Rodney Eugene "Sarge" Wise

After a hard-fought battle with an aggressive cancer, Rodney Eugene, “Sarge” Wise of Blue Springs, Missouri, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loved ones at the age of 66, on Sunday, November 1, 2020.

He leaves behind his wife of nearly 20 years, Christine Wise, their blended family, son Shawn Wise and wife Missy of Louisville, KY, Gary Wise of Blue Springs, MO, Clayton Hutchinson of Raytown, MO, Brian Wise and wife Diana of Lee’s Summit, MO, daughter Chandra Kettlewell and husband Nate of Independence, MO, and daughter Christina Wise and significant other, Joe Rozycki, of Blue Springs, MO, as well as his many beloved grandchildren; Austin, Katie, Chelsea, Tia, Hope, Addilyn, Danica, Garrett, Westley, Fiona, Autumn, Maddie, Cheyenne, Alayna, Morgan and future grandchildren.

Rod was born Sept. 4, 1954 in Louisville, KY to Donald E. Wise and Frank W. and Joyce A. Scott. He grew up in a large loving family with three siblings; Don “Toby” Wise and his wife Tonia of Lawton, OK, Cheryl Denton and her husband Dan of Wichita Falls, TX, and Melinda Coughlin and her husband Ken, also of Wichita Falls, TX.

He joined the USANG in 1978 and served his country proudly for 26 years until his honorable discharge in 2004. While there, he was awarded many medals, including the Meritorious Service Medal.

Rod, like many of his family, had a strong stubborn streak, and was more than a bit of a perfectionist. He was extremely particular with his lawn and landscaping and even trained his sons and brother to do it the “right way”. He loved attending sporting events with all his children; and big gatherings with his family and friends, especially on Christmas Eve and summer time pool parties. He got a huge kick from spoiling his dogs with Happy Meals from the McDonald’s drive-thru. Rod always made you feel welcome and included as a member of the family, wanting everyone to have a good time.

Throughout his illness, Rod remained dedicated to taking care of his entire family and was strong and brave until the end.

Sarge was preceded in death by his fathers, Don Wise and Frank Scott, his wife Terri Wise, and his daughter Fawna. He will be forever loved and missed fiercely.

A visitation will be held Monday, November 9, from 6-8:00 p.m. with funeral service the following day, Tuesday, November 10, at 10:00 a.m., both at Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th. St in Independence, MO. He will be laid to rest at Leavenworth National Cemetery, in Leavenworth, MO. In his honor, contributions to the Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Foundation or to Multiple Sclerosis at MyMSAA.org, would be appreciated. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com (Arr: Speaks Chapel 816-373-3600)