Rodney Gale Alexander

Rodney Gale Alexander, 89, of Ashland, died Friday, February 11, 2022 at Brethren Care Village.

Born on October 25, 1932 in Caledonia, Ohio to Floyd and Sadie (Bahn) Alexander. Rod graduated from Caledonia High School, and then went on to serve in the United States Army during the Korean War. After his service, he headed to Bowling Green State University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Education degree. It was there that he met the love of his life, Aretha Airulla. The pair were married on August 16, 1958.

Rod spent most of his career as a teacher within the Ashland School District, where he was involved as a track official locally and statewide. As an assistant coach for Ashland High School football team, he was part of the 1963 undefeated season. In his spare time, he had a love for working long hours in the home garden, and he had a passion for flea marketing. He was known for being very knowledgeable with antiques. He started his own company, Alexander Painting and painted many homes in the Ashland community.

Rod was a devout Cleveland Indians and Cincinnati Bengals fan. He also was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church.

In 2017, he elected to go on the honor flight and stated it was one of the most moving things he has done in his life. As a family, we can state that it was always very important to him to go above and beyond for his family even in the littlest of ways.

Rod is survived by his wife, Aretha of 63 years; his children, Sandy (Curt) Goldman of Doylestown, PA and Jeff (Lisa) Alexander of Dublin, OH; and 2 grandchildren, Zachary and Sydney Goldman. In addition to his parents, Rod was preceded in death by his 6 siblings, Lloyd and Harry Alexander, Mildred Uish, Marjorie Snader, Maxine Smith and Mariam Hill.

Family and friends may visit from 10:00-11:00 am on Friday, February 18, 2022 at the Ashland Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 308 Claremont Ave. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 am. Burial will be in Ashland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church of Ashland at www.ashlandfirst.org in his name.

The post Rodney Gale Alexander appeared first on Wappner Funeral Directors and Crematory.