Rodney H. Hanscom

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Rodney H. Hanscom

BETHEL — Rodney H. Hanscom, 88, of Bethel died Friday evening, February 18, 2011 at his home. He was born in Newry September 12, 1922, the son of Hartley H. and Nellie G. Sawyer Hanscom. He attended Woodstock High School in Woodstock and faithfully served his country in the Army during WWII stationed in France and England. On June 6, 1948 he married Kathleen Brooks in Bethel.

He worked at P.H. Chadbourne and Co. for several years. He also served as pastor of the Newry Community Church for more than 30 years, retiring from the ministry in 2007. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post # 68, where he served as chaplain for many years, a former member of the Odd Fellows, the Bethel Area Clergy Association and the Bethel Emergency Ambulance and Rescue Service (BEARS).

Survivors include his wife of Bethel; their children, David and Susan Hanscom of Mason Township, Nancy and Peter Anderson of Bethel and Brian and Wendy Hanscom of Newry; a daughter-in-law, Christine Hanscom of Bethel; eight grandchildren; 13 and a half great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Hanscom was predeceased by his parents; a son, Rodney; sisters, Mabel Edith Hanscom, Vada Nellie Inman, Ella Annie Cole, Hazel Gertrude Newell, Amy Evelyn Hanscom and Ruth Edna Cummings; brothers, Ray Kenneth Hanscom and Roger Everett Hanscom; daughter-in-law, Christine Grover Hanscom and a special niece, Vada Glover Inman Thayer.

Family and friends attended memorial services on Wednesday, February 23 at the West Bethel Union Church with Rev. John Williams officiating. Private interment will be in the spring. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make a donation in his memory to the charity of their choice. Arrangements are under the direction of Greenleaf Funeral Home, 37 Vernon St., Bethel. On-line condolences may be shared with his family at www.andrewsgreenleaf.com.