Rodney Merle Staats, 68, a beloved member of the Rose Hill community, passed away on September 21, 2023, at his home in Rose Hill, Kansas. He was born in Liberal, Kansas, on June 29, 1955, to his loving parents, Merle W. and Juanita “Wells” Staats.
Rod spent his formative years in Liberal, Kansas, and proudly graduated from Liberal High School with the class of 1973. Following high school; he embarked on an academic journey with an emphasis on playing basketball; first attending Seward County Community College in Liberal for a year and then continued his basketball passion as a walk on to the team at Ft. Lewis College in Durango, Colorado.
Rod’s dedication to education and the medical field led him to Kansas State University for his undergrad studies in 1978 and eventually to the prestigious KU School of Medicine in Kansas City and Wichita for his graduate and post graduate work. He earned his MD in 1983 and spent the next three years as a resident at KU School of Medicine. He became board certified in internal medicine in 1988, serving the community of Liberal for two years with great dedication. Later, he obtained board certification in Emergency Medicine and made a significant impact as an emergency physician at Wesley Main ER for 30 years; most recently in the Pediatric ER; retiring in 2015 as his health wouldn’t allow him to continue. During his time at Wesley, Rod was a sitting board member of the Physician’s group that staffed the ER and even served as the President and CEO for many years.
Rod was known for his unwavering commitment to helping others. He generously contributed his time and talents to various clinics and non-profit organizations, always putting the well-being of people at the forefront.
Outside of his medical career, Rod had a profound love for the outdoors. He cherished moments spent hunting, fishing, and golfing, and his yearly trips to the Colorado mountains held a special place in his heart. In 1994 Rod extended his passion for the outdoors leading him to purchase, and continuously improve, his country home near Rose Hill. As a lifelong member of the Methodist Church, his faith and spirituality were an integral part of his compassionate and outgoing personality.
Rod was a self-taught flutist and possessed a beautiful collection of flutes. He had a playful side and was a skilled pool player, often participating in pool tournaments. His sense of humor was legendary, and he enjoyed lighthearted pranks, like the time he jokingly replaced pizza with a surprise snake for his coworkers.
Though Rod didn’t have a family of his own, he had a deep family-oriented nature and always had a couple dogs around. He frequently inquired about the well-being of his nieces and nephews, as well as the families of his coworkers.
Rod is survived by his brother, Brent Staats (Carolina); sisters, Connie Moore(John) and Sharon Nolde(Ted); nephews, Taylor Staats, Derek Moore (Osi), Trey Moore (Kyla), Jeff Nolde, and Brad Nolde; nieces, Haley Shaw (Matt) and Lacey Johnston (Drew); great-nieces, Ellie Parker, Piper Shaw, Eva Johnston, Sofia Cortes, Camila Cortes, Charlotte Moore, Noah Moore, and Poppy Moore; great-nephew, Kyle; close friend and mentor, Dick Bean, and many other cherished family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Merle and Juanita Staats.
Rodney Merle Staats will be remembered not only for his professional accomplishments but also for his sense of humor, generosity, and genuine love for those around him. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness and a deep impact on the lives he touched. Rod’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Visitation to honor Rodney Merle Staats will take place on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at Heritage Funeral Home, located at 502 W. Central Ave., Andover. A funeral service will be held at the Rose Hill United Methodist Church, situated at 19551 SW Butler Rd, Rose Hill, on Thursday, September 28, 2023, commencing at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Lacey Wheeler presiding. Following this, a graveside committal will be held on Friday, September 29, 2023, at 10:00 a.m., at the Liberal Cemetery in Liberal, Kansas with Pastor Ann Holman presiding.
