Rodney Ray Linton, son of Donald Ray and Juanita Gertrude (Reiter) Linton, was born March 30, 1950 in Beloit, Kansas and passed away Tuesday, May 19, 2015 at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas at the age of 65.

He grew up and attended schools in Downs, Kansas, where he was also a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church. Rodney graduated with the Down High School class of 1969.

After high school he took a job with the Union Pacific Railroad but was soon drafted into the U.S. Army, serving as a Combat Engineer during the Vietnam War from 1969 – 1971. He was honorably discharged from military service on May 2, 1971.

Rodney went to work at the Western Auto store in Salina, Kansas after his discharge from the Army. He also worked as a delivery driver for the Salina Coffee House and Schwan's in Salina.

On June 23, 1973, he married Theresa Ann Smolik in Marion, Kansas. This union was blessed with the birth of two daughters, Ashley and Lacey, in 1987 and 1989.

The family moved to Phillipsburg, Kansas in 1992 when Rod accepted a position with TAMKO Roofing Products as a Forklift Operator on the Fiberglass Line. He worked for TAMKO until 2009.

Rod loved the outdoors and was passionate about hunting and fishing. His daughter, Ashley, enjoyed the fishing tournaments they shared together. He also had a great respect and love for animals which they seemed to understand and respond to. He actually had pet parakeets that groomed his sideburns for him!

Rod loved to clown around and provide the entertainment at family gatherings. He also enjoyed sitting around the table playing cards when everyone got together; however, the time spent with his daughters and grandchildren was his greatest treasure.

His parents, Donald & Juanita, preceded him in death.

He is survived by his daughters, Ashley Delaney & husband, Wes, of Phillipsburg, KS and Lacey Linton of Hays, KS; his sisters, Sheila Fink & husband, Ralph, of Phillipsburg and Nancy Linton of Kansas City, KS; and two grandchildren, Zachary and Wyatt Delaney.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 23, at 10:00 a.m. in the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, with Pastor Joel Hiesterman officiating. Burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery, Phillipsburg.

Visitation will be Thursday from noon – 9 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel with the family receiving friends from 7 – 8 p.m. Friday evening.

Memorial contributions may be given to the First Lutheran Church or Phillipsburg Youth Baseball.