Rodney H. Webster

If there was one thing you could be sure of when it came to Rodney Webster, it was that he would always be wearing a smile. No matter what was going on around him, he was always happy, and his sunny disposition and kindhearted ways made him such a joy to be around. In everything he did Rodney was one to work hard, and through his work he enjoyed making others happy, too. He certainly enjoyed being a father, but becoming a grandfather really put the pep in his step as he adored his two grandchildren more than life itself. Taken from his loved ones too soon, Rodney’s legacy will never be forgotten.

The 1950s were a colorful time in American history. With the end of WWII in 1945, we were again making the shift from being a nation at war to being a nation at peace. Rationing had become a thing of the past, and the cultural fabric of our nation was being colored by rock ‘n roll, television shows like Father Knows Best, and the advancement of civil rights. It was just as this eventful decade was dawning that a bustling family from Southwestern Michigan was excited to announce the arrival of their baby boy on March 15, 1951, in Kalamazoo. Rodney H. was the youngest of four children born to his parents, Dale and Marjorie (Machan) Webster, and was raised in the family home in Galesburg alongside his older sisters, Roxann and Peggy, and his brother, Ted. In many ways he was a typical boy who enjoyed playing sports including football and some basketball in high school.

After graduating from high school, Rod took the civil service exam and went to work as a letter carrier for the United States Postal Service almost immediately. He enjoyed his work and for several years served as the union treasurer as well. With a love for sports, Rod was a member of the softball team from the post office as well as their bowling league. After 42 years of dedicated service, he retired. His retirement years looked different from most since he discovered that he really missed delivering things to people that made them happy and went back to work. This time he worked seasonally and part-time for Cookies by Design and currently for Edible Arrangements.

Although Rodney’s work was an important aspect of his life, there was nothing that topped being with his loved ones. He soon married, and from this marriage he was blessed to become a father to two amazing girls, Kari and Kelsey. After 15 years, the marriage ended in divorce, however Rod was always grateful for the children they shared.

During the nineties, Rod was blessed to find love again with a coworker named Deborah Peterson. At first they just enjoyed having fun together, but later their companionship and friendship blossomed into true love. They married on a beautiful Christmas Eve in Battle Creek underneath the falling snow. Together they welcomed two children into their hearts and home, Kristen and Drew. Camping was something that Rod loved, and it was also a favorite among the family. They started off in tents when the kids were little, but after a particularly wet camping adventure they decided that a camper was the way to go. For 20 years they camped at South Higgins Lake. As an animal lover, there were various pets that called Rod’s house home over the years. He loved his dog “Pug” that died a couple of years ago and also treasured the companionship of his seven cats and “Mr. T” the turtle in addition to numerous fish that came and went.

A man of many interests, Rodney lived a busy life. He was an avid sports fan who loved any sport that involved the University of Michigan. Rod also enjoyed watching racing. In fact, there was even a time during his younger days that he could be found in the driver’s seat of a race car at Galesburg Speedway, Kalamazoo Speedway, or even Martin Dragway at times. He also loved to golf and was frequently found at Eastern Hills or Indian Run golf courses. Rod frequently enjoyed a good beer, and as his friends and family can attest he only had two beers, even if his math was a little “fuzzy” at times. Of course once his granddaughter, Addison, and grandson, Hayden, arrived, being a doting grandpa became a favorite activity.

Despite some health concerns, Rod’s loved ones were taken by surprise with his unexpected death.

Just an all around good guy, Rodney Webster was a blessing to those around him. He took everything in stride and never let things get the best of him while remaining content in all things. A hardworking man and devoted father, Rodney will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Rodney H. Webster, of Portage, died unexpectedly on May 8, 2014. Rod’s family includes his wife, Deborah; children, Kari (Michael Barnes) Webster, Kelsey (Andy MacFadyen) Webster, Kristen Webster, and Drew Webster; grandchildren, Addison, Zach and Hayden; mother, Marjorie Webster; sister, Peggy (Ray) Wooden; and brother, Ted (Barbara) Webster as well as many other relatives. Rod was preceded in death by his father, Dale in 2011, and his sister, Roxann Yeager. Visit with his family on Monday evening from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Life Story Funeral Homes, Portage; 5975 Lovers Lane (344-5600). A graveside service will be held on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. at Gilson Cemetery in Scotts. Please visit Rod’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo and sign his guest book. Memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, Alzheimer’s Association or American Heart Association.