Rodney Lee Stover, 71, of New London, Ohio went to be with the Lord on Sunday, April 2, 2017 while at The Good Shepherd home in Ashland, Ohio with Hospice of North Central Ohio assisting, and his family by his side. Born in New London, Ohio on August 12, 1945 to Edwin and Leah (Marsh) Stover, he was a lifelong resident. He graduated from New London High School in 1963 and married his High School sweetheart Sherrill (Cooke) Stover on October 16, 1965. Rod was extremely proud of his family and enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. Rod's dedication to his children was boundless, he never missed anything his children participated in. It didn't matter whether it was a sporting event where he made his presence known or a dance recital where he applauded proudly. He enjoyed playing cards with his Mom and extended family. You could often find him doing yard work on the weekends or what his children have affectionately termed "work-ends". Rod spent countless hours enjoying family and friends on golf courses, mainly on his home course Millstone Hills in New London, Ohio. Rod was an accomplished business man having started, owned and managed several successful businesses throughout his career. In addition to working as a carpenter and barber early in his working life, he owned and operated Stover Plumbing and Heating in New London, Ohio from 1972 to 1985. Rod started and ran Stover Enterprises, a manufacturers sales representative business in the HVAC industry from 1983 through 2015. He also formed Cross-Stover Sales with business partner and good friend Dick Cross in 1991. The pair ran their business covering multiple states from their base in New London until Dick's passing in 2005. Rod retired in 2015 after the sale of his business to Preferred Sales of Pennsylvania. Rod was a long time member of the First United Methodist Church in New London, Ohio where he served in many roles, most notably as the Chair of the Finance Committee for several terms and the Church Trustees Committee. Rod volunteered on the New London Recreation Park Board where he served as President for two years. Rod also served his community by volunteering for the Village of New London, Zoning Appeals Committee for more than 15 years. Perhaps the role that made him the happiest and proudest was his role as a youth baseball coach in the New London Little League Association where he coached the 1985 New London Little League All-Star team and finished as the District Runner-up in a loss to Galion. Rod was always willing to lend a hand or story to the many friends he made during his travels. Rod is survived by his wife of 51 years Sherrill (Cooke) Stover of New London, children; Rex Stover (Kristie) of Leesburg, VA, Sam Stover (Jenni) of Byron Center, MI, his daughters, Tara Wolf (Nick) of Fremont, OH, and Jenny Chamberlin (Nathan) of Wheelersburg, OH. His nine grandchildren to whom he was known as "Papa" (Rex) Landon and Leah, (Sam) Everleigh, Brynn, and Whitney, (Tara) Lyndi and Quinn, (Jenny) Ella and Lane. His brother David Stover, of Ashland, OH. He was proceeded in death by his Father, Edwin Stover (1994), his mother, Leah (Marsh) Stover (2015), his brother, Roger Stover (2012) all of New London. Rod's family will greet friends at the Eastman Funeral Home in New London on Tuesday, April 4, 2017 from 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM. Funeral services will be held in his honor at New London United Methodist Church at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, April 5, 2017, Reverend James Van Meter, officiating. Burial will be at the Grove Street Commentary in New London. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to: 1) the New London United Methodist Church (58 East Main Street, New London, OH 44851), or 2) the Alzheimer's Association (Alzheimer's Association Cleveland Area 23215 Commerce Park Drive, Suite 300, Beachwood, OH 44122), or 3) another charity of your choice.

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