Daniel Rodman

Daniel Joseph Rodman, 35, of Kansas City, Missouri was born August 9th, 1987 and passed away October 12th, 2022.
A friend to everyone, “Dan the Man” (as he was affectionately known by friends and family alike) never knew a stranger. His kind spirit and warm nature fostered a welcoming acceptance for all who met him, and his quick-witted humor often had people around him laughing nearly to tears. Though not many can boast the same, Dan maintained many of his friendships from childhood through his time and beyond at Shawnee Mission West high school, which he graduated from in 2005.
Intensely smart, he graduated from UMKC in 2012 with a degree in Chemistry and was working for Harcros Chemicals INC. at the time of his passing. A quote he shared gives us insight into his love for science: “The feeling of awed wonder that science can give us is one of the highest experiences of which the human psyche is capable. “ —Richard Dawkins. Along with his love and penchant for science, Dan was also a history buff, often leaving the History Channel as the last watched channel on the television.
Dan dabbled in many ventures and hobbies, not the least of which being his life-long love for Kansas City Royals baseball, fixing up old cars and trucks, gaming with his friends, and adoring animals—especially his own dogs. Daniel enjoyed music and concerts, playing with his friends and family’s children, and being out in nature where he often kayaked with his fiancée, Ava, whom he loved and adored. His relationship with his surviving grandmother, Betty, was a wonder to witness as they shared a particularly special bond that began when Dan was just a toddler. He was especially known for his willingness to lend a hand whenever needed and hard work ethic. Loyal to the bone, he had a deep love for his family and friends and was happiest when surrounded by them.
Daniel is survived by his mother, Vicki Rodman, father, Mark Rodman, brother, John Rodman, fiancée Ava Oxley, and maternal grandmother Elizabeth Kascht, as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Visitation will be from 10am-11am on Wednesday, October 19th, 2022, with services beginning at 11am at Unity Temple on the Plaza, KCMO, and a reception to follow.
Private internment will be at Johnson County Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials in Daniel’s name be made to the Lantz Tucker Memorial Fund for Pets at lantztuckermemorialfund.org.

To Honor You
To honor you, I get up everyday and take a breath. And start another day without you in it.
To honor you, I laugh and love with those who knew your smile
And the way your eyes twinkled with mischief and secret knowledge.
To honor you, I take the time to appreciate everyone I love,
I know now there is no guarantee of days or hours spent in their presence.
To honor you, I listen to music you would have liked,
And sing at the top of my lungs, with the windows rolled down.
To honor you, I take chances, say what I feel, hold nothing back,
Risk making a fool of myself, dance every dance.
You were my light, my heart, my gift of love, from the very highest source.
So everyday, I vow to make a difference, share a smile, live, laugh and love.
Now I live for us both, so all I do, I do to honor you.
—Connie F. Kiefer Byrd