Rodney Allen Daniel

Rodney Allen Daniel, 80, of Olathe, Kansas, entered the arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ, surrounded by the love of his family on December 8, 2025.

Born on October 10, 1945, in Lawrence, Kansas, Rodney was the beloved son of Osceola “Jack” Powell Daniel Jr. and Ruth Margaret Gilliland Daniel, who, along with his brother Gary Daniel and sister Sandra “Sandy” Dawson, preceded him in death.

He leaves behind his devoted wife of 57 years, Janice Lee Daniel, with whom he shared a lifetime of unwavering love; his son Todd (Becca) Daniel of Mt. Pleasant, Texas; daughter Andrea (John) Carley of Olathe, Kansas; and five adoring grandchildren - Alexa, Peyton, and Cooper Carley; Maya and Max Daniel, who were the pride and joy of his heart. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Vernon (Karen) Lee of Iola, Kansas, sister-in-law Marla Daniel of Blue Eye, Missouri, and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends who became like family.

Rod grew up in Olathe, Kansas, attending Central Elementary before moving to Shawnee, where he went to Hocker Grove Junior High and graduated from Shawnee Mission North High School in 1964. After earning degrees from Iola Community College and Emporia State Teachers College, Rod followed his calling into teaching and coaching. He and Jan began their careers together at Prairie View High School in La Cygne, Kansas, where Rod taught drivers education and coached football and basketball.

In 1973, Rod joined the Johnson County Sheriff’s Department, proudly serving for 28 years and retiring as a Sergeant in 2001. He earned the respect of his fellow officers and the gratitude of his community through his steady leadership and fairness. Never one to sit still, he later enjoyed working for O’Reilly Auto Parts, delivering parts, swapping stories, and brightening everyone’s day because staying busy and useful was simply who Rod was.

Rod was, in every sense, a windows down, backroads kind of guy. His sense of direction was unrivaled as he took the backroads every opportunity he could, no map necessary. He loved simple joys: fishing on a quiet lake, sharing stories that got better each time, and watching a good western on TV. His kids remember family drives, days on the lake on the Bass Tracker he proudly bought with his dad, and growing up in a home full of projects because Rod could fix, build, or tinker with just about anything. His talent as a woodworker is evident in the beautiful pieces of furniture that the family cherishes still today.

It simply must be shared that for 39 consecutive years, Rod joined his dear brothers in Christ - Lee Williams, Mike McDowell, and Ray Endicott, on their legendary fishing trips to Table Rock Lake. Those trips were less about the fish and more about faith, laughter, and friendship (though they did enjoy reminding each other who caught the biggest or the most).

Rodney lived a life defined by service, faith, humor, and deep devotion to the people he loved. He was the kind of man who didn’t just attend his family’s lives, he participated. He showed up: in the bleachers, at concerts, at every game and event where his kids or grandkids were shining. If there was a moment to support his family, you could bet he’d be there, probably early, and with a story or two to tell. An athlete in his youth, Rod was a state champ high jump star at Shawnee Mission North and later passed on his love of sports by coaching Andrea’s soccer team and Todd’s baseball team. He bowled with the Sheriff’s Department league in the 1980s and spent many Friday nights playing cards with friends and just the right amount of friendly competition.

Rod’s faith was the cornerstone of his life. He faithfully read his Power for Today devotional and rarely missed his Tuesday morning men’s group at Mom’s Kitchen, where faith and fellowship met over coffee. He served as an elder at 151st Street Church of Christ for many years and was a faithful member for more than 45 years. His leadership was quiet but powerful. His humility, strength, and love for God evident in how he lived every day.

Above all, Rod adored his wife, Jan. Their marriage was a beautiful partnership rooted in love and faith. Together, they built a life that was steady and full, anchored in Christ, rich in family, and filled with joy.

Rodney Daniel was a man of quiet integrity and unshakable faith. He was a storyteller, a servant, and a steadfast friend. He showed us, day after day, what it means to love well, to live faithfully, and to leave the world better than you found it. His family and friends take comfort in knowing that while his earthly journey has ended, his spirit lives on in the countless lives he touched.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:23 The celebration of life for Rod Daniel will be held on December 29th, 2025 at 151st St. Church of Christ in Olathe, KS. Visitation will begin at 12 noon with a memorial service to follow at 1. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to 151st St. Church of Christ, a charity of your choice or just go fishing.

https://151cofc.breezechms.com/give/online