Rodney Brent Zerkle

Rodney Brent Zerkle, of Tremont City, Ohio, peacefully left this world comfortably in his home on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at 10:20am, after a well fought battle of a lung problem. He was surrounded by love from his family and under the care of Ohio Valley Hospice.

Rodney was born on April 24, 1967, in Urbana, Ohio to Zane and Maxine (Knisley) Zerkle. Rodney was born with down syndrome, he is our “special brother” and loved us calling him that. He always had a smile and loved people. He lived life to the fullest and will be deeply missed.

Rodney is survived by his sisters: Diana (Bill) Sark, Springfield, Deborah (David) Foster, Tremont City, Denise (Terry) Skaggs, Tremont City; sister by other parents: Erin (Rick) Nichols, Tremont City; and brother, Greg (Brenda) Zerkle, Springfield; many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends; as well as his pets: Barkley, Scooter, Romeo, and Samantha.

Rodney was preceded in death by his parents; maternal grandparents, Clarence and Clara Knisley; paternal grandparents, Hollis and Mary Erma Zerkle;  sister in law, Kay Zerkle; and niece Julie Zerkle.

He graduated from Town and Country School, Springfield, Ohio in 1988 & he worked for TAC Industries for 25 years. He attended summer camps at Stepping Stones in Batavia, Ohio, and Recreation Unlimited, Ashley, Ohio. He also attended the Special Olympic State Summer Games at The Ohio State University, playing Bocce Ball under the coaches Steve and Lillian White. Rodney would always come home with medals. He enjoyed camping, swimming, and traveling to Tennessee to his sister’s house. Rodney loved dancing and country music, he always enjoyed going to the Tim Tebow “Night to Shine” prom at the Lawrenceville Church of God.

The Dallas Cowboys were his favorite team. It may not be the right team but it was Dallas Cowboys to him and they were always winning. He attended the Ability Builders for day habilitation. He would sit on his bench under the tree and listen to our neighbor, Jan’s music. Rodney loved our neighbor Tim’s motorcycle.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made in Rodney’s name to The Ability Builders 4105 South Charleston Pike, Springfield, Ohio 45502, or to the Ohio Valley Hospice, 2601 Mission Point Blvd, Suite 310, Beavercreek, Ohio, 45431.

A special Thank You to Lane Martin and the staff at the Ability Builders; Teresa Weeter Campbell for spending your day off sitting with Rodney; Vancrest of Urbana for his respite care; Ohio Valley Hospice; Stephanie Laurito, RN and Stephanie Laurito social worker; Jaden Gump, STNA; Kendra Carson, Music Therapy; Megan Fulton, DON; Breana Bostic, PCM; Chrissy Boykin and Erin Nichols, on call team. You all will never know how much we appreciate everything you did for Rodney and for the family.

Rodney you now have your wings. We will always miss and love you; we will never forget you.  Go fly to “Mommy” & “Daddy” go fly high my Buddy!

A visitation will be held on Monday, September 23, 2024, from 1:00pm to 3:00pm and from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at the Richards, Raff, and Dunbar Memorial Home, 838 E High Street, Springfield. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 24, 20204 at 11:00am officiated by Rev. Walter Mock. Rodney will be laid to rest at Terre Haute Cemetery.

To share a memory of Rodney, or leave a special message for his family, please see the online guestbook below.