In Remembrance Of
Rodney “Rod” Horton
Rodney G. “Rod” Horton, 90, passed away Wednesday, December 27, 2017.
He was the son of Tom and Ruth Horton of Liberal, Kansas who preceded him in death. He was born in Liberal where he grew up and graduated from the Liberal High School in 1945 during which time he
became an Eagle Scout. Following graduation, he entered the U. S. Army during the final phases of World War II. After separation from service, he returned to Liberal where he worked for Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line Company as the assistant to the Pipe Line department clerk. In 1948 he attended the Chillicothe Business College in Chillicothe, Missouri majoring in accounting then worked in the Kansas City office of Panhandle Eastern.
While at PEPL, he attended one of the early Dale Carnegie Personal Development classes. This resulted in a new position with the Kaiser Aluminum Corporation’s Kansas City office. He later was transferred to open the order department in the Kaiser St. Louis, Missouri office. After two years, he returned to Kansas City and began his banking career with the City National Bank and Trust, now UMB Bank, where he worked in the Trust Department and later as a commercial Business Development Officer until his retirement in 1993.
While at the bank, he met his first wife, Joan Frazier from Gower, MO, who also worked at the bank, and they were married in 1962. She passed away in 1983.
An interest in the military had followed him since his youth in Liberal where he was fascinated by the B-24’s and the people he knew from the Liberal Army Airfield. He became involved locally with the Air Force
Association where he served as Chapter President on several occasions and also as Missouri State President. He was appointed by Mayor Wheeler to serve on the Richards-Gebaur AFB Base Community Council. He has also served on the Whiteman AFB Community Council and the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee. These organizations afforded him the opportunity to meet many notable people in aviation and ranking military members. He often kidded that “For a former Pfc, I sure have some ranking and powerful friends.”
Association where he served as Chapter President on several occasions and also as Missouri State President. He was appointed by Mayor Wheeler to serve on the Richards-Gebaur AFB Base Community Council. He has also served on the Whiteman AFB Community Council and the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee. These organizations afforded him the opportunity to meet many notable people in aviation and ranking military members. He often kidded that “For a former Pfc, I sure have some ranking and powerful friends.”
Rod is survived by his wife, Judith (Jude), step son Mike Havens and step daughter Tammy Simpson (Jeff), grand children Emily, Molly and Tommy Havens, and Courtney and Kaley Simpson.
Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 3rd at Immanuel Presbyterian Church with visitation one hour prior to the service. 3800 NE Parvin Rd KCMO 64117 Burial: Allen Cemetery, Gower, MO.
In lieu of flowers, please make a gift in his memory to the Salvation Army or City Union Mission.
Arrangements, Hixson-Klein Funeral Home, Gower.
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3 comments
Duane Schempp
Rod still remember our days at UMB. Will miss you buddy
Mardi Smith
I was Joan’s oldest niece. I always like Uncle Rodney a great deal. We talked or emailed throughout the years. Our last communication was about 2 years ago. I work for the Navy and he was very interested in my work. This world is a little dimmer without Rodney among us.
Forrest Alan Frazier
Rodney will always remain a close family member to me. He was very much a gentleman and strong image for me growing up. Married to my cousin Joan he was very dear to my Parents, Aunts, Uncles, and other cousins. He remained close after the tragic loss of Joan to cancer. Rodney will remain in my memory as a dear, beloved Cousin.