In Loving Memory of Rodney Joseph Adams

December 7th, 1970 – October 17th, 2022

It is with “heavy hearts” we release our son Rodney Joseph Adams into the arms of our Father in Heaven. He was born on December 7th 1970 and passed from this earthly life on Monday morning, the 17th of October 2022.

Rodney graduated from West High School (Salt Lake City, Utah) in 1989. He joined the United States Navy that year and went to boot camp in Orlando Florida. Through diligence he worked his way through the Navy’s Nuclear Power School, which upon completion, he was assigned to the USS Enterprise, which was then the Navy’s esteemed Air Craft Carrier.

After his time in the Navy, he was employed at the Old Dominion Nuclear Power Station in Norfolk Virginia. Continuing his studies while working, he earned his Mechanical Engineering degree from Old Dominion University. Rodney held many positions of importance at the power station where he enjoyed working at until his passing.

His many hobbies usually included activities that were educational and mechanical. He taught himself Keyboarding, the Guitar, the Drums, and composed his own musical scores. Being well rounded he also loved narrow gauge model trains.

Rodney also had a plan for his life, and expected to retire soon. Always enjoying good health, it was a blow to be diagnosed with a rare fast-growing cancer in November of 2021. Less than a year later, it took his life regardless of doing everything possible and perusing every treatment available.

He is survived by his daughter Whitney (Brandon) Wheeler, grandson Bennett; and his son Nicholas Adams. All were born in Virginia. He is survived by his mother Carol Odenwalder, step-father Robert Odenwalder, step-sisters Leslie Andersen and Tracy (Robert) Quist. He is preceded in death by his brothers Michael (April 15, 2011) and Jeffrey (March 15, 2020).

In Utah, a Celebration of Life service is planned for on Saturday, October 22, at the Copper Hills 17th Ward (5349 West 90th South) in the Relief Society room from 6:00pm to 8:00 pm.

In Virginia, a Celebration of Life is planed at Little’s Funeral Home in Smithfield, Virginia, on Saturday October 29th at 11:00 am.

Rodney, we miss your sweet spirt which has graced all our lives.

Services

Celebration of Life

Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Copper Hills 17th Ward
5349 West 9000 South
West Jordan, UT 84088

Life Story Info

Post Date

Oct 20, 2022

Personal Info

Age

51
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Guestbook

I am in shock. I was not even aware that you were struggling with cancer. Rodney, I am saddened that humanity has lost such an amazing man and although we only spent short moments of time together in high school, you impacted my life by encouraging me to stay strong. You will be greatly missed my friend. 💚

Jennifer Smith Fast Wolf , Seattle , WA, US Oct 26, 2022

I am in shock. I was not even aware that you were struggling with cancer. Rodney, I am saddened that humanity has lost such an amazing man and although we only spent short moments of time together in high school, you impacted my life by encouraging me to stay strong. You will be greatly missed my friend. 💚

Jennifer Smith Fast Wolf , Seattle , WA, US Oct 26, 2022

I am in shock. I was not even aware that you were struggling with cancer. Rodney, I am saddened that humanity has lost such an amazing man and although we only spent short moments of time together in high school, you impacted my life by encouraging me to stay strong. You will be greatly missed my friend. 💚

Jennifer Smith Fast Wolf , Seattle , WA, US Oct 26, 2022

Larryann and I were absolutely stunned at hearing of your passing. Not too long ago we were swapping military stories and things we experienced. Reminiscing about Jeff, talking about music and where life has taken us. Through it all you never lead on about being sick. We are sad that you are gone, but joyful that you are no longer suffering. Till Valhalla brother!

Robb & Larryann , Salt Lake City, UT, US Oct 25, 2022

Larryann and I were absolutely stunned at hearing of your passing. Not too long ago we were swapping military stories and things we experienced. Reminiscing about Jeff, talking about music and where life has taken us. Through it all you never lead on about being sick. We are sad that you are gone, but joyful that you are no longer suffering. Till Valhalla brother!

Robb & Larryann , Salt Lake City, UT, US Oct 25, 2022

My heart is broken at the loss of my sweet step brother Rodney. Rest peacefully Rodney, you will be deeply missed on this earthly plane.

Leslie Andersen , Taylorsville , UT, US Oct 20, 2022

My heart is broken at the loss of my sweet step brother Rodney. Rest peacefully Rodney, you will be deeply missed on this earthly plane.

Leslie Andersen , Taylorsville , UT, US Oct 20, 2022

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