Clyde Elmer Rookstool

Clyde Rookstool, 85, of Fontana, Kansas, passed away peacefully at home with family on April 26, 2026. As the root of our family, he grounded us with love and wisdom. His light will be deeply missed, but what he planted in us will remain.

Clyde was born at home on October 14, 1940 in Parker, Kansas to Grace Cornett Rookstool and Frank Rookstool. Clyde attended school at Hawkeye one room schoolhouse and other schools. He graduated from Osawatomie High School in 1959.

He proudly served in the United States Air Force from September 1962 to September 1966 as a Field Mechanic. Stationed primarily at Walker Air Force Base in Roswell, New Mexico, he also completed an overseas tour in Thailand in 1965. During this time, he specialized in fuel systems, working on the B-52 Stratofortress and other aircraft, contributing to their reliability and performance.

Following his military service, he dedicated more than 30 years to Marley Cooling Tower as a skilled machinist. Known affectionately as “Hippie” by his coworkers, he was always at the center of good-natured pranks and laughter. These stories became treasured memories he loved to recount with his daughters. His greatest pride was raising his two daughters by himself during the 1970s—a difficult journey he carried with quiet strength.

Clyde enjoyed a life filled with simple, meaningful moments. He could often be found watching classic John Wayne westerns, listening to country music, watching wrestling, or enjoying a good laugh with comedians like Jeff Dunham and Ray Stevens. He loved reading western books, being outdoors hunting and fishing, and taking peaceful countryside drives—especially when they led to his “secret” mushroom hunting spot (wink, wink). Most of all, Clyde treasured time spent with family at reunions, hog roasts, picnics, and birthdays.

Clyde was preceded in death by his parents, Grace Cornett Rookstool and Frank Rookstool, his brothers, Raymond (Raymie) Rookstool, Frankie Rookstool, Robert (Sam) Rookstool, James Rookstool, and Vernon Daringer.

Clyde is survived by his daughters, Gennyfer Kees (Jay) of Fontana, KS, Karen Peppinger of Fontana, KS. Bonus daughters: Michelle Ritch Chester of Osawatomie, KS, Tammy Weers, Parker, KS. Grandchildren: Randi Hermreck (Gene) of Springhill, KS, Jeremy Kees of Fontana, KS, Jordan Kees (Lindsey) of Paola, KS, Jerrica Sanders (Duell) of Kansas City, MO, Brad Peppinger (Jasmine) of Olathe, KS, Joshua Peppinger of Kansas City, KS, Brianna Peppinger of Olathe, KS, Julianna Marquez (Jacob) of Grandview, MO. Great-grandchildren: Sophia Hermreck, Ryder Hermreck, Bryce Peckman, Eli Peppinger, Nolan Kees, Kaiden Peppinger, Andre Shelton, Griffin Kees, Hazel Peppinger, and twin Peppingers on the way. Three brothers: Kenneth Rookstool of Hume, MO, Terry Rookstool (Cathy) of Corbin, KY, Yancy Daringer of Kansas City, KS. Four sisters: Darline Carter of Paola, KS, Nancy Daringer of Leavenworth, KS, Etta McGuire of Corbin, KY, and Phyllis Wilson (Murton) of Pine Knot, KY.

Visitation will be held on Monday, May 4, 2026 from 6:00 pm to 8:00pm at Dengel and Son Mortuary-Paola Chapel. Graveside Service will be held on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at 11:00 am at Elm Grove Cadmus Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be at Cadmus Grange Hall immediately following the graveside service.

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