Rodney B. Gilstrap, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully at his home on October 18, 2025, at the age of 66.

Born in Fresno, California, in November 1958, Rodney was a proud and dedicated veteran. He honorably served in the United States Air Force, retiring as a Staff Sergeant. It was through his service, working on numerous aircraft platforms, that he developed a profound love and passion for aviation and mechanics.

Away from his service, Rodney had a vibrant life rich with hobbies. He was a Harley Davidson enthusiast for well over 40 years, owning and loving different models throughout his life and enjoying every mile on the open road. He found peace and enjoyment fishing, casting his line everywhere from the mountain streams of California to the lakes of Missouri. A true gearhead and tinkerer, he enjoyed sighting in new rifles, pulling the string back on his custom-made longbow, and, perhaps most famously, diagnosing and fixing whatever problems made a car’s check engine light turn on. In his downtime, he enjoyed watching sports with a passion, celebrating the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl wins and following NASCAR races and golf tournaments.

Rodney’s memory will be cherished by his loving wife, Kathy; his children, Chelsea and Kyle; and his adoring grandchildren, Tatum, Teagan, and Tessa.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Ruth Gilstrap, and his son-in-law, William Palmer.

Per his wishes, there will be no public services. Rod was loved unconditionally and will be profoundly missed by all who knew him.