Rodney Keith Ingerson, 89, of Springfield, MO made his transition on Friday, December 19, 2025.  He was born September 3, 1936, to Bruce and Madge Ingerson in Huron, South Dakota.

After being honorably discharged from the Air Force, where he served four years and earned the rank of Staff Sergeant, he worked as a military contractor on down range missile testing.  Later he transitioned to working for the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory from which he later retired.

Although born in the Midwest, Rodney left as a young man in search of adventure. Inexplicably, he found himself in the Pacific, where he discovered his first and most enduring love—the Sea. He found solace there, and even after returning to the mainland, he always kept a piece of her in his heart. To Rodney, the Sea was a woman: mysterious and strong.

He spent his years tinkering with wooden boats and regaling anyone who would listen with tales of his youthful adventures and misadventures. Yet, when he spoke of the Sea, his stories took on an almost mystical quality. Like many men of the sea, Rodney could spin a tale and was a superlative orator.

There was a side of him that few knew, one he struggled to show. In his later years, however, he seemed to reconcile this hidden part of himself. Beneath the bravado of storytelling lay a kind heart—a tenderness that only those who knew him well would recognize. In his final days, Rodney found and embraced that gentler side.

A very special friend, Brandy Martin, along with her partner, De DeArmon, were by his side as he made his transition.  De bid him farewell by singing the Naval Hymn. Additionally, during his recent confinement, John VanHoozer was a significant supportive presence.

He was preceded in death by various family members.

Rodney is survived by his wife, Angela; sister, Elizabeth; daughter, Malia; stepson, Bruce; and grandsons, Keola and Ian.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Midwest Cremation and Funeral Services of Springfield, MO

A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring at a date yet to be determined with partial internment in the backyard among Rodney's beloved flowers,  and the remainder at the Springfield Missouri Veteran's Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project or The Innocence Project.