Reney Albert Rodrigue

On Monday morning, June 7th, Reney A. Rodrigue (Rod), age 86, passed away peacefully in his home with his wife Fran of 43 years at his side.  Rod’s dedication and service to our country was very impressive.  SFC, E7 Reney A. Rodrigue’s career as an Army soldier spanned 21 years.  He served three times in Vietnam in addition to tours of duty in Germany and Korea.  His final assignment was as a Pipeline Foreman in Petroleum Supply at one of the key fuel depots in Vietnam.  During his career, Rod received six awards or Conduct, a Vietnam Campaign medal, Good Infantry badge, Army Commendation and 4 Overseas bars.  Most impressively he was also awarded the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm.  This medal was awarded in recognition of deeds of valor or heroic conduct while in combat with the enemy.  His expertise as a marksman is reflected in his having been awarded the Expert Badge (M16), and Sharpshooter Badge (M16).  He also participated in the Army’s Rifle Team competitions. After retiring from active-duty, Rod worked for the J. Everett Light Career Center, Washington Township Schools.  This is where Rod met the love of his life, Fran, who interviewed him for his job. They married on July 27, 1977.  After leaving his job at the Career Center Rod devoted his life to traveling with his wife.  Their travels took them to many places including Maine, Colorado, and Florida.  He and Fran owned a series of RVs but gave up the RV lifestyle after the last one ended up in a tree during Hurricane Katrina.  They began their life together in Indianapolis but moved to Pass Christian, Mississippi for 30 years before moving back to Indiana.  Rod enjoyed all of his many grandchildren and great grandchildren, but there was a special bond between him and his grandson, Mike. Rod enjoyed playing board games, dominos, and card games with his family.  He made Sequence boards for several family members.  Just a little over a week ago Rod was involved in a very raucous round of Uno with his family at their traditional Memorial/Race Day picnic.  Rod had a wonderful sense of humor!  This is probably what led him to decide to enroll in clown school to become a professional clown.  After completing the course, he performed with the Sahara Grotto clowns bringing plenty of joy to both Rod and laughs to the many patients at the hospitals and nursing homes where they performed. His hobbies included woodworking, making miniature cabins, bird houses, and reading. Square dancing and country/western dancing were fun too and of course fishing was a lifelong love!  Survivors include his wife, Fran, son Steven Jonasson, brother Lionel (Chino) Rodrigue, beloved stepdaughters Debra McLean and Lisa Sharpe.  He is predeceased by 3 brothers and 2 sisters, his parents Joseph and Dora Rodrigue and son, Bryon.

Services will be held at Flanner Buchanan, Speedway, on Sunday, June 13, 2021 with visitation from 1pm-3pm. Service to follow at 3pm.