Rodney M Karns, age 76, of Platte City, Missouri entered this life on February 20, 1948 in East Chicago, Indiana. He was the son of Ralph R and Lilyan M Karns.
Rodney grew up in Homewood, Illinois and was a graduate of Homewood Flossmoor High School. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology and Master’s Degree in Special Education at Central Missouri State College in Warrensburg, MO as well as being a member of Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity.
He received his Education Specialist Degree at University of Missouri Kansas City. His fulfilling career in Education began as Director of Treatment for Missouri Department of Mental Health and over 30 years with the Platte Valley Education Cooperative serving as Assistant Superintendent of Special Programs serving over 9500 students and families in 12 school districts throughout Buchanan, Clay, Clinton, Platte and Ray counties administering Parents as Teachers, Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Community Programs.
Throughout his career in education, Rodney was an instructor at 8 colleges and universities in Kansas and Missouri. Rodney rounded out his education career consulting with various Charter Schools throughout Kansas City and found that work extremely rewarding.
His greatest accomplishments were the love of his family. Teaching us all how to live life to the fullest while having the most fun. Rodney married his loving wife Karen on June 22, 1990 in Lake Tahoe. They had many years together filled with family memories, boating, travels, culinary experiences, camping adventures and a lifetime of fun with their children and grandchildren.
Rodney spent his last years at Addington Place of Shoal Creek making friends, sharing life experiences and enjoying activities, adventures, laughs and love. Our family is so very grateful for the love and care he received every day.
Rodney peacefully passed away on September 20, 2024 at his home at Addington Place of Shoal Creek. Rodney will be greatly missed by his daughters, Jennifer Karns (Corey) of Platte City, Megan Sams (Brad) of Excelsior Springs, step-daughter Brooke Peters (Rodney) of St. Joseph. Grandchildren Tyler Karns (Annie and Mark), Collin Sams, Ethan Sams, Andy Peters, Trevor Peters (Taylor) and Madalyn Peters (Camdyn). Great grandchildren Briar Peters, Bryndle Peters and Breightyn Peters. Sister in law Dr. Pamela Middleton of Louisville, KY, Sister and Brother in law Joanne and Mike Flynn of St. Joseph, Nephew Alex Berger and family.
Rodney is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph R and Lilyan M Karns, brother Dr. Daryl R Karns, sister Jarmila Fuller, loving wife Karen I Karns, step son Brad Walker and great-granddaughter Cambria Peters.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be given to Children’s Mercy Hospital for pediatric cancer research and Monarch Hospice. Arrangements By: Rollins Funeral Home—Platte City, MO.
