Rodney Holzwarth

(From Ulmer Funeral Home)

Rodney Wayne Holzwarth, age 66, went to be with our Lord and Savior peacefully on June 8, 2021. Rodney lived in Jasper County, Missouri, most of his life. Rodney was born on August 16, 1954 in Bronaugh, Missouri. He was the youngest son of three children born to Gould and Mable (Irwin) Holzwarth and they lived in Carthage, Missouri.

Rodney is survived by one loving brother, Chester Holzwarth (wife Nellie, a beloved co-guardian of Rodney and one of his most favorite people that was more like a mother to him than a sister-in-law) Carthage, Missouri, and one beautiful sister, Juanita Bland (husband Charles) of Enid, Oklahoma. Randy and Cathy Holzwarth, Mike and Rhonda Craig, Rex and Cathy Diggs, Kelly and Christina Ellis, Wayne and Diana Bland, Tony and Sandy Aldrich, and Rex and Julie Bland are some of his beloved nieces and nephews. He is also survived by several close family members and friends that adored him dearly.

Rodney graduated from Carthage High School. He remained in this area throughout most of his life. Rodney lived with his roommate, Phillip, in Webb City for several years. They were like brothers and our family thinks highly of Phillip. 

Rodney has been a part of the Easy Living, Department of Mental Health, and Connections Case Management’s family for a very long time. Rodney was so blessed throughout his life to have many wonderful caregivers and professionals that loved him and will deeply miss him. 

Some of his most dearest caregivers that he had were Misty January, Theresa Lane, Teresa Coffman, Ricki Gomez, Hallie Wilson, Becky Nicoles, Mark Clark, Kim Hood, and Scott from Connections . He had many other wonderful and caring staff members throughout his life, but there are two that have been very involved with him. 

Brooke Walker and Jacque Yeager have devoted much of their work life to Rodney. They cared for him like he was their actual family. Jacque went to the hospital as just a caregiver and held Rodney’s hand while he was in his final days. She played his favorite song, “How Great Thou Art,” and sang to him. We need more caregivers like his in this world. 

His family is forever proud to say that Rodney lived a great life and that is mostly because of his caregivers and guardians. Rhonda and Nellie, his guardians, devoted years of their lives to making sure Rodney’s needs were met in every way. He had the most wonderful life because of his guardians, family, and caregivers.

Rodney enjoyed music, dancing, giving the very best shoulder rubs, taking walks, eating out with friends and loved ones, talking, and about anything else that you wanted to take him to do. He was a huge Kansas City Chiefs and MSSU Lions football #1 fan (because his great-great nephew Colton Winder #31 was his favorite player). Rodney loved people and life. He wanted to make you laugh and he loved hugs. 

Rodney loved receiving and giving presents. He would have a birthday list ready every year after Christmas, and a Christmas list ready every year after his birthday. His family looked forward to the lists that Rodney faithfully provided. Rodney was fun to be around. He had the best memory and could tell you all about his family members. Rodney adored Chester and Juanita. Rodney looked forward to his annual trips with caregivers to Branson.

Rodney will be deeply missed, but we all rejoice that he didn’t suffer during his final days and we celebrate his life because we are so lucky to have known such of a beautiful soul.

An open visitation will be held at Ulmer Funeral Home on Friday, June 11, 2021 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Grave side services will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery on Monday, June 14, 2021 at 10:00 AM.

Contributions may be made to Easy Living Inc. in care of Ulmer Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be made at www.ulmerfh.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Ulmer Funeral Home.