Rodney Barnes Obituary

Rodney M. Barnes

Apr 22, 1959 - Jan 8, 2026

New London

Rodney W. Barnes, 66, peacefully entered Heaven January 8, 2026, after a long battle with cancer. His trust in God gave him the strength and courage to face every challenge. He longed to see family come to faith and join him in eternity. He formerly attended Hartland Center Community Church.

He was born April 22, 1959, in New London, to the late Beverly (Dailey) and Willard "Stub" Barnes. Rodney was a graduate of New London High School, Class of 1977. He spent his early life working the family farm, then at Boxboard Packaging in Norwalk. Later in life, he worked for Sunrise Propane, then started at Ashland County DJFS, working his way up from maintenance and transportation to clerical specialist and, finally, child support case manager. He truly loved his job before retiring. Throughout his life, he enjoyed playing the organ, working with computers, and capturing his young family in many home videos. He was a jack-of-all-trades who could fix anything because he believed in making things last.

Rodney is survived by his children, Meghan Barnes, Josh Barnes, and Trevor (Felix Grittner) Barnes; three grandchildren, Harlow, Dillan, and Kenna; and siblings, Richard Barnes, Roger Barnes, and Rita (Robert) VonKamp.

A celebration of life will begin at 2 p.m. January 18, 2026, at Hartland Center Community Church at the corner of Hartland Center and Court Road in Collins. The staff of Eastman Funeral Home, 200 W. Main Street, New London, OH 44851, assisted with arrangements.

Memorial contribu-tions may be made to St. Jude’s (www.stjude.org) or American Cancer Society (https://donate.cancer.org).

Online condolences may be made at www.eastmanfuneralhome.com.