MILFORD — Gordon E. Rhodes, 96, Milford, slipped peacefully into the arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at 5:20 a.m. April 27, 2018, at Lakeland Rehabilitation & Health Care.
He was born Feb. 22, 1922, in Pierceton, to John and Martha Roberts Rhodes. Gordon married Thedia A. Michael on Sept. 10, 1960, at First Brethren Church in Milford. She passed away on Nov. 27, 2006.
Gordon was a member of the U.S. Army during World War II. He had the rank of sergeant in company A, 117th Infantry Regiment of the 30th Infantry Division. He entered into combat on Omaha Beach in Normandy. He received a Purple Heart during his service and he spent time in Army hospitals in England and the U.S. as a result of shrapnel wounds. He also received an award from the French government for his actions during the war in France.
He worked at Dalton Foundries for 30 years. He was a member of American Legion Post 253, North Webster, for 75 years. He was a member of First Brethren Church, Milford, for 58 years. He also enjoyed spending time with his family, playing euchre, fishing and reading.
Gordon is survived by one daughter, Julia (Paul) Schache, Fowlerton; one son, Richard Rhodes, Milford; six grandchildren: Jacob, Gabriel and Hannah Rhodes; Ann and Sarah Florea; and Tyler Schache; a great-grandson, Aidden Schache; brothers, Jerry (Julie) Rhodes, North Webster, and Dick (Sara) Rhodes, Warsaw; sister, Peggy (Hal) Minear, North Webster; and sister-in-law, Marilyn Rhodes, North Webster.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; sisters, Evelyn (Homer) Duke and Rose (Bill) Hendricks; and brothers, Jack and Bert Rhodes.
Visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, May 5, at First Brethren Church, 110 W. Catherine St., Milford.
The service will be at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 6, at the church, with one hour of visitation prior to the service. Pastor Lee Compson of First Brethren Church will officiate. Burial will take place at Milford Cemetery.
Mishler Funeral Home, Milford, is in charge of arrangements.
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Memorials to First Brethren Church, P.O. Box 427, Milford, IN 46542.
