Larry Rhodes |
| Posted 2016-04-06 by Sharla |
| The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 04/05/2016 Larry Rhodes, 74, resident of Eagar, died peacefully March 28, 2016, surrounded by his family in Monument, Colo. Pastor Larry Rhodes (retired) was born Dec. 2, 1941, in Cobden, Ill. (five days before Pearl Harbor was bombed), to William Simpson and Dorothy Virginia Lucille Lingle Rhodes. Larry graduated from Anna-Joneboro High School in May 1960 and joined the U.S. Marine Corps June 22 1960. He received an honorable discharge June 19, 1964, continuing his service in the reserves until Feb. 25, 1966. Larry attended Illinois Missionary Institute and Seminary from 1966-71, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in theology. His first pastorate in 1972 was First Baptist Church in Overgaard. The Lord called him to pastor Pima Street Baptist in Tucson in 1974. While pastoring in Tucson he received an associate’s degree in psychology from Pima Community College. In 1985 he became pastor of First Southern Baptist Church in Springerville until 1997. During this time, he also became chaplain to the American Legion. In 1997 brought a small group from First Southern Baptist Church to establish Jesus First Baptist Community Church in Eagar. He was pastor of this church until Dec. 27, 2009, when he retired due to ill health. He is survived by his wife, Judith Carolyn Crain (married Dec. 12 1964, in Alto Pass, Ill.); three children, Samuel Neal Rhodes (Kristy) of Tucson, Sheryl Lyn Rhodes Aquino (Joey) of Monument, Colo., and Andra Marie Rhodes Alexander of Tempe; six grandchildren, Caleb Joel Rhodes of Tucson, Kolby Rhodes Aquino of Monument, Colo., Katie Elizabeth Rhodes of Tucson, AnaMarie Olivia Carolyn Aquino of Monument, Colo., Kendall Marie Alexander of Tempe, and Lauren Marie Aquino of Monument, Colo.; two sisters, Roberta Stearns (Donald) of Winslow and Jean Follis (Dale) of Herrin, Ill. Larry was preceded in death by his parents, William and Dorothy, and his sister, Sandra Sue. A visitation was held Friday, April 1, at the All Veterans Care Center in Denver, Colo. Burial will be held April 5 at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver, Colo., surrounded by his military brothers and sisters. Pallbearers were Joey Aquino, Master Sergeant (Ret), Kolby Aquino, Dr. Gary Haag, Lieutenant Colonel, (Ret), Marty Ehredt, Master Sergeant (Ret), Will Bell, Master Sergeant (Ret), and Ken Chisolm. Larry loved flying, the American Legion and veterans, reading, especially WWII history, the flag, eagles and ice cream and most especially his family and super especially winning souls and bringing them to know Jesus. He leaves behind family and friends who loved him dearly and will miss him every day. A memorial service will be held at Jesus First Church in Eagar at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 9. In lieu of flowers the family requests that remembrances be sent to Living Hope Centers in Springerville. “Rest well my good and faithful servant. Semper Fi.” See Also: Find A Grave |
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