Rodney Killingbeck

Rodney Killingbeck of College Station, Texas passed away on August 27, 2024, lovingly surrounded by his family.

Born on April 11, 1969, to Robert and Kathleen (Patterson) Killingbeck, Rodney grew up in Westland, Michigan. He was the oldest of 3 and blessed with parents and siblings (Casey and Julie) who were devoted to family. Rodney’s fond childhood memories included sports at every level including playing on little league baseball, basketball and tennis teams as well as cheering on every professional sports team in Detroit. He spoke often of family trips to the Upper Peninsula, camping, boating, biking and riding dune buggies. Rodney’s passion for finding vehicle treasures and making them better started young thanks to his dad’s ability to fix just about anything.

Rodney attended John Glenn High School, in Westland, where he played basketball and tennis. He graduated in 1987 and earned an academic scholarship to Eastern Michigan University where he studied Actuarial Science and Economics earning a Bachelor of Science degree in 1991.

Steadfast, calm, smart and funny, Rodney drew friends easily. The move to Houston in 1993 to work for UCS launched Rodney’s career and brought with it the friendships that would span the country and last a lifetime. Those relationships lead to multiple career opportunities over several decades. Rodney’s intellect and versatility enabled him to perform numerous roles ranging from revenue management to product/project management across industries including automotive, airline, services, software and education. Rodney was well-respected as an observant, insightful and authentic leader. He truly enjoyed his most recent role as an IT project manager for Texas A&M University.

Rodney met his wife, Kathleen (Canning) through mutual friends in 1996. Utilizing travel benefits through Rodney’s job with Continental Airlines, they made the most of long-distance dating. They did not miss an opportunity to visit family or attend a festival, concert, or sporting event. Rodney moved back home to Michigan in 1998 and married Kathleen a year later on September 11, 1999. They moved to Houston early in 2000 to start what they thought would be a 5-year adventure, but Texas would end up being their home for the vast majority of their 25-year marriage.

Rodney and Kathleen moved to College Station in 2002 and soon after welcomed their daughter Catherine Kennedy and then their son, Casey Andrew, 17 months later. Rodney embraced the role of husband and dad with his entire heart, and, like his own parents, he made family his priority. He was present for his family and found meaningful ways of connecting with Cate and Casey - even as young adults. Rodney’s character is evident through the kindness and perspective of his children. Through relocations, job changes, family illness and loss Rodney never wavered in his steadfast love of his family. 

Rodney loved cars and was Jeep-obsessed; you could be sure to find a different vehicle in the Killingbeck driveway regularly. He shared this passion with his kids and could be found enjoying car shows and Formula 1 races with Casey or enjoying a jeep adventure driving course with Cate. He loved sports and especially enjoyed watching his favorite teams: Detroit Lions and Tigers, Texas Aggies, and Baylor Bears. Rodney was a 30+ year participant in a fantasy football league with his friends. He enjoyed many hobbies including pen-making using a lathe and building Bluetooth speakers from vintage boxes. Rodney loved to be outside, enjoyed travel, and was always up for scouting for treasures. More than anything, Rodney loved spending time with family.

Rodney’s gentle spirit, easy way, quick wit, and genuine kindness will be deeply missed by all who were lucky enough to love and be loved by him. 

Rodney is survived by his wife, Kathleen (Canning) Killingbeck; his children: Catherine Kennedy Killingbeck and Casey Andrew Killingbeck; his brother Casey Glenn Killingbeck (Melissa); his niece Molly Killingbeck and nephew Jack Killingbeck; his brother and sister-in-laws: Patty Canning, John Canning, Marty and Jenna Canning, Elena Ford and Ed Downing and his nieces and nephews: Aaron, Angelina, Bethany, Eddie, Jack, Jimmy, Joey, Kristine, Mac, Maggie, Murphy, Nick, Spencer, Steven, Tim, Tori and Zachary and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Rodney was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Kathleen (Patterson) Killingbeck and his sister, Julie Killingbeck; his father-in-law, Jack Canning and mother-in-law, Joanne Canning.

Services will be held on Monday, October 7, 2024, at Hillier Funeral Home, 4080 Highway 6, College Station, TX. Visitation 10AM – Noon and Funeral 12PM.

Memorial contributions in honor of Rodney Killingbeck may be made to Gilda’s Club Detroit using the following link: In Honor of Rodney (gildasclubdetroit.org)