Rodney "Rod" Channell

 Rodney (Rod) Channell passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on February 6, 2026. He is survived by his wife of 57 years Connie (Hayes) Channell, his children Marsha (Michelle Lee Bayus) Channell, Carla (Alex) Patton, his grandchildren Alexis (Xavier) Throckmorton, Blaine, Ashley, and Riley Patton, great grandchildren Xavia and Xander Throckmorton. Rod was known as ‘Andad’ by all grandchildren and many others. He is also survived by sister Vickie Pace and brother Robert (Karen) Channell, Sister-in-law Ginny Hayes, Peggy (Jeff) Turner and Brother-in-law Ike (Ruth) Hayes along with many other family and friends.

Rod was born January 30, 1947 in Mill Creek, West Virginia. He graduated from Tygart Valley High School and was a graduate of the Spartan School of Aeronautics (Tulsa, OK). He started his career with the Air Force in 1966 and shortly after married Connie on August 10, 1968. Rod proudly served over 30 years in the U.S. Air Force through the 301st Air Refueling Wing, Lockbourne, OH, 907th CAMS at Rickenbacker AFB and with the 445th Airlift Wing at Wright-Patterson AFB.

A longtime member of the First Presbyterian Church of Grove City, he faithfully served the church in many ways over the years. Rod served as a Deacon and was a member of the men’s Bible study group.

Andad’s (Rod) love for his family from his wife all the way to the little four-legged grand-pets was extremely apparent to anyone that met him. His strong faith in God guided him every day whether he was at home in his favorite chair with coffee or in the passenger chair traveling the US with his wife Connie. He loved traveling and camping. His infectious smile and the way of making others laugh was definitely a form of God’s work. Shortly after meeting Rod, you were never a stranger and you always left saying, “he is such a sweet guy, he really loves his family, he truly loves God and would give you his shirt off his back”. Another huge part of Rod’s life was the love for his country. Following a long line of family members, Rod carried on the tradition by proudly serving in the U.S. Air Force and instilling the love of service through his daughter and granddaughter. In his later years, he found a true love of Bluegrass Music.

Celebration of life will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Grove City, 4227 Broadway St, Grove City, on February 21, 2026 from 12:30pm to 2:00pm. The funeral service will begin at 2:00pm, followed by sweets and treats, the only way Rod would want it, in the church fellowship hall. All are invited to attend and visit with the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to First Presbyterian Church of Grove City, 4227 Broadway St, Grove City, Ohio 43123  or Mt Carmel Hospice.

Arrangements are completed with The Newcomer Funeral Home, Grove City, Ohio.