August 3, 1944 – October 8, 2024
Rodney Lee “Rod” Isenhour, 80, Sheridan, passed away on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at Riverview Hospital in Noblesville. Born August 3, 1944, in Lebanon, Ind., he was the son of the late Charles Edwin “Ed” and Olive Belle (Swigart) Isenhour.
Not long after graduating from Sheridan High School with the Class of 1962, Rod hired on with Biddle Manufacturing in Sheridan. He remained with the company for 42 years.
His family and the friendships that he formed throughout his life were what he loved most. While his son was growing up, Rod made sure he was as active as he could be in Mike’s activities, beginning with little league football and baseball. As Mike became more involved in high school sports, Rod’s focus shifted from coaching to super-fan. Whether it was football, basketball, baseball, or track, Rod never missed a game or a meet (that included quite a few practices as well).
Yardwork was even a family affair. He and his wife, Karen, would usually do the mowing together. He would start on the west side and Karen on the east, and when they met in the middle, it was time for another of his favorite activities … sitting on the back deck, watching the birds and keeping a well-trained eye on the how everyone’s crops were fairing throughout the neighborhood. That eye of his probably got most of its training while helping Mike Sedwick bring his crops in, year in and year out.
Rod was always good with his hands. He enjoyed puttering around the garage and working on cars and mowers. He was also quite handy around the house; over the years, Rod ended up remodeling just about every room. And if that wasn’t enough to keep him busy, he teamed up with his brother Rex to flip houses, another family project that kept everyone busy for many years.
Rod always enjoyed sports, whether it was through coaching or participation, or as a fan. He enjoyed playing golf and softball, and in his younger years, weightlifting. He was a die-hard Colts fan and kept close tabs on the Kansas City Chiefs. And when the month of May rolled around, the Indy 500 had his full attention. However, it was his Sheridan Blackhawks that always made him cheer the hardest and the loudest. There were many activities that Rod loved during his life (such as being a proud member of the NRA), but truth be told, nothing could hold a candle to just lounging in the recliner and watching TV.
Rod could be quite the character and had the amazing ability to be able to find the humor in just about any situation. He will be greatly missed by everybody who was lucky enough to have had him be a part of their lives.
Rod is survived by his loving wife, Karen Elaine (Foulke) Isenhour. She and Rod were married on September 1, 1962. He is also survived by two grandsons, Michael Isenhour (Katherine) of Sarasota, Fla., and Zach Isenhour of Westfield; great-granddaughter, Olive Anne Isenhour (and Olive’s mother, Danyelle Isenhour); sister, Ruth Ann Isenhour-Durbin of Sheridan; sisters-in-law, Pat Isenhour, Loretta Foulke, and Anita Foulke; and his nieces and nephews, Greg Durbin, Julie Durbin (Barb), Rhonda Isenhour, and Mindy M. Isenhour-Schieman (Jason).
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Edwin “Ed” and Olive Belle (Swigart) Isenhour; son, Michael Bradley Isenhour; two brothers, Charles Ronald “Ron” Isenhour and Rex Alan Isenhour; brothers-in-law, Norris Foulke, Arnold Foulke, and Larry Foulke; and sisters-in-law, Linda Foulke Cox, and Linda Wiles Isenhour.
A celebration of Rod’s Life will take place at 7 p.m. on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at Kercheval Funeral Home, 306 E. 10th St., Sheridan, with visitation from 4 p.m. until the time of service. Pastor Todd Burtron will be officiating.
Memorial Contributions may be presented to the Humane Society of Hamilton County.
Condolences: kerchevalfuneralhome.com