Warsaw city officials remembered District 5 Councilman Bill Rhoades this morning.
They said he was an asset to the city, and will be greatly missed.
Rhoades died Tuesday night.
He was serving his third term on the Warsaw City Council. He was first elected to the city council in 2000.Mayor Ernie Wiggins said he enjoyed getting to know councilman Rhoades over the years. Wiggins said he called all of the city council members last night to notify them that Rhoades had died.
"He did a lot of work behind the scenes for the city, and was a dear friend who will be greatly missed," Wiggins said.
Wiggins said he and his wife, Deb, went on cruises with Rhoades and his wife, Diana. During the cruises, Wiggins said, they got to know Bill and Diana Rhoades better.
Wiggins said a caucus will be held to replace Rhoades, but a date has not been set.
District 2 Councilman Charlie Smith said he considered Rhoades part of his family.
Smith said one of his favorite memories was Bill and Diana attending his annual firework parties.
"Bill was devoted to his job as city councilman and always had a smile on his face," Smith said.
At-Large Councilman Joe Thallemer said this morning he was still trying to cope with the news he received last night of Rhoades' passing.
"Bill always served with integrity and he wanted to do what was best for his constituents," Thallemer said.
He said Rhoades could be counted on to make thoughtful decisions before he voted.
At-Large Councilman Kyle Babcock said Rhoades was a great mentor when he first started serving on the council this year.
George Clemens, District 3 councilman, said, "I consider Bill a fine man and a friend who cared deeply about the affairs of the city."
He offered his condolences to Diana and the rest of Bill's family.
Rhoades was a council representative for the Board of Zoning Appeals, Warsaw Traffic Safety Commission and Warsaw Housing Authority.
He also served as a Warsaw street light liaison and was a member of the Elks Lodge 802 and American Legion Post 49.
He served in the U.S. Navy from 1951 to 1955. He worked part time at the Pillbox Pharmacy.
