Nelson Davis Rodes, Jr.
June 15, 1932 ~ December 1, 2021
Nelson Davis Rodes, Jr.,89, died in Louisville, Kentucky at Baptist East Hospital on December 1, 2021. He was born in Danville on June 15, 1932, the son of Nelson Davis and Mary McDowell Rodes. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Martha Butler Rodes and three children, John Butler Rodes (Julie), Charles Henry Rodes, and Martha \"Priss\" Rodes Hovious (Gregg) and six grandchildren Nelson D. Rodes, IV (Mary Jane), William B. Rodes (Jessie), Mary C. Rodes, Katharyn D. Hovious, Robert R. Hovious and Sam M. Hovious and three great-grandsons. Also surviving is a brother Charles Rodes (Clare). In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his son, Nelson Davis Rodes III; three brothers, Clifton Rodes (Barbara), Robert Rodes (Georgia), and Joe Rodes (Barbara).
He was a lifelong member of The Presbyterian Church, having served as a Sunday School Teacher, Deacon, Elder and Trustee. Nelson attended public schools in Danville through the 9th grade and graduated from McCallie School in 1950, Centre College in 1954 and Harvard Law School in 1957. Upon graduation from law school, he joined the U.S. Army Reserve and was later called for one year of active duty with the Kentucky 100th division at Fort Chafee, Fort Smith, Arkansas. Rodes began the practice of law in Danville on January 1, 1958 and spent most of his career as a member of the firm of Lively and Rodes. While practicing law, he served on the Board of Governors of the Kentucky Bar Association from 1972 -1979. In 1980 he received the \"Outstanding Lawyer\" award from the Kentucky Bar Association.
On January 1, 1980, he became the President of Farmers National Bank in which capacity he served until retirement on June 30, 1997. In 1986-87, he served as President of the Kentucky Bankers Association.
Throughout his business career, he was active in many civic organizations. He served as President of the Jaycees, The Chamber of Commerce, The Historical Society and The United Way. He served 50 years as a member of the Board of the Danville Library Inc., the last ten years as Chairman. He served on the Board of Trustees of Centre College from 1978 until his death with offices of Secretary, Vice Chairman and Life Trustee. He was awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Laws by Centre in 1998.
Rodes was a member of the Danville Rotary Club since 1959 and The Anaconda Club since 1960, both of which contributed greatly to his enjoyment of life in Danville. With his family and friends, he particularly enjoyed golf, tennis, skiing and summer vacations at Crystal Lake, Michigan. He served on the Board of Directors and as President of the Danville Country Club and on the Board of Governors of Crystal Downs Country Club in Michigan.
He and his wife, Martha enjoyed traveling together and he also enjoyed many years of looking over his farm and cattle.
The funeral service will be at 1 p.m., Monday, December 6, 2021 at The Presbyterian Church in Danville.
Rev. Caroline Kelly and Dr. Eric Mount will officiate. A private burial will be in Bellevue Cemetery prior to the service. The family invites friends and family to visit following the service at 305 N. Third St. Memorial donations are suggested to Centre College, Danville Public Library, KET, and The Presbyterian Church. Please sign the online guestbook and send a Hugs from Home.
Funeral service: 1 p.m., Monday, December 6, 2021 at The Presbyterian Church in Danville.
The family invites friends and family to visit following the service at 305 N. Third St.
A private burial will be in Bellevue Cemetery prior to the service
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He was one of a kind. He did so much for Farmers Bank and it’s employees when he was President. He had an unique dry sense of humor that makes me smile tonight remembering him. My prayers for his family.
To the extended Rodes family, Please accept my sincere and heartfelt condolences for Nelson\’s recent passing. Nelson was a treasured and lifelong friend of my father, James Nichols. Dad thought the world of him and held dear countless memories created during their time together at Centre, in Boston (when my dad was a student at MIT, and Nelson was at Harvard) and numerous Centre homecoming and birthday celebrations. My sisters and I were especially appreciative of the ways in which Nelson reached out to my father after my mom passed away, calling him frequently and inviting him to dinner at Masonic Home. We send prayers of comfort to you all!
Our sympathy to the family.
Mr. Rodes was a great leader and educator. His tenure as President and CEO of Farmers National Bank was one of outstanding leadership that gave his employees optimism for the future. He continually challenged his employees to do better and to be the best they could be. I attribute my current status at the Bank to his belief in me when he told me in November 1984 that he thought I would make a good auditor. Thirty-seven years later I like to think he was not wrong. He was greatly missed when he retired from the Bank and I know he will be greatly missed by his family. Thoughts and prayers are being lifted for his family in this difficult time.
A true gentleman.
What an accomplished and wonderful man, father, brother, uncle. Thinking of all the family, during this time of sorrow and loss. I know God is watching over you all with love and comfort. Hugs and love to all the Rodes family. Maggie Ward Bieda
My heart is deeply sadden!!
Uncle Nelson will be missed by so many friends and family. I will always hold fond memories of our summers up in Michigan and the family gatherings on the beach. He was well admired by so many and I know my father will miss their lively debates.
A total gentleman!
Dear Martha, John, Charlie, and Priss, I am so sorry to hear of Nelson\’s passing earlier this month. He was a such a kind soul with a gentle way about him, that always made it a joy to be around him. I only wish I would have listened to more of sage advice growing up! He was a great friend to my parents and an enduring positive influence to all of us kids. I am so happy I got to know him and be round all of you while growing up in Danville. I am wishing all of you much comfort and peace, as you recall the many happy memories of good ties with you husband and father. Thinking of you, Ben Kerbaugh P.S. I am also making a donation to the Danville Public Library in his honor.