Rodney C. Flater, born March 17, 1946 in Eldora, IA to Chris and Josephine Flater, passed away March 24, 2018, at the age of 72. He attended Grundy Center High School and graduated with the class of 1964. After graduating, he attended Weaver Airline School in Kansas City, MO, and was hired by Delta Airlines and worked there from 1965 to 2000. He served with the United States Air Force from 1965-1969 and served one year in Okinawa, Japan.
He loved to sing and was a member of the Heart of America Barbershop Chorus. He was a member of many barbershop quartets and loved to sing with the Singing Valentine’s. He loved going on annual fishing trips with his brothers and grandson, and teaching his grandkids how to fish. He organized a neighborhood Block Watch. He managed a church softball league, as well as coached a girl’s T-ball team. He grew up playing piano and played until passing it on to his granddaughter. He was a member of Platte Woods United Methodist Church for 46 years and was a member of the Seeker’s Sunday School Class. Above all, Rodney loved his family deeply and especially his grandchildren.
Rodney married Linda (Rhoads) on September 8, 1967 at Bethany Presbyterian Church in Grundy Center, IA. They moved to Kansas City, MO in 1970, where they made their home raising their three daughters. He was preceded in death by his parents and a nephew. He is survived by Linda, his wife of 50 years; daughters Tammy (Jeff) Lafferty, Angie (Steve) Conway, Amy (Scott) Galaydick; 7 grandchildren Austin Conway, Megan Conway, Ryan Flater, Tyler Flater, Kaitlyn Galaydick, Christian Galaydick, and Isabella Galaydick—all of Kansas City. He is also survived by brothers Jack (Georgia), Jay (Maxine), Roger (Sue) and Jerry (Kris) and several nieces and nephews—all of Iowa.
In Lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the American Cancer Society or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society..
A memorial service honoring Rodney’s life will be held 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 28, 2018, at the Platte Woods United Methodist Church, Pastor Steve Breon presiding. The family will receive friends from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., prior to the service. A committal service with military honors will follow at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday at Leavenworth National Cemetery. The Meyers Northland Chapel in Parkville, MO has been entrusted with the final arrangements. Memories of Rodney and condolences may be shared at www.meyersfuneralchapel.com.
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Our prayers of comfort and peace surround you, Linda, and all your family. We are sad to lose another of our Seekers church family. Rod was a talented, kind, and giving person—we will miss him.
Love and hugs,
Connie & Phil
Linda,
Our prayers are with you and you family. Sorry we can’t be there to give you a hug on the 28th but know we loved Rod and we know you will miss him but knowing he is with our Lord is most comforting.
Love and Hugs, Ann and Jim Kelih
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Linda, Please accept my sympathy as you and your family mourn Rodney’s death and celebrate his life. We’ve been friends at Platte Woods for all these years – Tammy and Katie in Sunday School, VBS, youth group, and Park Hill High, and us in Seekers. A good life in a good place. Love and prayers, friend, Margie
Linda and Family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Rod was a friend in many ways. He will be missed at Seekers and Thursday morning breakfasts.
May God be with you.
Karole and John
Linda
We were sad to hear of Rodney’s passing, but rejoice in a life well lived. We will remember his great attitude, sense of humor, and his willingness to serve. We are sorry we cannot be there for the memorial service, but know that our thoughts and prayers will be with you.
With Love and a Hug
Keith and Sharon Milburn
My sincere condolences to Linda and family. My prayers and thoughts are with you. Rodney was a kind and loving man. I truly enjoyed the time I had getting to know him during his care.
Kinda
I am so sorry to hear about Rod.
All of the Delta family will miss him.
Our thoughts and prayers reach out to you.
Go bless you and all your family.
Cliff Uhlig
Linda & Family,
We are certainly sorry to say goodbye to Rodney. Never knew that he played the piano. Lots of good memories will be brought up in the coming days and weeks. Rodney was the last to give up wearing a suit & tie to church which we applaud. I will miss his jokes as we talked after Seekers class often. Through those wonderful memories Rod will always be with us.
We wish only the best for all of you as you move forward.
Love & hugs,
Nelson & Kathie
Delta Airlines was a fun place to work when you were around, old friend. Lots of laughs and happy times. Our lives were enriched having you in them, and you’ll never be forgotten.
“Thanks for the memories “, and blessings to you and your family.
Ron and Bev (Jinx and BA) Jenkins
For all the memories of a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and all of us near Rodney hold dear, we can all rejoice in knowing Rodney has taken comfort amongst the stars and joined all who went before and were close to him in heaven. Rest In Peace Rodney, we all love you very much.
Until we meet again, your brother Jack
Linda, Thoughts and Prayers go with you and your family. I have many memories of Rodney during our Sunday School, VBS, youth group, and church as children and young adults and of course our school years together, especially our fun high school years. May memories give you comfort.
I am so sorry to hear of Rod’s passing. He was a wonderful man and always a great support to me in the many years I was at Platte Woods. He will be missed by many, his wonderful smile and his caring soul.
Linda it just seemed to happen so fast. Our heart goes out to you and your family. It just seems like not long ago Rodney was pulling us aside telling us a joke. He will be missed! What an awesome guy. We will see you at the funeral. Jim & Connie Heidenreich
My sympathy and prayers are with you, Linda, and your entire family. He will be greatly missed by many.
Linda, Amy and family,
I have so many special memories with your whole family from over the years. Rod was a special man and I am thankful for the time spent with him in recent years. Linda, you have such a beautiful love and devotion for your husband and family and have always shown light and strength even through many difficult times. My prayers are with you all in the times ahead. Sending love, hugs and prayers.
As a cousin, I have known Rodney all my life, many fond memories to look back on. He will be missed.
Rodney will be missed. He has accomplished a lot in his life. Blessings to Linda and family
Prayers and thoughts to linda and the girls. I have many good memories with the flater family spent many night’s there.
I will always remember all the fun we had, and all the trouble we got into as cousins when we visited at Grandma Flater’s house every Sunday. Rest in peace.
I have memories of Rhoads family reunions when you two would stop by my parents house. Hold his memories close in your hearts. Sing the songs he shared with you. He’s singing them in Heaven with you. He’s also fishing with the Rhoads family.
Love to you all
Les and Karilyn
Linda, Our prayers go out to you and your family. Rodney was a long time friend and a wonderful classmate.
I know your children and grandchildren where very close to Rodney and I know hearing this will always be a happy memory: A Bushel And A Peck And A Hug Around The Neck. I will miss him greatly. Dave
Linda, our prayers are with you and your family. What a blessing Rodney was and will always be. I always looked forward to his jokes when he attended the Thursday breakfasts. He was a very positive guy, and an inspiration to many.
Linda, our thoughts are with you and your family. Rodney was a great story teller and he will be missed. My family, Ron, and Kathy were all sorry to hear of your loss.