In Remembrance Of
Rodger Claycomb
Rodger Eugene Claycomb, 77 of Smithville, MO passed away May 16, 2022.
He was born on January 21, 1945, to Dean Clarence and Ruth Glenda (Harr) Claycomb in Queen, Pennsylvania and graduated with the class of 1962 from Chestnut Ridge High School in Fishertown, PA. Rodger then graduated from the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics in Pittsburgh, PA in 1963 with a Federal Aviation Administration Airframe and Power Plant license. After receiving his license, he started working for North American Aviation in Columbus, OH and then moved on to McDonnell Aviation in St. Louis, MO. In 1965, Rodger enlisted in the United States Air Force and was stationed in San Antonio, TX; Albuquerque, NM; Bien Hoa AFB, Republic of Vietnam; and Eglin AFB, Ft. Walton Beach, FL.
On May 18, 1968, he was united in marriage to Saundra Lee Pope in Pasadena, MD. After their marriage they moved numerous times. The last time was from the San Francisco Bay area in 1978 when they moved to Smithville, MO where they made their home. Saundra passed away on June 26, 2012.
Rodger worked for TWA for 33 ½ years and later retired from American Airlines in February 2007 after 5 years of service. He was a member of the National Safety Council Labor Division and served as a Union Steward and was on the Safety Committee. Rodger also worked with the Skills USA as a judge in the aviation department.
He enjoyed creating and designing stained glass suncatchers and recently branched out and started making stepping stones with glass designs. He enjoyed giving his creations to family and friends. He also donated many stained glass creations to the Veterans Community Project to put in the newly built tiny homes; as he felt very strongly about the work being done by the VCP. Rodger was a wonderful and caring father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.
After the passing of his wife Saundra, in 2012, Rodger was re-united with Donna Virginia (Belles) Vinsky at their 50th class reunion, not having any contact since graduation. Donna became Rodger’s significant other, his best friend, traveling companion and care giver.
He was preceded in death by his parents; half-brother Guy Mock; and sister-in-law Judy (Corle) Claycomb.
Rodger is survived by two daughters, Marlo L. Black and husband Richie of Tonganoxie, KS and Amy G. Buchholz and husband Tim of Kansas City, MO; grandchildren, Richard, Rodger, Ryan, Gillian, Tobi, Ethan, Jessie (James), and Hester; great grandchildren, Caitlin, Declan, Sage and Josie; brothers Larry Claycomb and wife Doris and Robert Claycomb; several nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.
Visitation: 3:00 p.m. followed by the Memorial Service with Military Honors at 4:00 p.m. Saturday June 4th at Hixson-Klein Funeral Home, Smithville, MO.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Veterans Community Project
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Comments & condolences
7 comments
Blanche Lingenfelter
We are heartbroken over the loss of Rodger. He was loved by so many and will be missed even more. Our family sends all our love to the Claycomb family. We were not able to attend the service, but are thankful we had a special moment to share our love last summer. Because Rodger was an honored veteran and avid supporter of fellow veterans, we have placed a Tribute Brick in his honor in the Memorial Garden at Kansas City Veterans Community Project. We are with you in spirit. Blanche and Lyle Lingenfelter and Family.
Lana Shaffer
Oh Girls so sorry to hear of your loss He was a good Man and will be missed please let me know if I can do anything.
Charlie and Verla Claycomb Rape
Marlo and Amy. Charlie and I are really saddened to lose our favorite Cuz. So sorry that we cannot be there to pay him honor. He truly was a great person and you both should have such great memories of your dad. We always enjoyed being with him and your mother, although we didn’t get to see one another often because of careers and time and distance. We also enjoyed having Donna and she was such a great companion and caregiver to your dad. We had many conversations when they would visit. As a constant reminder, I have a blue leaded glass butterfly on our dining room wall. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you prepare for this final goodbye.
Rita & Scott Adams
So sorry for your loss.
PATRICIA MAY SCHINDLER
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Please know that, in time, thinking and talking about Rodger will bring a smile to your face more often than tears to your eyes. I am one of the lucky recipients of a beautiful stained glass butterfly made for me by Rodger. I am so grateful and when the sun sparkles thru my purple butterfly I will think of Rodger and the sparkles he has left on all who knew him. Pat Schindler (nursing school roommate from long long ago and a friend forever).
Linda Doss
Dear Marlo, I was so sorry to hear that your Father has passed away. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family during this difficult time.
Suddreth Jeanie
In my prayers