Martin Kniffen, 71, a resident of Blue Springs, MO passed away peacefully Monday, July 25, 2022 at the Kansas City Hospice House in Kansas City, MO. He was born July 4, 1951 in Schenectady, NY to Walter and Daisy (Isaac) Kniffen.
Martin graduated from Chatsworth High School in 1969. He earned his Bachelors of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Central Missouri State University. Martin was united in marriage to Gloria Lou Rodick on October 12, 1985 in Olathe, KS.
Martin or “Marty” to many friends and family, had a larger-than-life personality and did just that, lived life to the absolute fullest. He was always the life of the party, no matter where he was. He could be literally anywhere, exclaiming a word or phrase, sometimes totally inappropriate to even a perfect stranger, seeming to get away with it, followed with a ready laugh, arms outreached, and twinkling eyes. The lights of his life were his beloved Gloria, his girls Brenda and Jeanette, sons-in-law, grandchildren, extended family and friends. He and Gloria could be in a heated conversation one minute and giggling the next as if nothing had ever happened. They both loved and were extremely proud of all their children (Sean and Chris included) and especially their grandchildren. Even toward the end of his life, he always responded to each and every detail involving these precious kids. Extended family and friends were also really important to Marty with so many stories to remember and laugh about. For the last five years, another love of his life was definitely Lulu, his prize beagle gifted to him by Gloria. Lulu, with her “Marty” eyes, just like her master, could almost get away with anything.
He was also passionate about anything “Chiefs”, a season ticket holder for many years while hosting infamous super bowl parties with Gloria. He also collected baseball cards, Olympics memorabilia as it related to Brenda’s famous Olympic torch run, and many other lifelong collections including favorite outfits he wore all the time. Marty absolutely loved showing his passions and interests through his clothing, dressing from head to toe in whatever he wanted to emulate for the day. His outfit could range from the Kansas City Chiefs, “Sponge Bob” and “Margaritaville”, a salute to his much-loved frozen strawberry margaritas, to patriotic splendor like only he could wear. Marty, a true patriot and veteran, being born on the 4th of July, he bled red, white, and blue, and was very proud to have served in the Air Force during the Vietnam war and later became involved with his local VFW.
If you knew Marty, he was rarely still unless actually asleep, but always pondering and looking for a next adventure they could experience, or the art of a “great deal” on the horizon. He and Gloria, usually with friends or family, frequently traveled or went cruising with almost always a beach somewhere nearby. Along with great adventures, every transaction, from his perspective, always ended up being a “great deal”.
Marty had an utmost desire to be there for others. Over the years, he went out of his way to help where he could, whether it was in obtaining needed veteran benefits for a buddy, helping financially with a friend’s family, having an older gentleman join his lunch group who just needed a friendly face, or just listening to a story needed to be told, he was there always ready and willing. All those who got to know Martin Kniffen actually experienced not a “great deal” but the “best deal” of their lives.
Survivors include his daughters, Brenda Mutert and husband Sean, Nixa, MO, Jeanette Kesler and husband Chris, Holden, MO, as well as four grandchildren, Brody, Allison, Carter, and Maelie. He is preceded in death by his wife, Gloria Rodick; parents, Walter and Daisy Kniffen.
In true Marty fashion the family request that people wear Hawaiian shirts since Marty always stated, “I don’t want a funeral, I just want to have one big party!”
His family will receive family and friends from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 5, 2022 at Meyers Funeral Chapel, 1600 W. Main St, Blue Springs, MO. Funeral service will begin at 10:00 a.m. at the chapel. A committal service with full military honors will follow at 12:00 p.m. at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville, MO. The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Blue Springs VFW Post 6603. Memories of Martin and words of comfort for his family may be shared at meyersfuneralchapel.com.
So sad for the family, know you miss your mom and dad so much. They were the best. Sending love and prayers. We will miss them.
Brenda and Jeanette, I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Your parents were the greatest! We had such great times there in good old 5th street! Sending you much love, Angie , Siara and Brad.
Marty had to be one of my favorite patients. He always brought a smile to my face. And I loved listening to his stories. I’m so glad he allowed the KU Clinical Research team to be a part of his health care.
Our prayers go out to all the family during this difficult time. I have known Marty lots of years starting with working for him at Dunbar Armored and continuing after that when he would have his Super Bowl parties and other get togethers. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.