Rodney Duane Westgate, age 88 of Newaygo, passed away Wednesday, June 12, 2024 in Grand Rapids.  Rodney was born on June 23, 1935 in Big Prairie Township to Edgar "Eddie" A. and Sadie E. (Aishe) Westgate and graduated from Morley High School.  Rodney attended Spring Arbor College and received his teaching degree and later was drafted in the United States Army where he served during the Vietnam Era until his honorable discharge.  Rodney later returned to the area and began his teaching degree and taught math in Homer and Howard City School Districts until his retirement.  Rodney enjoyed playing baseball in his younger years and enjoyed coaching baseball during his teaching years and Homer and Howard City.  He also enjoyed collecting coins, re-caning chairs, and yard sales.

Rodney is survived by his brothers and sister, Ray (Carolyn) Westgate of Newaygo; Tom (Sandy) Westgate of Newaygo; Edna Wood of Newaygo; Ida Krueger of Newaygo; Robert (Linda) Westgate of Newaygo; sister-in-law and brothers-in-laws, Sue Westgate of Brooklyn, Michigan; Leon Staples of Fremont; Elon Howe of Newaygo; Ray (Arlene) Boucher of White Cloud; many nieces and nephews.  Rodney was preceded in death by his siblings, Lois Staples, Marion Dosch, Wilma Jean Howe, Mary Evelyn Howe, Gladys Reickard Boucher, Barbara Jane Portz, Basil Westgate, Richard Westgate, Arthur Westgate, and  Donald Westgate.

VISITATION : Monday, June 17, 2024 from 5-7pm at Crandell Funeral Home White Cloud Chapel (1109 Court Street White Cloud MI 49349)   FUNERAL SERVICES : Tuesday, June 18, 2024 at 11:00am at the Crandell Funeral Home White Cloud Chapel with Military Honors given at 11:00am.   INTERMENT : Big Prairie Everett Township Cemetery. MEMORIAL CONTRIBUITONS : Big Prairie Community Church.  Friends may send a condolence or share a memory with the Westgate Family online at www.crandellfh.com.  Arrangements by Crandell Funeral Home – White Cloud Chapel.   231-924-0800.