Donald Rode

Donald Rode

Donald Wayne Rode, known affectionately to all as Don, embarked on his final adventure on March 16, 2025, at the age of 83. Born in Oak Park, Illinois, on Feb. 7, 1942, Don passed away peacefully in Caldwell, Ohio, leaving behind a legacy of faith in Jesus, laughter, learning, and innovation.

Don was predeceased by his parents, Eric and Maxine, his brother Bob, and his grandson Larry, and by his beloved wife of many decades, Betty Jo, who no doubt welcomed him with an eye-roll for keeping her waiting while he finished talking to people.

He leaves behind a loving family, including his brother Ken and sister-in-law Peggy, his sister Sandy, his sister-in-law Jean, and his children: Dianalee, Marylyn and her husband Charles, Joshua and his wife Anna, Eric and his wife Jennifer, and Sarah and her husband Ben. Don was loved by his grandchildren: Terrance, Micah, Joy, Deshawn, Emmanuel, Katerina, William, and Rebekah, along with great-granddaughter Layla, and many nieces and nephews. After serving his country with honor in the US Marine Corps, Don studied Agricultural Engineering at the University of Illinois. He went on to become a design engineer for several Solar and Mechanical Engineering companies. His innovative spirit was the spark behind many patents that bear his name.

Upon retiring, Don taught engineering physics at Washington State Community College. He could explain complex technical concepts in ways that made them understandable and sometimes even interesting. He often encouraged young people to follow in his footsteps, urging them to follow Jesus, get their ham radio licenses, and pursue careers in engineering.

Don could fix anything, from a leaky faucet to a broken pick-up truck, with his toolbox, a few wires, an oscilloscope, and/or some questionably applied duct tape. He loved animals of all kinds; riding motorcycles, fishing and target shooting; studying the book of Revelations; reading Tony Hillerman books and trade magazines from all kinds of esoteric disciplines; going on long road trips; cooking and ice cream; pinto beans with extra habaneros; photography; the music of Woody Guthrie, Led Zeppelin, the Gaithers, and anything Bluegrass; and designing ham radio antennas that he never quite got around to putting up.

Friendly, intelligent, and passionate, Don was the kind of man who could strike up a conversation with a stranger and leave them feeling like they were old friends. He was a master of the art of storytelling, with a repertoire of silly jokes that never seemed to run dry.

His family takes comfort in knowing that he is at peace, and we will see him again with Jesus. He will be deeply missed, and fondly remembered for the laughter, wisdom, and love he shared so freely.

The Rode family wants to thank the staff at Altercare Summit Acres for their wonderful care for Dad.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday 11 a.m. at the Leavitt Funeral Home in Parkersburg with Pastor Michael Scott Horner officiating. Burial will follow at Waterford Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the funeral home

In lieu of flowers, if you desire to make a donation in memory of Don, you may do so to either of the following ministries that he loved, or one of your choice, Williams Creek Baptist Church, 681 Access Rd., Williamstown, WV 26187 or CRU, PO Box 628222, Orlando, FL 32862-8222.

Online condolences may be sent to the family@www.leavittfuneralhome.com