Rodney K. Applegarth

Rodney K. “Rod” Applegarth, 75, of St. Clairsville, Ohio died Monday June 2, 2025 at Valley Hospice, Liza’s Place following a brief illness. He was born on November 2, 1949, in Wheeling, West Virginia, a son of the late Harold P. “Bud” and Ruth L. Kelley Applegarth.

Rod was a U.S. Marine Corp veteran, having proudly served his country during Vietnam. Rod retired from Console Energy after 46 years in underground mining.

Rod was a lifetime member of the New Athens Buck Club and was in the woods by sunrise every day of deer season. If he wasn’t hunting or fishing, he could often be found on his brother-in-law, Wayne Henderson’s farm on a tractor, or in his brother Bob’s garage mixing up 3 Brothers Shine.

In addition to his parents, Rod was preceded in death by granddaughter Destiny Deavers; brother, William J. Applegarth; and nephews, Robbie Wallace and James Dean Applegarth.

Surviving are his wife, and love of his life, Cheryl Manhollan Applegarth; son, Cody (Jeananne) Applegarth of St. Clairsville; his “Coal Miner’s Daughter”, Brenna (Corey) Whipkey of Weirton, West Virginia; step-son, Joseph (Melitta) Bland of Georgia; step-daughter, Raylene (Doug) Riggs of Follansbee, West Virginia; granddaughter and light of his life, Angelina Applegarth; grandsons, Jordan, Dakota, Mikel and JR; granddaughters, Caity, Dominique, Iris, Lena and Mackenzie; and several great-grandchildren; brothers, Robert (Barbara) Applegarth of Adena, Ohio, Clayton Applegarth of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Wayne (Janet) Applegarth of Flushing, Ohio; sisters, Sharon (Robert) Wallace of St. Clairsville, Ohio, Ruth Ann (George) Sullivan of Bridgeport, Ohio; sister-in-law, Lori Applegarth of New Athens, Ohio; as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews who Rod loved with his whole heart. There are also numerous honorary nieces and nephews who knew him simply as “Uncle Rod”, as well as special friend, Chase Grigaitis. Rod lived a life that was an inspiration to many. He also leaves behind countless friends, many of whom he has had since childhood. To know Rod was to love him.

The family would like to thank Valley Hospice for the exceptional care they provided Rod as well as the support they gave his family in their time of need.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be to Franklin Museum, c/o Pat Saffell, PO Box 29, New Athens, Ohio 43981 or Road Home Animal Project, PO Box 522, St. Clairsville, Ohio 43950.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 5, 2025, from 1-4 & 6-8 at Clark-Kirkland-Barr Funeral Home in Cadiz, Ohio. The funeral service will be held on Friday, June 6, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Clark-Kirkland-Barr Funeral Home with Rev. Pete Tuchek officiating. Burial will follow at Longview Cemetery in New Athens.