January 5, 1952 – November 22, 2011

Mr. Rodger Allan Sewell, 59 of Independence, Mo., formerly of Orrick, Mo., passed away Tuesday, November 22, 2011 at Centerpoint Medical Center in Independence.

Rodger was born in Wichita, Kans., on January 5, 1952 to Clarence Harris Sewell and Phyllis Nadine Ferman Sewell. Rodger had lived his entire life in the Independence and Orrick areas.

He was a musician and loved to play the guitar and make music, which he continued to do until he became disabled.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers, Perry Sewell and Philip Sewell.

Survivors include two sons, Jimi Alon Sewell of Harrisonville, Mo., and Jon Phillip Sewell of Clinton, Mo.; a sister, Jayne Neville of Lexington, Mo.; a grandson, Corey Sewell of Harrisonville, Mo.; a granddaughter, Hayden Sewell of Clinton, Mo.; and a nephew, Dylan Neville of Lexington, Mo. Also surviving is his friend, Michael Kent of Independence, Mo.

Friends may call to pay their respects from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday evening, November 28 at Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, November 29 at the Gowing Chapel with the Rev. Donna Murphy-Ceradsky officiating. Burial in South Point Cemetery near Orrick.

Condolences

I just found out Rodger that you were gone. 4-18-2014. God be with you my old friend. We sure had some high times together with my brother Ken down in his Floyd dehydrator home didn’t we. My sympathy to your family and I’m sorry I wasn’t there to say good bye. Peace be with you man.
David Dugan

My very deepest sympathy goes out to Rodger’s family, friends and loved ones. I was so saddened to hear of his passing. I’ve known Rodger for over 40 years and it just doesn’t seem real he’s gone. I didn’t see him often … every 5 years or so, but every time we did get to visit it was just like old times. He was a brilliant musician, and best of all he was a man with a heart of gold. I loved him dearly as a friend and will never forget him. I have many memories of times past and will cherish them forever. Rest in Peace, Rodger.
Kathy Washburn

In loving memory of Rodger, my childhood sweetheart, best friend, & first husband. “I will never forget you.”
Rodger & I shared 50 years; 15 of those years as sweethearts and then, husband & wife. Over the years, we kept in touch periodically. My love for him changed, but survived just the same. We had a personal connection that very few of his friends ever knew about. How do you let go of someone you learned to comfort, protect, and love so deeply? We must. I comfort myself in knowing that, this is just another part of life, death comes to each & every one of us. It is not good or bad. It simply is. Birth, Life, Death: Human Being. Although, I grieve his passing, I am so grateful to have been such an important part of his life. I am grateful that he loved me.
Marcia Bowen-Sewell-McAtee

My prayers go out to the family of Rodger. I am very proud to have known Rodger and been able to play music with him. He always had a smile and a sense of humor. He loved his music and I enjoyed listening to him play the guitar. He had a special talent. Will miss you very much Rodger. Rest in peace!
Joy (Williams) Willey

Our deepest sympathy goes out to Rodger’s family, he was a classmate and will be missed by all of our classmates.
Joyce Stockton