Honoring Rodney’s Fight & Supporting Diann Through the Final Journey

Dear Family, Friends, and Kind Hearts,

With deeply heavy hearts, we share that our beloved Rodney transitioned on Sunday, October 25th. He fought an incredibly fierce battle, giving it absolutely everything he had until the very end.

Given the onslaught of medical challenges that hit him near the end, Rodney showed remarkable strength. After a mini-stroke took away his ability to walk easily, he had to navigate becoming diabetic and anemic, which required blood transfusions almost weekly. Just a few weeks ago, he was faced with a diagnosis of pancreatic and liver cancer. Yet, through all of this, Rodney’s spirit remained untouched—he constantly reassured us that he was not in pain.

On Monday morning, Rodney suffered a heart attack. With very little brain activity remaining, his devoted and loving wife, Diann, made the selfless, agonizing decision to release him from the cares of his earthly body.

How Your Past Generosity Changed Rodney’s Life

To our family and friends who have been by their side from the beginning: we cannot thank you enough. When Diann faced over six months of unemployment, your support ensured they could stay in their home and maintain their quality of life. Your generous donations also allowed us to explore alternative medical care. The hydrogen peroxide treatments he received were incredibly beneficial in restoring a sense of normalcy for him. While a demanding schedule of dialysis three times a week, regular doctor appointments, and transportation hurdles limited him to three treatments a month instead of the recommended eight, those moments of relief meant the world.

Your kindness directly eased his daily physical burdens. Because of you, we built a beautiful ramp so he could easily access the front door. And when insurance would only cover a standard manual wheelchair, your generosity provided an electric wheelchair—giving him independence and desperately needed relief as his wrist healed from a previous fall.

You truly made his life easier, brighter, and more comfortable during his greatest struggles. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Our Continued Need for Diann

Now that Rodney has transitioned, the road ahead remains incredibly difficult for our dear sister Diann. She is now faced with navigating funeral arrangements and final expenses with Funeral in Oklahoma and later a Memorial in Houston.

We are turning to our community once more to surround Diann with love and financial stability as she lays her husband to rest and tries to reach a place where she can comfortably manage on her own. (She tried but could not get final expense insurance for him.)

Whatever you can do to support her during this time of profound grief is deeply appreciated. Your love has shown us firsthand what God can do through the hearts of people like you. Thank you for opening your hearts to Rodney, and for continuing to stand by Diann.

With immense gratitude and love,

The Simon Family