John’s Obituary John Harold Rodda June 22, 1941 – January 18, 2019 John Harold Rodda, 77, was born in Wichita, Kansas on June 22, 1941 to Harold Evan and Margeana May (Beezley) Rodda; and died Friday, January 18, 2019 following a brief, but courageous battle with cancer. John attended Alcott Elementary School, Robinson Junior High School and graduated from Wichita East High School before attending Wichita State University, Kansas State University, Friends University, and finally Central State University (now University of Central Oklahoma) receiving a Bachelor Degree in Mortuary Science. He was immediately hired by William F. Cochran, III becoming the first funeral professional in Kansas to hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Mortuary Science.
He spent his entire career (54 years in total) as an embalmer and funeral director exclusively with Cochran Mortuary. His empathy, care and compassion for the bereaved became defining characteristics and a model for countless funeral professionals whom he influenced. John had great interest in music, cooking and collecting recipes/cookbooks, and Mickey Mouse memorabilia.
He especially enjoyed taking care of his beloved cats. John also believed strongly in serving the community and was active in the Civitan Club of Wichita where he served as President, Board Member and received the Honor Key (Civitan Club’s highest award). He was also a member of the Albert Pike Masonic Lodge #303 AF & AM, the Wichita Consistory, and the Midian Shrine Temple.
John also became Wichita’s only funeral professional to be a member of the British Institute of Embalmers and was a life-long member of First United Methodist Church. John was preceded in death by his parents; and older brother, Tom Rodda. Survivors left to mourn his death is his brother, Robert (Karen) Rodda of Wooster, OH; nieces and nephews, Robin (Tom) Yerton of Sherburne, NY, Jennifer (Scott) Spare of Columbus, OH, Bryan (Annette Devereaux) Rodda of Washington, DC, Kevin Rodda of Minneapolis, MN; great nieces and nephews, Nathan, Bailey, Joseph, Batya, Avida, Beau, Graham; and many colleagues and friends.
Visitation with the family present will be 5 – 7 p.m. Thursday, January 24, 2019 at the Cochran Mortuary, 1411 N. Broadway. (Parking from Market St.) Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Friday, January 25, 2019 at the First United Methodist Church with burial following in Maple Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with First United Methodist Church, 330 N. Broadway, Wichita, KS 67202 and Civitan Club of Wichita, 901 Porter, Wichita, KS 67203.
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