Rodney Leon Back, age 45, of Portage, passed away on Monday, October 24, 2005. He was born on September 26, 1960 in Lynch, KY, the son of Lue and Fannie (Cornett) Back. Rodney proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. He was married on October 8, 1995 to Judi Lanette Gilbert. Rodney very much enjoyed his work and was a self-employed electrician and worked on many business signs. Rodney was a member of the Emmanuel Baptist Church. His main love was as a race car driver who built his own car, designed the car graphics, and raced all over the Midwest, but mainly at the Crown Point Speedway. Rodney is survived by his loving family: his wife, Judi Back of Portage; his children: Patrick and fiance' Mandi Davis of Hampton, VA, Bre-Ann of Portage, Brandon (Theresa) of Portage, Rodney II of Portage; grandson, Brandon Izaac Leon; brothers: James Back of Fordsville, KY, Noah Back and fiance' Linda of Valparaiso, Roger (Kristy) Back of Wanatah, Benjamin (Betty) Back of Everetts, KY; sisters: Carolyn (Norbert) Gedmer of NC, Alta (Johnny) Turner of Gordon, KY, Sharon (Tom) Morris of Portage; in-laws: Bill and Toni Gilbert; grandparents: Tony and Fran Springman of Valparaiso; sisters-in-law: Jonie (Mike) Baldwin of Portage, Francine (Chuck) Emmet of Portage; special companions: Sampson and Shadow and other loving family and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Jerry Back and Burchiss Back; sister, Mary Back and great-niece, Jonie Lynn. Visitation for Rodney Back will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, October 27, 2005 at Engel Funeral Home, 2700 Willowcreek Road, Portage. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 28, 2005 at Engel Funeral Home, with Pastor John Allen, officiating. Interment will be at McCool Cemetery. Memorials in Rodney's memory may be made to the Back Family. For further information, please call Engel Funeral Home, 219-762-8595.


Published in The Times from 10/26/2005 - 10/27/2005