Harold "Dusty" Rhodes
1936-2009
Harold R. Rhodes, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend departed this life October 28, 2009 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Harold was born on January 21, 1936 in Oakland, Arkansas, the son of Ada Stevens Rhodes and Clarence Monroe Rhodes. He was united in marriage to Patricia Temple on January 25, 1959 in Carson City, Nevada.

Harold was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving for 22 years and retired as a Master Chief Petty Officer. He served during the Korean conflict and Vietnam War and traveled and lived throughout the world serving his country. He was a flight navigator and engineer for the U.S. Navy. Upon retirement from the Navy, Harold worked as an engineer and prior to retiring he was an active engineering consultant for his own engineering business. Harold and his wife retired to Coal Hill, Arkansas where he enjoyed the peace of retirement and his land. He enjoyed aircraft, air shows, and anything related to the U.S. military. One of his joys was setting on his porch watching the wildlife; he loved all animals, especially his dog Scooter. Most of all he enjoyed frequent fishing trips with his friends and Brother-in Law Bill. Harold was known to his many friends throughout the world as "Dusty".

Harold is survived by his wife of 50 years, Patricia Rhodes; six children, son John Dykstra and wife Emelda of Washington, son Jim Dykstra and wife Marie of Oregon, son Harold Rhodes, Jr. of Arkansas, daughter Patricia Wallman of Arkansas, son Gordon Rhodes and wife Jodie of Texas and daughter Stephanie Barnett and husband Steve of Texas. Harold raised one niece, Trish Sotelo and two nephews Frank and Paul Sotelo when their parents departed this world. He is survived by 10 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. He is survived by sisters Reba Rhodes Ysidro, Joyce Motti and husband Bill, Joann Rhodes, and sister June Hillhouse and husband Loren, step sisters Pat Hannaford and husband Kenneth, Margie Gwaltney and husband Bob, step brother James Shaw and many nieces, nephews and friends. Harold and his wife Pat always had an open door for any child, friend, or family member that needed a home temporarily or permanently.

He was preceded in death by his mother Ada Rhodes Shaw, father Clarence Monroe Rhodes, Step Father Jessie J. Shaw, sister Ruth Hagar, and nephew Frank Sotelo.

Harold was a great man in stature and heart. He was larger than life and will be missed by many.

Graveside funeral services will be held at Noon on Monday, November 2, 2009 in the Pontiac Cemetery, Pontiac, MO with Jim Kyle officiating. Visitation will be Monday morning from 10 - 11 a.m. in the Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville, MO.