Rodney "Rod" Mclenon

Rodney Bruce McLenon died just after midnight on August 28, 2022, from complications of advanced prostate cancer. He was a quiet, gentle man with a good sense of humor and a contagious chuckle. Although quiet and thoughtful, he enjoyed good conversations and fun parties.

Rod was born in Atchison, Kansas, November 24, 1947, the youngest child of George M. and Alice Buttron McLenon. He attended both Central and Martin West Elementary schools and graduated from Atchison High School with the Class of 1966. He was fortunate to be raised in those special small-town times when children could play freely outside all day and only be called inside at bedtime. Another advantage to his small-town upbringing was the opportunity to participate in a variety of sports, no matter the skill level. He especially loved little league baseball and was proud of his pitching ability. Unfortunately, during his senior year in high school, his team sport days came to an end when his leg was severely broken during a football game.

Rod attended Kansas State University, earning a BS in Business Administration. He joined the Sigma Chi Fraternity and held a number of officer positions. His favorite contribution to the frat house was serving as co-house manager. During that time he learned the fix-it skills that would later greatly please his wife! Rod next earned a Master's in Business Administration from Wichita State University.

Rod married his high school sweetheart Barbara Mize McLenon, July 10, 1971, at Trinity Episcopal Church in Atchison. They then moved to Denver, where Rod had been offered a job with Public Service Company of Colorado (later to be Xcel Energy). He had a career there for over 30 years. Rod held a number of manager and supervisor positions involving market analysis and program development, including those for wind and solar renewable energy. He retired in 2010.

Rod and Barbara were long-time parishioners at St. Joseph Episcopal Church, Lakewood, CO, and more recently St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Lakewood, CO.  At both parishes, Rod was an active contributor, serving on the Vestries, as well as finance committees. He volunteered in many other capacities, but particularly enjoyed the open community meals held at St. Paul's.

Rod and Barbara are the parents of three daughters: Mary Margaret Brown (Matthew), Midlothian, VA; Sarah Elizabeth Janes (Wesley), Evergreen, CO; and Meghan Caroline Smedes (Richard), Lakewood, CO. A devoted father, he spent many hours cheering poolside during his daughters' swim meets, and refereeing soccer games. He was closely involved with and proud of them always. His love of road trips led the family on wonderful adventures exploring the USA.

Though Rod fought prostate cancer for over 10 years, there were good years during that time when he and Barbara were able to fulfill their wish to travel overseas and continue the USA road trips. He tried his best to stay in good physical shape at the gym as well as in the pool.

In addition to his wife Barbara, daughters and sons-in-law, Rod is survived by 10 grandchildren ages 5-22. He loved each and every one dearly. He is also survived by his brother, Larry McLenon (Leawood, KS and Stuart, FL) and his sister, Marilyn Anderson (LaGrange, GA). He has nieces and nephews and many grandnieces and grandnephews with whom he greatly enjoyed celebrating with at large family gatherings.

A Memorial Service for Rod will be held Saturday, September 17, 2022 at 1:00 pm at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 9200 W. 10th Ave., Lakewood, CO 80215. Interment will be Monday, September 19, 2022 at 2:00 pm, at Golden Cemetery, 755 Ulysses St., Golden, CO 80401.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to a charity or cause of your choice. The family also suggests a memorial contribution to St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Rod's name.

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