MANSFIELD: Rod L. McElfresh, age 85 of Mansfield passed away Monday, March 31, 2025 in Crystal Care Center following a 7 year battle with multiple myeloma.
He was born August 22, 1939 in Newark to the late Frank and Neva (Bebout) McElfresh
and graduated from Newark High School.
Following high school Rod served in the Ohio Army National Guard from 1957-1958 and
the U.S. Navy from 1958-1963.
A dedicated man of service, he entered the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy and was assigned for five years in Fremont, Ohio. He then moved to Mansfield, taking a job in the security division at the former United Telephone Company from which he retired after 30
years. He then worked for several years as a valet at Ohio Health Mansfield (formerly Med
Central) where he thoroughly enjoyed meeting and helping folks being admitted to or visiting the hospital.
A passionate and vibrant individual, Rod was the embodiment of positivity and support.
He enjoyed shooting, often spending hours at the range perfecting his skill or out hunting wild game. Rod was also a member of the Richland County Shooting Club and was a marksman skilled in several types of guns. He was a member of First Congregational Church of Mansfield where he volunteered with the annual rummage sale and Hemlock Trails. A fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes, he rarely missed a game, proudly wearing his scarlet and gray. Music was a constant companion to Rod, whether he was listening to his favorite tunes or attending concerts to experience the magic live. His adventurous spirit led him to travel with Laura, always seeking new experiences and cultures. An active and fitness-oriented person, Rod was committed to staying physically fit, finding joy in a long run or game of handball. With a sense of humor and quick wit, he had the ability to bring laughter to any room, making those around him feel like family. A student of self help and meditation, he was a stoic, but also lighthearted and knew how to have fun.
He is survived by his wife Laura McElfresh, whom he married May 17, 2011; daughters Shelly (Greg) Kirk, and Molly (Gary) McCue; grandchildren Julie (Jeff) Underwood, Sean
(Kaleigh) Kirk, Patrick (Courtney) Kirk, Tony (Emily) Kirk, Emily (Clayton) Hockenberry, Josie McCue, Carly McCue, and Zoe McCue; great grandchildren Parker, Beckham, Crue, Jaydn, Jaxtyn (including two great-grandsons on the way), and his sister Sherry (Gary) Mitchell.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by Laura’s son Christopher Evilsizor,
whom he never met in person, but honored his life and embraced Laura’s loss with love and
compassion saying, “I wish I could have met him.”
Rod’s family will celebrate his life with a gathering to be determined at a later date.
Please consider a donation to Altrusa International of Mansfield in honor of Rod: P.O.
Box 1324, Mansfield, Ohio 44901.
The Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Home is honored to serve the McElfresh family
and encourage messages of support by visiting: snyderfuneralhomes.com
Funeral Home: Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Home
Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com