1942-2023
Rodney Lee Birkinbine, age 80 of Anderson, passed away on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at Community Hospital in Anderson following a brief illness. He was born June 15, 1942 in Elwood, the son of Lloyd and Doris (Cloud) Birkinbine.
Rod was a 1960 graduate of Wendell L. Willkie High School. He later graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Master’s Degree in Engineering. He worked as an engineer at Delco Remy division of General Motors in Anderson for over 40 years. Rod worked in management with G.M. at plants in Korea from 1984 to 1988, as well as plants in China and Brazil. He was accomplished in his work which he enjoyed very much. Rod also formerly worked at Ex-Cello in Elwood early in his life. Rod married the love of his life, Pauletta S. Burton on June 19, 1965, and they shared 50 years of marriage before her passing in 2015
. Rod enjoyed fishing in his free time and was an avid L.A. Dodgers baseball fan. He also enjoyed watching I.U. and NASCAR. Rod golfed for many years in a league at Killbuck Golf Club in Anderson. He especially enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family. Rod’s family is comforted knowing he has been reunited with his beloved wife and daughter in Heaven.
Rod’s family includes his son, Derek Birkinbine of Michigan; granddaughter, Meghan Birkinbine of Anderson; brother-in-law, Gary (Dolly) Burton of Elwood; sister-in-law, Joyce Birkinbine of Anderson; lifelong friend, Sharon King of Swayzee; good friend, Gary (Jane) Adams of Alexandria; and several nieces and nephews. Rod was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Pauletta Birkinbine; daughter, Holly Birkinbine; and 3 siblings, twin brother Roger Birkinbine, James Birkinbine, and Michael Birkinbine.
A funeral service celebrating Rod’s life will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, May 11, 1923 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Rev. Roger Gardner of East Main Street Christian Church officiating.
Burial will follow in the Elwood City Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 12 to 2 pm prior to the funeral on Thursday at Copher- Fesler-May Funeral Home. Memorial contributions are suggested to the University of Cincinnati Engineering School. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.copherfeslermay.com.
