Jerry and I were very sad to read about the loss of our neighbor Rodney Cole. Rodney was a kind, caring man. He has provided us with propane for more than 20 years and with fuel oil long before that. His generosity to kids in CASA and with those of us in the community who are less fortunate is well known. We hope that Kathy and the kids are learning how much their Rodney meant to us all. We hope they are comforted with the knowledge that he was a well-loved guy in our part of Ohio!
Sorry for the families loss. He has delivered my propane for over 20 years. Prayers to the family.
We are so saddened to hear of Rodney’s passing. I had a lot of fun with Rodney back in school especially on the football team. Praying that God will heal your broken hearts.
Kathy and Family,
Our deepest sympathy for your loss. Rodney was a “gentle giant” with a heart full of goodness for others. Heaven is gaining a great angel who will watch over all of you.
Our prayers for strength will continue.
Jeff and Marsha
Our hearts are grieving with all of you for the loss of Rodney! What a warm generous, kind man he was and so full of love! Kathy, I will always be here for you as you were for me! Love and prayers to all the family.
So sorry for you loss Kathy-prayers to you and the family.
Kathy & family,
Our deepest condolences on the passing of Rodney. What a kind caring person. May you find the peace that comes from God, to help you through these tough times. We are holding you all up in prayer.
Bill & Fran
So sorry for your loss. He will be greatly missed.
Love and Prayers to the family
Kathy and Family,
Sending you my deepest sympathies on the loss of Rodney. Rodney had such a special way of making everyone feel special that he came in contact with. Lifting you in prayer. Sara and family.
There is nothing as special as a father named Rodney. Hoping they are at the banquet table together tonight. . God Bless the entire Cole family with everlasting good memories of an extraordinary man!! ❤️❤️
Kathy and family
We are shocked and saddened to hear of Rodney’s passing. What a good guy he was. I had a good time playing football with him.
May the Lord give you strength and his peace to all the family.
Please accept our sincere sympathies with the loss of Rodney. We know he will be missed. We will be praying for him and your family.
Greg and Jane
We send our sympathy and prayers to you and your family during this difficult time. May God hold Rodney in his arms forever.
My Condolences and Prayers for the family. I remember Rodney from school. I think that is the last time I saw him. I wish I would had got to see him more. But there’s one thing I don’t quite understand. HE STILL LOOKS THE SAME. GOD BLESS.
Praying the wonderful memories that you hold in your heart,
help comfort you at this time.
Kathy and Family,
We were shocked and saddened to hear of Rodney’s passing. We will always admire and respect Rodney for his sense of caring and integrity. He will be deeply missed. On behalf of the entire Smith Family, we send our deepest regrets and keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Matt and Linda
Our prayers and God’s Blessings to your family. Rodney and I were co workers at the Tuby. I have always considered him a life long friend. His smile and generous heart will be missed by many. Sincerely, Rich and Bonnie Banichar
Our heartfelt sympathy to Kathy and Family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Doug and Kay Bishop
Kathy, Mark, Heather, and Collette,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Rodney was always there to help and comfort when needed and set a great example to exeryone he met, he will be missed.
I am very sorry to hear that Rodney has passed away. I was praying that he would make it through his fight with Covid. I will continue to keep you all in my prayers.
Kathy and Family
I am so sorry to hear that you have lost Rodney. He was a good close friend and classmate. He will be missed.
Rodney always had a good sense of humor and good laugh. God bless you all.
Kathy, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Rodney. His passing is shocking and sad. My thoughts and sympathies are with you and all your family.
Mary Jo
I was totally shocked to hear that Rodney had died. It was my honor to work with him for several years. He was a great guy and will be sorely missed
Kathy and Family,
We were so sorry to hear of Rodney’s passing. All of you have been and continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. May the Lord give you all peace through this saddened time.
Uncle Bob Studer and family