Harold Thomas "Tom" Rodebaugh

Mr. Harold Thomas "Tom" Rodebaugh, 68, of McPherson, went to be with his Lord at 10:04 p.m., Thursday, January 28th, 2010 at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas.

Harold Thomas “Tom” Rodebaugh, the son of Leslie Leon and Mary Catherine (Florkowski) Rodebaugh, was born June 12, 1941, at Norristown, Pennsylvania. He was one of six children born to this union, three sons and three daughters: Leslie, Violet, Phyllis, Tom, Mary Ann, and Robert.

Tom attended the Gulph Road Elementary School and graduated from Upper Merion High School, King of Prussia, PA. After graduation, Tom worked for Weiss Paper company in Norristown, PA as a truck driver for 15 years. He also caddied for members at a local country club, sometimes caddying for two golfers at a time. He bowled on several leagues, was a member of the American Bowling Congress, and began what would be a lifetime enjoyment of sports. When living in PA, Tom gave his life to the Lord, was baptized, and became a member of the Balligomingo Baptist Church in West Conshohocken, PA.

In the Summer of 1977, Tom came to McPherson to visit friends. He liked the town, went home, packed up, and moved to Kansas. After moving, Tom worked at various jobs including distributor for Colladay in Hutchinson, Kansas, McPherson Concrete Products, and was the manager of the Standard Station at Kansas and Maple before beginning his own business, Tom’s Lawn Service. Under his guiding hand, many young people learned the discipline of hard work as Tom took pride in a job well done and in “customer satisfaction.” It wasn’t “all work and no play” as Tom often would take his employees to sporting events.

As a sports enthusiast, he participated in bowling in his younger years and was a member of a league, bowling several 300 games. When physical problems ended his bowling, he turned to golf, pursuing that with the same passion. He was always perfecting his game and was not shy in passing his knowledge on to this lesser-accomplished golfing buddies. Tom spent many enjoyable hours at the McPherson Senior Center playing dominos and competing in the pool league.

Tom was a charter member of New Hope Evangelical Church. He thoroughly enjoyed the teaching in his Sunday School class, served as an usher, participated in a Lighthouse group, and faithfully supported the Wednesday night men’s Bible study. He was a committee of one to make the coffee and clean up afterwards, revealing his servant heart.

Tom was a devoted Christian, loving and caring son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. His wise counsel, gentle guidance, and gracious smile will be missed by those who knew and loved him. No matter where he was, his faith was always evident in everything he did, and that was especially true during his stay in the hospital as he witnessed to all who cared for him. One morning Tom expressed this thought to some friends who were visiting: “I know why I am here. It’s to encourage the nurses because they work hard and they need encouragement!” And that was Tom’s job as long as he was able during his hospital stay. He was a favorite patient and the nurses were amazed at the number of friends who came to visit, encourage, and pray with Tom. He expressed over and over that he wanted this illness in some way to bring glory to God. Those who knew him well believe that when Tom entered eternal rest he heard those words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Mr. Tom Rodebaugh, 68, of McPherson, went to be with his Lord at 10:04 p.m., Thursday, January 28th, 2010, at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Mary Ann Rogers; a brother-in-law, Frank Rogers.

Surviving family members include his brothers, Leslie Rodebaugh and his wife Jeanne of Gwynedd, PA., and Robert Rodebaugh of Bridgeport, PA.; his sisters, Violet Miller of Conshohocken, PA., and Phyllis Humay of Worcester, PA.; Tom's favorite aunt Virginia Rodebaugh; many nieces and nephews, cousins, other relatives and a host of friends.

Friends are also invited to call on Sunday, January 31, 2010 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Glidden - Ediger Chapel, McPherson, Kansas.

His celebration of life will be held at New Hope Evangelical Church, McPherson, Kansas, at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, February 1st, 2010, with Pastor Jim Keil officiating. Special music, “Majesty,” will be sung by Lindsey Shaw; “Wedding Day” will be sung by Jerry Potter; and the congregation will sing “Victory In Jesus” with Judy Shaw accompanying.

USHERS
Jay Kaufman Jim Zweigle

A second service will be held at the Boyd-Horrox Funeral Home, Norristown PA, at 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 17, 2010.
Friends are invited to join the family from 7 until service time at the funeral home to reminisce and share stories.

Memorials in memory of Tom are suggested to New Hope Evangelical Church, McPherson; the McPherson Senior Center; or World Impact. They can be sent in care of the Glidden—Ediger Funeral Home; 222 West Euclid Street; McPherson, Kansas 67460.

Posted by laraine erickson on 02 February, 2010
Tom was one of our "yard guys" out at the transfer station. During the summers he was out here once a day, sometimes twice a day. We will miss seeing him come across the scale. Laraine and Susan...MASWU Gateclerks