BETHEL — Rodney H. Hanscom , 88, of Bethel, died Friday evening at his home.

He was born in Newry on Sept. 12, 1922, the son of Hartley H. and Nellie G. Sawyer Hanscom. He attended Woodstock High School in Woodstock and faithfully served his country in the Army during World War II, stationed in France and England. On June 6, 1948, he married Kathleen Brooks in Bethel.

He worked at P.H. Chadbourne and Co. for several years. He also served as pastor of the Newry Community Church for more than 30 years, retiring from the ministry in 2007. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post No. 68, where he served as chaplain for many years, a former member of the Odd Fellows, the Bethel Area Clergy Association and the Bethel Emergency Ambulance and Rescue Service.

Survivors include his wife, of Bethel; their children, David and Susan Hanscom of Mason Township, Nancy and Peter Anderson of Bethel, Brian and Wendy Hanscom of Newry; a daughter-in law, Christine Hanscom of Bethel; eight grandchildren; 13 1/2 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; a son, Rodney; sisters, Mabel Edith Hanscom, Vada Nellie Inman, Ella Annie Cole, Hazel Gertrude Newell, Amy Evelyn Hanscom and Ruth Edna Cummings; brothers, Ray Kenneth Hanscom and Roger Everett Hanscom; daughter-in-law, Christine Grover Hanscom; and a special niece, Vada Glover Inman Thayer.

Online condolences may be shared with his family at www.andrewsgreenleaf.com.