Rodney Clifford Clippinger

Rodney Clifford Clippinger age 81 of Eaton, Ohio, passed away at Vancrest Healthcare Center on Saturday, November 19, 2016, following a long illness. Born in Middletown, Ohio, on April 22, 1935, to the late Marion and Dorothy (Stubbs) Clippinger, he was valedictorian of the West Elkton class of 1953 and attended Miami University where he studied science and geology. Rodney attended 4 years of trade school to become a machinist, and in 1987, retired from Armco steel after 32 years of service. Member of the Eaton First Church of God, Rodney served the Lord since accepting Christ while working in the field at his family farm on Gratis Road. The West Elkton Friends Meeting was founded by his ancestors and he was very proud of his Quaker heritage and his family. Rodney was an athlete who played baseball (pitcher) and basketball. He played on the all-county basketball team, scored 28 points in a single game and was selected to the all-state basketball team.

Rodney is survived by his wife of 61 years Phyllis (Back) Clippinger, four children: Vicki (Roy) Moreland of Somerville, OH; David (Irene Henry) of Camden, OH; Brenda (Johnny) Tungate of Circleville, OH and Holly (Joe) Combs of Gratis, OH. He is also survived by 7 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, his beloved twin brother: Royce (Virginia) Clippinger of Camden, OH; two cousins who loved him like a brother: Julia (Ray) Kerby of Laporte, Minnesota and Janet Mobley of Lake Preston, South Dakota, and many family and friends.

Preceded in death by grandson: Brandon Lee Bowling in 1982.

Family will receive friends 4:00 to 6:00 PM Friday, November 25, 2016, at Eaton First Church of God 601 East Lexington Road Eaton, Ohio. The funeral service will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday, November 26, 2016, at the church with Pastor Jonathan Grubbs officiating. Burial will be at Fairmound Cemetery in West Elkton, OH.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Eaton First Church of God.

Arrangements entrusted to Barnes Funeral Home – Eaton, Ohio. Condolences may be sent to the family via the Web site at www.barnesfuneralhome.com.