FRANKLIN - Rodney Merton Hebbard, 82, of Franklin, passed away with family at his side, in the home he built with his own hands, on Oct. 28, 2022.

Rodney was born March 8, 1940, to June and Merton Hebbard in East Worcester, the oldest of four brothers.

Growing up in rural New York, Rodney worked on dairy farms and building homes alongside his father where he developed exceptional carpentry and mechanical skills.

Rodney graduated in 1958 as salutatorian of his class at Franklin Central School and married his high school sweetheart, Sally. Rod and Sally enjoyed a beautiful marriage for 63 years filled with many happy memories.

His career started in 1958 in the U.S. Air Force where he served five years in Mississippi, Spain, the Congo, and Nebraska.

After working with United Parcel Service, he returned to dairy farming with his family before owning Rider's country store in Franklin. Rod later became a U.S. Postal Service Rural Carrier for 23 years before officially retiring.

Rod and Sally loved to spend time together with family and friends on their beautiful property where Rod designed, engineered and built his own passive solar house together with his children. When not at their beloved home, they traveled to see grandchildren, explored national parks and hiking destinations of the West, Switzerland, and the Blue Ridge Mountains.

As an avid outdoorsman, Rod enjoyed hunting, working outdoors and on his property. A true servant leader, Rodney faithfully gave his time and talents to everyone — his family, church, neighbors and community.

He was an active leader of the Franklin United Methodist Church since 1977, served 10 years on the Franklin Central School Board, was a dutiful member of Franklin Rotary for 42 years, and later in life enjoyed being part of the Adirondack Hiking Club.

Rodney is survived by his brothers, Jerry Hebbard and wife, Jane of Franklin and Donald Hebbard and wife, Louise of Franklin; sister-in-law Han-Ki Hebbard (wife of Randy Hebbard, deceased) of Binghamton; and many nieces and nephews.

He was a truly devoted father to his children Ron Hebbard and wife, MJ of Montgomery, Terry Hebbard and wife, Denise of Greene, Gary Hebbard of Bethel, Ohio and Tina Hebbard and husband, Hudson Owen of Asheville, North Carolina.

Rod and Sally were blessed with 10 grandchildren who will dearly miss their "Papa," Craig Hebbard and wife, Tiffany, Brian Hebbard, Veronica Hebbard, Garrett Hebbard, Caleb Owen, Joelle Hebbard, Mya Hebbard, Elissa Owen, Cole Hebbard, and Merryn Owen.

A Celebration of Life will be at Franklin United Methodist Church at 2 p.m., Friday, Nov. 25.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Rodney to the Franklin Rotary Club, P.O. Box 178, Franklin, NY 13775 for a special project.

Share online condolences at www.bennettfh.com.