Roderic "Rod" E. Daniels

Roderic E. Daniels, 97, of Peru passed away at 3:02 AM, Monday, April 8, 2024 at the Blaire Ridge Health Campus. He was born in Peru, Indiana on February 17, 1927, the son of Earl and Ruth Rarey Daniels. Rod married Martha North on February 4, 1951, and she preceded him in death on July 13, 2014. Rod was a United States Army World War II veteran and his military decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, and the Army Occupation of Germany Medal. He was a graduate of Purdue University in 1951, as well as a member of the Purdue Football Team. After graduation he was an engineer for Stellite Steel Corporation, for several years, and then was the Plant Manager for CR Industries and a part-time Miami County farmer. Rod was a member of the Main Street United Methodist Church and was a member of the church choir for over 50 years. He is survived by daughters Rebecca (Robert) Dittus of Brentwood, TN, Constance Cutler of Peru, Elizabeth (Ronald) Breymier of Indianapolis, IN, and Laura (Harold) Gutzwiller of Mooresville, IN; eight grandchildren, Erin Dittus (Russell Lang), Hayley (David) Doria, Clayton (Julie) Cutler, Nathan (Christine) Cutler, Corinne (Zach) Arnold, Jessica Chapman, Benjamin Breymier, William Roderic Gutzwiller; great-grandchildren, Catherine Doria, Lucas Doria, Jack Dittus-Lang, Grace Dittus-Lang, Reed Dittus-Lang, Gavin Cutler, Lydia Cutler, Clara Cutler, Vivian Cutler, Brady Cutler, and Parker Arnold; nephews, Peter (Karen) Dakich, Mark Dakich, David (Melissa) Dakich, Mike (Cynthia) North, Kirk North, Jeff (Amy) North, and Michael (Barrie) Stodgell; and nieces, Carol Stodgell Walsh and Kathy Stodgell (David Mook). Rod set a great example to his family with his devotion to his church and faith, family, and a love of Purdue. He is the example of a true Servant, and the family will greatly miss his presence and guidance. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Martha, a sister, Evelyn Stodgell, and a son-in-law, Parkhurst Cutler. Family and friends will gather from 10AM to 12 Noon, Friday, May 3, 2024 at the Main Street United Methodist Church, 81 West Main Street, Peru. A memorial service celebrating the life of Roderic E. Daniels will be held at 12 Noon, Friday, May 3, 2024 with the Reverend Doctor Sam Odubena officiating. Burial will be in the Crider’s Chapel Cemetery with military honors provided by the Miami County Military Rites Unit. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made through the Eikenberry-Eddy Funeral Home, 84 W. Main, Peru, IN 46970 to the Main Street United Methodist Church or to the Rod and Martha Daniels Community Fund at the Miami County Community Foundation.

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