Richard Alexander Roderick

Richard Alexander Roderick was born on June 24, 1954. He is survived by his mother, Ethel; his sisters, Sheila and Charmaine; his son and daughters, Kevin, Wendy, Carrie, and Cynthia; their mother, Carolyn; his fiancé, Jennifer; and many grandchildren, extended family, and dear friends.

Richard, who everyone called ‘Rick’, was raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin until age 13 when his family moved to Commerce City, Colorado. As a young man, Rick learned two of his most distinguished qualities: hard work and responsibility. One of his first jobs was for a local contractor doing residential and commercial lawn work. Later, he accepted a job as a welder with Peterson Manufacturing. But, Rick’s favorite job was working for Pepsi-Cola driving a ‘big rig’ and delivering Pepsi products to grocery retailers. He liked setting up the sales displays and took pride in his work.

Over the years, Rick acquired a vast knowledge of general mechanics, carpentry, and household trades like plumbing and electric. Although he never received any formal training, he knew how to build a deck, build a motor, build transmissions, paint automobiles, upholster furniture, and remodel houses. Rick loved to tinker with things in the garage and imagine what unique things he could make out of old pieces and parts he had laying around. Ever the dreamer, he had endless creative ideas and a brilliant imagination.

In many ways, Rick grew up fast. But, one thing everyone loved about Rick was that he never lost the fun-loving ‘kid’ inside him. He really loved a good prank and he had a contagious ornery giggle that instantly brought a smile to those around him. Rick enjoyed playing chess, fishing, deer hunting, listening to music, cooking, and being around nature.

One of Rick’s most notable personality traits was his love and loyalty to his family. He was generous, compassionate, and quick to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Rick touched the lives of all those who had the privilege to know him and to be loved by him. Rick’s family would like everyone to continue celebrating his life by sharing often all the good memories they had with him.

Rick’s Celebration of Life Service will be December 2, 2023 at John Knox Village Courtyard Community Center, located at 510 NW Murray Rd. Lee’s Summit, MO 64081. Visitation is at 3:30 p.m. and the service is at 4:00 p.m. Richard’s remains will be buried at the Lee’s Summit Historical Cemetery on a date to be determined.