Rodney Sell, Kentucky Engineer and Pilot, Dies at 85
Rodney “Rod” Allen Sell, a longtime Frankfort, Kentucky resident and accomplished engineer, died Saturday, October 11, 2025, at his home.
Born May 13, 1940, in Oberlin, Ohio, Sell was known for his diverse skills, working as a pilot, handyman, and builder throughout his life. He is remembered by his family as a dedicated “fixer” who readily shared his knowledge with others. Sell is survived by his wife of 44 years, Carol Anne McKinney Sell, and their children: Ryan Sell, Trevor Sell, Jason Sell, and Cherrine Coulter, as well as eleven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, William “Bill” Sell, and several sister-in-laws.
A celebration of life gathering will be held from 3-5 p.m. on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at LeCompte Johnson Taylor Funeral Home in Frankfort. Sell’s passing represents a loss to the local community of skilled tradesmen and dedicated family members. LeCompte Johnson Taylor Funeral Home is handling arrangements, and online condolences can be offered through their website. For those interested in learning more about the engineering profession, resources are available through the National Society of Professional Engineers.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Milton T. Sell and Elva Stanfield Sell, and brothers Bill Althaus and James “Jim” Althaus. Arrangements are under the direction of LeCompte Johnson Taylor Funeral Home.
