Visitation:
Saturday, November 14, 2026
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Chatfield Evangelical Pietist Church
Chatfield, Ohio
Service:
Saturday, November 14, 2026
11:00 AM
Chatfield Evangelical Pietist Church
Chatfield, Ohio
Rodney B. High, 94, went to be with the Lord on October 28, 2026. He was born to John Proctor and
Emma (Brown) High in New Washington, OH, on November 10, 1931, the youngest of 4 children.
Growing up, Rodney excelled at basketball and could be found practicing his record
setting foul shot inside High Motor Sales, his father’s business, when he probably should have
been doing chores. He enjoyed a successful basketball career at New Washington High School,
his alma mater, where he also developed his warm, rich baritone voice singing in multiple
choirs. His interest and involvement in sports and singing would stay with him throughout his
life.
Immediately after graduating high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He was a flight engineer
in which he flew 41 combat missions during the Korean War and received multiple air citation
medals. After returning home, he visited the former fiancé of a good friend and fallen soldier to
pay his respects. Her name was Judith Shealy and like something out of a film, they fell in love
and were married on November 26, 1953. They primarily resided in New Washington where
they raised their children. Rodney was a partner at High Motor Sales and then retired from
Timken in Bucyrus, OH. Rodney and Judy shared 61 years together until she passed away in
2014. He was an adoring, devoted husband and selflessly served as Judy’s caregiver in her
final years.
Those who knew and loved Rodney would quickly agree that he smiled and laughed easily. He
had a gift for wit that couldn’t be taught, and he made people feel loved and important. Likely
due to these attributes, his granddaughters thought he was a local celebrity because wherever
they went with him, someone always recognized him saying, “Hi Rod!” Even in his final years at
The Willows, his caregivers enjoyed what his personality brought to their unit.
Underneath it all, Rodney’s faith and belief in Jesus Christ became the foundation for his life. He
was an active church member, taught Bethel Bible Series, read his Bible daily and was a prayer
warrior for his family and friends. He leaves a legacy of faith, hope, and love here on earth and
is now in perfect fellowship with Jesus, possibly dancing or singing in heaven.
Rodney was an incredibly loving, supportive, encouraging father, grandpa/granddad and
great-grandfather. He is survived by his children, Cindy (Gary) Richards and Ben (Kaye) High;
six grandchildren, Matthew, Kyle, and Chad (Taylor), Kara, Bethany (Tyler), and Marla (Joseph);
eight great grandchildren, Carson, Adelyn, Aubrey, Jackson, Alana, Boaz, Maliha, and Lucas;
sisters-in-law Marlene and Faye (Bill); and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents; wife; brothers, Cofoid (Marge) and Arden (Janet); sister,
Jane (Frank); and brothers-in-law Robert and Sam.
A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, November 14, 2026 at Chatfield
Evangelical Pietist Church in Chatfield, Ohio with Pastor Tyler Riffe officiating. Visitation will
begin at 10:00 AM prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, LifeWise Academy of Crawford County, or to the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be made to Rodney’s family by visiting www.secorfuneralhomes.com