Gerald “Jerry” E. Rodman, 81, of Hutchinson, died May 13, 2017, at Hospice House, Hutchinson. He was born Dec. 2, 1935, in Augusta, to Oakley F. and Eva M. (Rutkowski) Rodman.
Jerry graduated from Cheney High School in 1954 and had many military and college courses over his military career. He enlisted in the United States Air Force on Dec. 9, 1953, and retired as Senior Chief Master Sergeant in 1991 with 37 years of service. Jerry was very active in Masons, Eastern Star, Shrine and Scottish Rite. He held various positions in each organization.
On Sept. 19, 1998, he married Rita McCormick in Salina. They shared 18 years of marriage. Jerry is survived by: wife, Rita of the home; sons, Terry Rodman and wife Lisa of Alexander City, AL, Jimmy Rodman of Harrah, OK, Thomas Rodman and wife Cindy of Topeka; step-sons, Rodney Hayes of Hillsboro, Everett Hayes of Oswego; sister-in-law, Eudella “Della” Fairchild and husband Roy of Wamego; brother, Melvin Rodman and wife Dorothy of Wichita; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and step-grandson, Christopher Hayes.
Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Friday, May 19, 2017, at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson, with Reverend Rich Zimmerman and Reverend Dr. Kim Biery officiating. Burial will follow in Waterloo Cemetery, with military honors conducted by McConnell Air Force Base. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, with family to receive friends from 6-8 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary.
Memorials may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children in St. Louis, Hospice House or Isis Shriners Travel Fund, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.