Rodney Stauffer 1943-2025

Rodney Dee Stauffer, a few hours shy of his 82nd birthday, of Holton, passed away Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, at Stormont-Vail Hospital in Topeka.

He was born Aug. 16, 1943, in Holton, the son of Thayne and Arlene L. (Stuver) Stauffer.

Rodney graduated from Circleville High School in 1961. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1961 and was honorably discharged in 1965. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church and VFW Post 1367, both in Holton. He was chairman of Division A of United Steelworkers Local 307.

On March 25, 1967, Rodney was united in marriage to Bonita Lou “Bonnie” Oxandale in Whiting. They shared more than 53 years of marriage before Bonnie passed away on Nov. 16, 2020.

Rodney worked at Goodyear Tire for more than 40 years as an Earthmover tire builder. Rodney’s true passion was caring for his livestock on his farm. He was involved in farming, livestock and baling hay.

He is survived by his three children, Mike Stauffer of Holton, Ronda Bohannon (Donnie) of Holton and Lori Barnes (Jason) of Holton; sister, Tharon Gay Brey of Whiting; four grandchildren, Lindsey Eastland (Trevor), Cody Bohannon (Morgan Elkins), Jacee Barnes and Jake Barnes; and two great-grandchildren, Tyler and Jordyn Eastland. He was preceded in death by his sister, Barbara Matthews.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20 at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial with military honors will follow in Holton Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be given to Holton VFW Post 1367, sent in care of Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com

(PAID OBITUARY)