Rodney E. Ewers, a recently retired electrician who was known for his skilled work and love of family, died June 20 at the age of 62 following a battle with cancer. He spent more than 20 years at the College, joining Kenyon in 2005 and retiring in April.
Born Nov. 13, 1963, to James Ewers and the late Carolyn (Ayers) Ewers, he grew up on the family farm in Fredericktown, Ohio. Like his father, the younger Ewers became an electrician, spending 15 years at Lake Erie Electric, where he contributed to the construction of hospitals, high schools and college buildings, including work on Rosse Hall.
He was dedicated to the profession, completing an apprentice-training program with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) that required him to take five years of continuing-education classes, work 10,000 hours in on-the-job training, and complete 10 years of electrical experience to achieve the status of journeyman electrician.
At Kenyon — where he met his wife, AVI office manager Theresa Ewers — he was regarded as a highly skilled tradesman whose work often centered around the electrical needs of Peirce Hall and the Lowry Center, two of the most heavily used buildings on campus.
On the job, Ewers always brought impressive expertise and attention to detail, according to Fred Linger, retired manager of business services.
He brought the same dedication to his family life as well.
“Many of us watched this love story between Rodney and Theresa unfold in the summer soon after he arrived 20 years ago,” Linger said. “We all wondered who this new guy was eating lunch with her every day! From there they were married, and … he was genuinely invested in so many ways.”
Their wedding took place on Aug. 7, 2009, at Sanibel Island in Florida, a favorite vacation destination where Ewers enjoyed searching the beach for unique seashells. He was a devoted family man who went above and beyond to support his loved ones, including helping to raise three grandchildren, his wife said.
“He was always glad to help with anything and everything when needed,” she said. “He completed our family.”
The couple worked together to clear some of his family’s property in Fredericktown and build a log cabin, where they lived for about a dozen years before moving to Mount Vernon. Ewers — an ardent fan of the Miami Dolphins and Ohio State Buckeyes — happily assisted with gardening projects, maintaining the family’s pool and playing with his grandchildren, his wife said.
Ewers is survived by his wife, Theresa (Thompson) Ewers; his father, James Ewers; stepchildren, Kayla Riley (James Grennell), Amber Pilotti and Joseph Pilotti; grandchildren, Griffin Riley, Avery Kuehner, Laini Kuehner (Matt Shepherd), Kelcy (Kody) Fowler, Morgan Pilotti, and Riley Pilotti; three great-grandchildren; sisters, Kassie (Brian) Lester and Dulcie (Rick) Ricketts; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Carolyn Ewers, and granddaughter, Hazel Riley.
A memorial service took place on June 26, after which he was buried at Mound View Cemetery in Mount Vernon.