Rodney E. Abel

Rodney Abel, 61, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, formerly of Creston, passed away Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022, at his home. Private graveside services, for family and close friends, will be 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 4 at Maple Hill Cemetery in Cromwell with Pastor Mary O’Riley officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Cromwell United Church of Christ or Cromwell Cemetery Association in Rod’s name. Pearson Family Funeral Service & Cremation Center is in charge of arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.pearsonfuneralhomes.com

It was a very happy April Fool’s Day in 1961 when Rodney Edward Abel was born to Chester “Chet” and Betty Abel in Creston. Rodney started attending Sunday School and church at the Cromwell Congregational UCC Church at an early age and received perfect Sunday School attendance awards for many years. He was also baptized, confirmed and received into membership at the Cromwell Church.

Rod attended grade school and high school in the Creston School District, graduating with the class of 1979. He was active in FFA while in high school and also participated in high school Panther Wrestling for two years, until a hand injury prevented him from continuing. Rod was an active member of Douglas Booster’s 4-H Club for many years showing champion swine, woodworking and other projects. He was a state fair exhibitor with his projects. Also, while a student, he was employed by Creston Hy-Vee. Following graduation, he continued employment there and at other Hy-Vee locations, eventually becoming a store director at Raytown, Missouri.

On July 17, 1982, he was united in marriage to Melanie McCoy of Cromwell. They became parents of two sons, Jarad Edward and Jordan Deane. Rod received his bachelor’s degree at DeVry University and later received his master’s degree.

In 2008, he was united in marriage to Marla Searles in Kansas City, Missouri, and Marla’s two daughters, Kelsey and Megan, were added to the family. Rod was employed by Verizon for many years based in Kansas City.

Rodney is survived by his wife Marla; son, Jarod (Karlea) Abel and granddaughter, Linnea Margaret Abel of Pittsburgh, Kansas; son, Jordan Abel of Kingsville, Missouri, and stepdaughters: Kelsey Searles of Harrisonville, Missouri; Megan Searles of Columbia, Missouri; his mother, Betty Abel of Creston; his brother, Brady Abel of Peoria, Arizona; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Bill and Phyllis Hughes of Harrisonville; aunts, cousins, other family members and friends.

Rod was preceded in death by his dad, Chet Abel; grandparents, Earl and Gladys Abel and Harold and Hazel Kralik; great-grandparents, Ed and Mollie Kralik, (fondly referred to as grandpa and grandma choo-choo, because of Rod’s love for trains); his great-grandpa and great-grandma Abel; as well as uncles, aunts and cousins. He will be sadly missed by many especially his family.

“Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you.” -John 14:27A