Payson Roundup

Courtesy photo

Robert Herman Rhoades

Robert H. Rhoades died Nov. 19, 2008. He was born July 7, 1924 in Summit, Ill. to Roy and Beryl Rhoades.

At a young age, Mr. Rhoades and his family suffered the loss of their father. Roy Rhoades was a member of the Moose organization, so the family was taken in by the Moose Heart facility.

Mr. Rhoades attended Moose Heart Elementary and High School, and attended North Central College.

After completing his education, he went into the Army and was placed in the 3rd infantry during World War II as a medic. After completing his tour of duty, he moved to Phoenix, where he lived for 34 years.

Mr. Rhoades became a chemist for the City of Phoenix, retiring in 1984. At that time, he moved to Payson and became very active in the community. He was involved in the American Legion, Shriners, Moose Lodge, Ducks Unlimited, NRA and the Grand Lodge F&AM of Arizona, in which he was presented lifetime membership honors in December 2007.

He loved the outdoors, enjoyed hunting and fishing trips, and had quite a green thumb when it came to gardening. He loved to go riding on his quad and using his Global Positioning System.

Mr. Rhoades is survived by his sister, Peggy Hamilton of Payson; and his nephew and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Donald; and sister, Betty.

Memorial services will be held at 3 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 29 at Messinger Payson Funeral Home.

Donations in his name may be given to the Moose Heart Organization, P.O. Box 4, Mooseheart, IL 60539.