Douglas C. Rodebaugh

Douglas Carl “Rocket Man” Rodebaugh, a man who enjoyed the fast lane, died Tuesday, January 26, 2021, at home in Bellevue. Doug was born June 2, 1955, in Lansing, the son of Gerald and Anita (Pifer) Rodebaugh. He graduated from Potterville High School in 1973 and soon hit the gas on his lifetime passion of drag racing. He raced from the time he was 21 until he no longer could get behind the wheel. Doug married Jodi Kay Hayes in 1977, and the two started their family. Their family included more than children, as the Rodebaughs were always known to have a pet Dalmatian. Doug was self-employed, operating Rocket Man Motorsports in Lansing for over 25 years. He enjoyed sports, especially the Lions and Michigan football, and watching Tigers baseball.
Doug is survived by his wife of 43 years, Jodi; their children, Heather (Cheryl) Rodebaugh-Richards, Anthony (Trish) Rodebaugh, Doug Rodebaugh, Jr., and James (Shelby) Rodebaugh; and ten grandchildren, Ashley Lord, Allison Reese, Emily Coddington, Katie Rodebaugh, Corinne Rodebaugh, Hayleigh Rodebaugh, Rachael Rodebaugh, Gavin Rodebaugh, Sadie Rodebaugh, and Myles Rodebaugh. He was predeceased by his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Doug’s family. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 30, 2021 at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor Chuck Jenson officiating. Visitation was held from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, January 29, 2021 at the funeral home. Mask, group capacity, and distancing guidelines are practiced at the funeral home. The funeral will also be webcast beginning 15 minutes prior to the service so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Hemophilia Foundation of Michigan at hfmich.org. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Doug on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.