John Robert Rhodehamel

John Robert Rhodehamel, of Beavercreek, OH, passed away peacefully on June 25, 2021 after a lengthy illness, following a healthy and robust long life of adventurous and independent living.

John was born April 29, 1934 in Indianapolis, Indiana, son of Wesley A. Rhodehamel and Era (McLaughlin) Rhodehamel. He graduated in 1952 from Shortridge High School in Indianapolis. He was a 1956 US Army ROTC graduate of Rose (Hulman) Polytechnic Institute with a degree in Chemical Engineering. He also held a 1964 Masters degree in Business Administration from George Washington University, affiliated with the US Air Force's Air Command and Staff College. In addition, John obtained a 1968 German language certification from the Defense Language Institute, Presidio of Monterey, CA. A life-long dedicated supporter of the military, he served from 1956-1957 in the US Army Reserves as an Engineer Officer, and from 1957-1972 in the US Air Force Reserves, culminating in an honorable discharge after dedicated service to his country.

John spent his entire career as a brilliant and innovative civilian Chemical and Mechanical Engineer with the US Air Force, primarily with the Air Force Materials Lab at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, OH. His critical accomplishments were highlighted by his highly sensitive work with laser, missile and stealth technology for stealth aircraft and the B2 Bomber. He was also honored to have been selected to serve as a US Air Force Engineer Exchange Officer to the German Ministry of Defense's Air Institute for Aircraft Construction, in Braunschweig, Germany, 1968-1969.

A passionate advocate for nature conservancy, wildlife and history, John was highly active in the community. Over the many years he was a member of, and advocate for, numerous organizations to include: Service to Man (SERTOMA), American Society for Testing Materials, Beavercreek Township Zoning Commission, the Rose Hulman University Alumni Dean's Giving Circle, the Beavercreek Historical Society, the Beavercreek Wetland's Association, Dayton Boonshoft Museum, SunWatch Indian Village/Archaeological Park, the Farm Science Review, the Greene County Farm Forum, Ohio Nut Growers Association, and many more too numerous to list.

Fondly referred to as "Farmer John," he was devoted to his 40 acre farm, and adored his cows, chickens, and dogs. He also loved instructing generations of young people about all things related to the woods and nature. In addition, at one point he also co-owned and ran the Enon Beach Campground vicinity Springfield, OH.

In 1960 John married Susan E. Snider (deceased) and went on to have five beautiful children. In 1990 he married Nancy R. Sotlar and added her five children to the family.

In addition to his parents, John is preceded in death by his brother Wesley R. (Dick) Rhodehamel (Virginia), and sister Louise R. Hopkins (John). John is survived by his wife, Nancy Rhodehamel, his children Renna E. DeBoy, Wesley A. Rhodehamel (Dawn), Gerrick V. Rhodehamel (Judith), Leanna B. Seyler (Lawrence), and Rowland J. Rhodehamel (Stevy), his step-children Dea C. Sotlar, Paula J. McKinney (Robert), Rudy E. Sotlar, Robert A. Sotlar, and Jacob S. Sotlar (Courtney), and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Beavercreek Wetlands Association. https://beavercreekwetlands.org/

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