Rodney P. Booth

Rodney P. Booth, beloved husband, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, transitioned to his heavenly home on April 26, 2018.  He and his wife, Catherine, formerly of Lenexa, enjoyed their Cottonwood Falls home, or "paradise" as he would proudly describe his home to his family and friends.

Rod brought immense joy to his parents, Helen and Marvin Booth, as their firstborn.  When twin sisters arrived ten years later, Rod took on the role of a nurturing brother.  Rod spent his tender years with his family in Butler, Missouri.  After graduating from Butler High School, he earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Missouri, Kansas City and a Master's degree in music at Indiana University in Bloomington.  Rod was an accomplished percussionist.

After completing his Master's degree, Rod served in the Army and was sent to Long Binh, South Vietnam, and then Phu Loi Base Camp.  Next he was stationed in Nha Trang, where he served with the 14th Transportation Battalion. Rod earned the First and Second Oak Leaf Cluster Medals and the Army Commendation Medal.

After completing his military service, he worked at Don Eads Dodge.  In the 1970s, Rod moved to Kansas City and was employed at Faddis Chrysler-Plymouth as an assistant leasing manager.  Rod later took a position with Boatman's Bank and was a co-founder of BRW Financial Services.

Rod decided to devote his creative talents to filming.  He once wrote, "I am inspired by the magic of transforming an idea, a legacy, or a vision from the pages of history books into contemporary media presentations that are captivating."

Rod had an abiding love of cars, and in particular, vintage vehicles.  He combined this passion with his filming talents.  Among his productions was a television automotive magazine for Motor America and video presentations for the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automotive Museum in Indiana.  Rod was instrumental in the formation of the Mid America Packard Club and was past president of the Horseless Carriage Club.  Rod took a special interest in the Santa Fe Trail, which ran through Lenexa, and he taught elementary children about the Prairie Schooner (Conestoga) wagons that traversed the trail.  Rod was a member of the Santa Fe Trail Association.  He was also a board member of the Lenexa Historical Society and was inducted in the Volunteer Hall of Fame for the City of Lenexa.

Rod cherished every day spent with his many friends.   Rod is survived by his loving wife, Catherine, and his sisters, Nancy (Sam) and Patricia (Mike).  He is also survived by his niece, Valerie (Michael), and his nephews Sam (Kateryna), Charles (Ed), Brian (Jaime), and Jeff.  In addition, Rod is survived by Catherine's children, Christoffer and Chrisnino (Natalie).  Rod was predeceased by his former wife, Shelley, and his parents.  The family appreciates any contributions in Rod's name to the Santa Fe Trail Association ( oliva@ruraltel.net ph. 785-476-5033), Lenexa Historical Society (Lenexahistoricalsociety.org), or St. Jude Children's Hospital (StJude.org).

Rod said, "I thank God for every day."