June 16, 1976 – February 4, 2025
Rodney Lee Newkirk II, 48, Harrisonville, MO, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, departed this world peacefully on Tuesday, Feb- ruary 4, 2025, at his home. A Memorial Visitation was held on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at the Atkinson Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Born in Kansas City, MO, Rodney was the cherished son of Rodney Lee Newkirk and Belinda (Mathews) Ban- aszak. Rod graduated from Harrisonville High School with the Class of 1995, where he actively participat- ed in the Future Farmers of America (FFA), fostering a lifelong love for nature and the outdoors. Following high school, Rodney dedicated over a decade of his career to the City of Harrisonville, working diligently in the Water and Street Department from 1997 until 2008.
Rod married Sarah Newkirk (Walton) in 2001, and together they have three children. “His”, Krista, “Hers”, Zak, and “Ours”, Noah. He deeply loved his
wife and kids and was proud of all they accomplished. He will be greatly missed by all.
In a career shift that re- flected his passion for the craft, Rodney became a skilled taxidermist, opening Double R Taxidermy, where he shared his artistry and ex- pertise with others for 17 ful- filling years. Being a lifelong Cass County resident, he returned to Harrisonville in 2020, embracing the chance to reconnect with his roots and contribute to the local community.
Rod was known not only for his remarkable skills but also for his generous spirit. His unwavering commit- ment to helping others was exemplified through his vol-
unteer work at Camp Valor Outdoors in Kingsville, MO, where he worked to support veterans and foster a love of the outdoors. Rod was an avid outdoorsman, and he enjoyed hunting and fishing with his family and friends. Over the last few years, he took up the hobby of rock hunting, and amassed a large collection of arrowheads and rocks.
Rod is preceded in death by his uncle, Wayne “Buddy” Mathews; his maternal grand- parents, Betty and Walter “Bob” Mathews; his paternal grandparents, Jerry and Met- tie Newkirk; his step-brother, Ryan Prince; and his uncle, Randy Newkirk. He is sur- vived by his spouse, Sarah Newkirk, of the home; his sons: Zak Salter of Lenexa, KS, and Noah Newkirk of Freeman, MO; his daughter, Krista, and wife, Megan Re- inbold, of Archie, MO; his granddaughter, Avery Gilm- ore; his father, Rodney (Sher- ry) Newkirk, of Tightwad, MO; his mother, Belinda (Rob) Banaszak, of DeLand, Florida; his brother, Robby (Angel) Newkirk, of Warsaw, MO: and many nieces, neph- ews, and close friends.
