Rodney G. Funk

Rodney Gale Funk, 83, of Roanoke, passed away at 12:53 pm Saturday, June 21, 2025, at his residence. Rodney was born the day after Valentine's Day in 1942 to Charlotte and James Funk in Corydon, IN. His family moved to Huntington in 1944 where Rodney grew up on a farm and graduated from Roanoke High School in 1959. He married the love of his life, Sandra “Sandy” Geist, on April 29, 1989, in Bluffton, IN; together they shared 36 wonderful years. Rodney served in the US Navy from 1960-1964 and received the Cuban Expeditionary Medal for his involvement in the Cuban Blockade. He was on guard duty during JFK's inauguration. He also played tenor sax in the Navy Band. Rodney attained the rank of Petty Officer 3rd Class. When he returned to civilian life, he played professional tenor sax with The Tiki's ~ a rhythm and blues band ~ in Florida for four years. He came back to IN and earned a degree in Business Marketing from IPFW in 1971. He held various sales positions and in 1986 earned his Realtors License. He got his Brokers License and worked in real estate until he retired in 2018. In the course of his real estate career, he served two terms as President of the Board of Realtors in Huntington County and was selected by his peers as Huntington County's Realtor® of the Year in 2002. Rodney joined the VFW in 1988 and is a Life Member of Post #2689 in Huntington, IN. He has gone through the chairs at Post, District and State level. He is a member of 40 & 8, a Life Member of the VFW National Home for Children and a member of the American Legion. Rodney was very active in his local post where he is a two time Past Commander and a 30 year member of the Honor Guard. His first term was cut short by a devastating fire which destroyed the post. After a six month rebuilding project, the post reopened as his term came to an end. In his second term, the Huntington Post achieved 100% membership. Rodney was 5th District Commander for 2006-2007. At the District level he has served as Inspector, Membership Chairman, Youth Activities Chairman, Safety Chairman and Trustee. In 2007, Rodney was appointed National Aide-de-Camp. As Central Area Membership Chairman in 2007-2008, the Central Area finished in first place. He also served as Community Activities Chairman for the State in 2008-2009, raising a total of $7,000,000 plus in money, goods and services donated to charities and worthy individuals. Rodney was elected Indiana's State Surgeon for 2009-2010. Advancing through the chairs, he was installed as Indiana's State Commander for 2012-2013. On June 15, 2013, IN Governor Michael Pence awarded Rodney the esteemed rank and title of Sagamore of the Wabash. Rodney was very instrumental in establishing the Veterans Court with Mayor Brooks Fetters and fundraising for the monuments that are now displayed at Memorial Park. He enjoyed restoring old cars. Survivors include his wife, Sandra “Sandy” Funk of Roanoke, IN; daughter, Tiffany J. (James) Bull of Clinton, IA; two grandchildren, Amelia Fayth Bull of Clinton, IA, Wilson Gale Bull of Clinton, IA. He is preceded in death by his father, James Oscar Funk, mother, Elizabeth Charlotte Funk, and grandmother, Crystal Denbo. Visitation will be from 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at Bailey-Love Mortuary, 35 West Park Drive, Huntington, IN. VFW Post 2689 will conduct the Past Commanders Ceremony starting at 3:00 pm on Wednesday. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am Thursday, June 26, 2025, at Bailey-Love Mortuary with Rev. Lyle Ewing officiating. There will be one hour of visitation prior to the service. Burial will be in Pleasant Chapel Cemetery in Roanoke. Military Honors will be rendered by the VFW Post 2689 Honor Guard. Preferred memorials to the Honor Flight Northeast Indiana, in care of Bailey-Love Mortuary, 35 West Park Drive, Huntington, IN, 46750. Please sign the online guest book at www.baileylove.com. Bailey-Love Mortuary is honored to serve the family of Rodney Gale Funk. .

Rodney G. Funk

February 15, 1942 - June 21, 2025