Rodney Brooks Mayo was born June 26, 1942, to Brooks and Jessie (Harms) Mayo in Omaha, Neb. He grew up in Omaha with his younger brother Denny. He attended Benson High School and graduated with the class of 1960. Rod entered into eternal rest on Sept. 5, 2023, at the age of 81.
Rod met his wife through mutual friends of their families. On Aug. 17, 1962, he married Cheryl (Ohrt) Mayo. They made their home in Northwest Omaha where they raised their three children: Russ, Rhonda and Robbie.
During his younger years, he and his family enjoyed taking camping and fishing trips to the mountains of Colorado and the lakes of Minnesota and South Dakota. They also embarked on several trips to Las Vegas to visit family and took countless trips to Worlds of Fun in Kansas City.
Rod was an avid hunter and fisherman. He would take his sons on hunting trips to the Sandhills in western Nebraska to hunt deer and turkeys. Rod also spent much of his time researching fly fishing and making fly ties.
As a child, Rod helped his father carry tools while he laid carpet. After high school, he worked as a carpet layer with his father for Rose Blumkin Furniture. Eventually, he and his father started their own carpeting business after WWII. After his father retired, Rod ran Rod's Flooring for several decades, even while he pursued another career. In 1969, he began carrying mail for the U.S. Post Office. He continued to do so for 37 years. He said it was the best job he ever had.
After retirement, he had no plans. Whenever someone would ask what he did, he always responded with, "Whatever I want!" He enjoyed being able to take it day by day and jump from hobby to hobby as he wished. Once, after dropping Cheryl off at work, he headed to Cabela's and spent all day, from open to close, wandering around the store. He was rarely on time because he was one of the few people not afraid to stop and smell the roses in life.
Rod was active in church with his wife. Additionally, he was a member of Solomon Lodge #10 A.F.&A.M and Eastern Star Chapter #121 in Fort Calhoun for more than 50 years.
Rod always had a story to tell. Many of which ended with his audeience roaring in laughter. Rod was loved by all who knew him and will be greatly missed.
Rod is preceded in death by his wife, Cheryl Mayo; daughter, Rhonda Mayo; parents, Brooks and Jessie Mayo; brother, Dennis.
He is survived by his sons, Russel Mayo and Robert (Kathryn) Mayo; sister-in-law Judy Mayo; grandchildren, Corrine Mayo (Amber Graves), Brandon Mayo, Tony Mayo, Brooks Mayo and Hailey (Jason) Saville; along with nieces, nephews and many other family members and friends.
Memorials may be sent to Solomon Lodge #10 A.F.&A.M in Fort Calhoun.
VISITATION: 5-7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023 with Masonic Service at 7 p.m., all at Sievers-Sprick Funeral Home.
GRAVESIDE SERVICE: 10:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 11, 2023 at Fort Calhoun Cemetery.
Sievers-Sprick Funeral Home: 214 N. 14th Street, Fort Calhoun, NE 68023
