Obituary

Rodney James Engle, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at the age of 91. Rodney was born in Ransom, Kansas, in February 1935 to Oscar and Florence (Combest) Engle. He spent his youth in Great Bend, Kansas, and graduated from Fort Hays State University. In August 1957, he married Janice Raye Schlessiger, and they were married for almost 68 years before her death in August 2025.

In 1961, Rodney, known as Rod to his colleagues and friends, relocated his family to Lee’s Summit, Missouri, to work at Western Electric (which later became known as AT&T) and worked part-time for several years at The Jones Store Co. selling men’s suits. After retiring from AT&T, Rod spent several years riding a mower at Hallbrook Country Club, helping keep the golf course looking beautiful and pursued his passion for sports by working for the Kansas City Chiefs as a ticket taker and for the Kansas City Royals as a ticket taker and usher.

Rod loved sports and enjoyed watching the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals. In his younger adult years, he enjoyed pitching in a fast-pitch softball league for Western Electric and in a church league in Lee’s Summit. Rod always helped coach his son Darin’s Little League baseball teams. His children fondly remember seeing him on the field at every game.

Rod had a passion for maintaining a beautiful yard. He spent many hours watering, fertilizing, and mowing his lawn. His children can jokingly attest that he had very specific “rules” about which direction you had to mow the grass.

Beyond his strong work ethic and love of sports, Rod had a special love for animals, particularly cats and dogs, and shared that passion with those around him. He could often be found sitting in his favorite chair by the window with one of his beloved pets curled up in his lap. He also treasured time spent with his children and grandchildren, creating memories with them that will be cherished for years to come.

He spent the last few years of his life in an assisted living community, where his quick wit and playful banter made him a favorite among residents and staff. Just before his passing, they awarded him The Shining Star Award: The Jokester, for being the one to make everyone laugh. His sense of humor brightened countless days, leaving his family wondering if he had secretly missed his calling as a comedian.

Rod was preceded in death by his wife, Janice; his parents; and his brother, Robert Engle.

He is survived by his three children: Kim Pfeifer, Darin Engle, and Shannyn Engle; five grandchildren: Ashlynn Smith, Heather Engle, Drew Engle, Briana Pfeifer, and Sam Engle; eight great-grandchildren: Aaliyah, Tristan, Zayne, Khilynn, David, Kyrah, Eve, and Jordan; and two great-great-grandchildren: Monroe and Nova.

A Celebration of Life, open to family and friends, will be held on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at Langsford Funeral Home, 115 SW 3rd St., Lee’s Summit, MO 64063, with visitation from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM, followed by a service at 1:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests that donations be made in Rodney’s memory to Wayside Waifs, 3901 Martha Truman Rd., Kansas City, MO 64137.