Leslie M. “Skip” Rodeman, 78, passed away peacefully on Feb. 16, 2020. Born July 31,1941 in Lebanon, IN, to parents John Frederick Rodeman and Mary Katherine Gullion.
Skip is survived by his wife, Sally Applegate-Rodeman, sister Gwendolyn Reagan of Lebanon, IN, brother Larry Northrop of Clermont, IN; two children: a son Thomas Rodeman (Joy) of Winter Haven, FL., and daughter, Tamera Rodeman (Diane Ashmore) of Indianapolis; grandchildren: Nathan Reagan, Michael Rodeman, Dakota Rodeman, Delia Rodeman, Brandon McFatridge, Michelle McFatridge, and Olive Louise Douglass; two great-grandchildren: Jason Rodeman and Susie Rodeman; nieces, Beth Spaw (Jerry), Dawn Reagan (Terry Yount), Rebecca Bush (Jim), Gina Irwin (Michael); nephews, Mark and Michael Northrop, stepdaughters, Katelin Rupp (Joseph), and Rose Douglass (Daniel).
Skip was preceded in death by his brother David Rodeman and nephew Robert Reagan.
Skip’s maternal grandfather, Mark Gullion, gave him the nickname “Skip”. He preferred to be called “Skip” throughout his life. Skip worked many jobs, beginning as a boy with paper routes, summer carnival work as a teen, working service stations, learning as he went. Skip became a mechanic for Rolls Royce, had his own Union 76 franchise in the ’70’s (34th and High School Road), and owned “Skip’s Automotive Garage” in Lebanon, servicing vehicles. After his garage closed, he worked in industrial maintenance for Pittman-Moore, Witham Hospital, and White Castle Meat Plant in Lebanon, retiring from White Castle in 2007. As an industrial maintenance technician, Skip worked plumbing, electrical, building construction, roof repair, loading dock, water treatment plant, forklift, assembly line maintenance, hazmat, and other areas as needed.
Skip became involved in racing cars at most of the smaller racing venues in central Indiana. He loved and worked on all kinds of cars, his favorite being his Ford Mustangs. Always a “Ford guy”, he raced in the Mustang Club. He took delight in besting and beating Corvettes! He raced slalom, gen-con, and figure 8 obstacle tracks, and eventually “demolition derby”.
Collecting gas and oil memorabilia became a major hobby Skip pursued for years. Gas pumps, signs, oil cans, and many other items with gas station logo were his passion. Route 32 Auctions in Crawfordsville, IN will feature Skip’s collection in an event later this year.
Skip deeply believed in Christian teachings, striving to live the principles taught by Jesus. He chose to demonstrate, rather than talk about, his faith. He loved to help others, often using his skills for motorists stranded with car breakdowns. He loved to laugh, loved road trips, nature, animals, America, burgers and shakes, country music, Mountain Dew and chocolate cake.
“Now cracks a noble heart. Good night, sweet prince,
And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.”
Hamlet Act V, scene ii, William Shakespeare
Family and friends will gather Fri., Feb. 21, 2020, for visitation from 12 p.m. until the time of the service at 2 p.m. in the Strawmyer & Drury Mortuary, 2400 N. Lebanon St., Lebanon. You are invited to the visit the website www.strawmyerdrury.com where you may sign his online register and leave a personal message.
