Herbert “Herb” Theodore Rohde, 90, of Benton, KY passed away peacefully on April 10, 2023 with his loving family as the Golden Gates of Heaven swung wide and the angels rejoiced at his arrival.
Herb was born at his uncle Theodore’s house on Rankin Avenue in Lawrence Park, PA on June 9, 1932. He grew up on farms all his life and was a graduate of Wattsburg High School. In 1956, Herb was drafted and served 2 years in the United States Navy serving on the USS John Hood Naval Destroyer as a Radarman. Upon his return home, he returned to farming and embarked on a business with his brother, Howard, selling farm equipment. He continued with the sales and service of the farm equipment until the early 1980’s. His love of sales led him to other avenues of sales until his most recent venture with Central Petroleum Company selling lubricants and paints, from which he retired in October 2016 and moved to Benton, KY. During his years of sales and service, he received several awards for his outstanding achievements.
Herb loved spending time with his family and grandchildren. He was so proud of all the grandchildren and great-grandchildren and often bragged about their achievements.
Herb was preceded in death by his parents, Fritz Henry Rohde and Helene Louise Rieker Rohde; brothers and their spouses, Clifford (Ruth), Robert (Mary), William (Mary Lou) and Howard (Virgene).
Herb is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Myrta Bunce Rohde; son, Alen (Carol) of Benton, KY; daughter, Alene (Ginny) of North East, PA; grandchildren, Amber Carmack (Brian) of Benton, KY, Mary Liz Hughes (Dan) of Murray, KY, Carlie Anne Whitledge (Brian) of Evansville, IN, Aaron Schwartz of North East, PA, Tori Schwartz of North East, PA, Amanda Burnett (Robbie) of Erie, PA, Wayne Markley, Jr. of North East, PA; and 11 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and relatives in Germany.
As per Herb’s request, he was cremated and there will be no service (he didn’t want a lot of fuss on his behalf). He wanted everyone to celebrate his life. A celebration of life is being planned for June to be announced at a later date.
At the request of his family, memorials can be made in his honor to the entities that helped make him most comfortable for his peaceful passing: Home Instead, 3429 Loane Oak Rd, Suite 5B, Paducah, KY 42001 or Mercy Health Homecare and Hospice, 225 Medical Center Drive, Suite 203, Paducah, KY 42003.