Rodney J. Rentrop, Sr.

Rodney J. Rentrop, a lifelong resident of Lake Charles, died January 16, 2021, at the age of 95, in his home with his sons at his side.  He attended Second Ward, Central and Lake Charles High School before serving in the Air Force.  He was training to be a B-29 Flight Engineer when World War II ended.  He then attended what is now Louisiana Tech University and graduated in 1949 with a BS in Mechanical Engineering.  Following graduation, Rodney was employed by Cities Service Oil Co. and spent most of his 35 year career managing major projects through the engineering and construction phases at the Lake Charles Refinery.  He retired in 1984

Rodney was a lifelong and active member of First United Methodist Church.  He served as an Usher and Greeter and was a member of the Builders Sunday School Class.  He was an avid sportsman and loved to hunt ducks and geese.  He enjoyed fishing, golfing and spending time on his sailboats.  Besides winning many trophies sailing his Hobie 16 with his sons, he also loved to sail the gulf along the Florida beaches of 30A every summer, trolling for fish.  He served as the Commodore of the Lake Charles Yacht Club in 1979.

He and his wife, Carolyn, were very active Square, Round and ballroom Tempo dancers and traveled to many festivals throughout the United States.  They also danced in Jennings, LA every week, if possible.  One of his retirement hobbies was restoring old family photos, identifying the people and approximate year of the photo to distribute to relatives throughout the United States so they could share with future generations.  As many people know, he was always a Dallas Cowboy fan and Carolyn was a Pittsburgh Steeler fan, once Terry Bradshaw joined the team.  In the 70’s and 80’s they had fun when the teams would play each other.  The “Terrible Towel” seemed to twirl around often in those games!

Mr. Rentrop was preceded in death by his parents, Hugh A. and Mamie Rentrop, brothers H.A Jr., Morgan and Billy;  sisters Sybil Rentrop and Katherine R. Newlin and his loving wife of 62 years, Carolyn L. Rentrop.  Survivors include two sons;  Dr. Rod Rentrop Jr. (Karen) of Sulphur and David Rentrop (Emily) of Lake Charles and their children, Scott Rentrop (Vanessa) of Lake Charles and Dr. Sarah Rentrop (fiancé Dr. Jordan Windham) of Starkville, MS as well as two beautiful great grandchildren, Kori and Remy Rentrop.

The family would like to express gratitude to Dr. Jason Hagen, Brenda and Donetra at LCMH;  the loving staff of Heart of Hospice, especially Sherie, Kentra and Julie;  and his sitter, Brenda Edwards.

Due to the risks associated with COVID-19, there will not be a funeral service.  His burial will be under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home at the Consolata Cemetery with a graveside service, with military honors on January 23rd at 1:00 pm.  A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First United Methodist Church, Heart of Hospice or a charitable organization of your choosing.