Lt. Col. Rodney J. Glass

Lieutenant Colonel Rodney Jay Glass, a proud veteran of the United States Air Force, passed away on May 26, 2024. Rod was born and raised in Holland, Michigan by his parents Wesley and Necia Glass where he also met and married his high school sweetheart, Kim. Rod and Kim have been married for 42 years with three children and nine grandchildren. After graduating from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in 1984, he entered the Air Force the same year. He received his commission after completing Officer Training School in November 1989 at the 80th Flying Training Wing, Williams Air Base, Arizona at the age of 22.

Lieutenant Colonel Glass flew the A-10 from 1990 to 2012 and has over 2,600 hours, including 83 combat hours in support of Operation Desert Storm. He also participated in Operations Desert Shield and Deny Flight. He was a command pilot with more than 4,000 military hours. As a pilot for American Airlines, he flew 13,858 hours and safely transported an estimated 420,000 passengers during his career. During his time as a military aviator, he mastered the T-37, T-38, A-10A and A-10C. Further, as a civilian pilot, the Boeing 727, 757, 767 and the 777.

His military decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross; Meritorious Service Medal, with one device; Air Medal, with two devices; Air Force Commendation Medal, with one device; Army Commendation Medal; Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, with three devices; National Defense Service Medal; Southwest Asia Service Medal, with two devices; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Armed Forces Service Medal; Air Force Overseas Ribbon Long; Air Force Longevity Service, with three devices; Armed Forces Reserve Medal, with one device; Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon (Pistol); AF Training Ribbon; Kuwait Liberation Medal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; and the Kuwait Liberation Medal Government of Kuwait.

Although Rod had many professional accomplishments, he also lived a very full and exciting personal life. He loved the outdoors. Waterskiing, camping, hiking, boating, flying, snow-skiing… anything except just sitting on the beach. He enjoyed going on snowmobiling trips with the guys and sharing his love for karaoke with anyone and everyone. He loved any reason to celebrate with family and friends -Mardi Gras Parades, LSU games, attending the kids’ sports events, and of course Memorial Day Weekend at the lake. His grandchildren say, “Papa is never tired…” Playing Ghost in the Graveyard and sitting around the campfire were among some favorites, and of course, pulling them around the lake in the tubes. Rod taught so many people how to water ski including his children and grandchildren. Rod and Kim loved to take trips around the country in their “little airplane”, visiting various interesting and beautiful locations, family, and friends. The family would like to thank all of you who reached out to share stories of how he impacted your lives; those stories will be cherished forever.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wesley and Necia Glass. He is survived by his beloved wife, Kim; daughters, Jenna Bagley (husband Dusty), and Amanda Boyd (husband Bryant); son Zachary Glass(wife Morgan); grandchildren, Ella Grace, Brilee, Elizabeth, Embree, Walker, Luke Henry, Georgia Kate, Nora James, and Nolan; brother Gerry Glass (wife Dottie); and sister Deborah Tacoma.

 A service honoring the life of Lieutenant Colonel (ret.) Glass will be held on Saturday, June 1, at 11:00 a.m. at Benton Methodist Church. A visitation will take place in the church sanctuary from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, May 31st. Burial with full military honors will take place at Arlington National Cemetery. Honoring Rod as pallbearers will be Zachary Glass, Gerry Glass, Bryant Boyd, Dusty Bagley, Bill Monhollon, Bob Monhollon, Kelly Wissink, and Scott Kamphuis.

 In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Benton Methodist Church or the Gary Sinise Foundation.