Russell Rhodes

Russell Rutherford Rhodes, formerly of Springfield, Illinois, passed away at 12:30 a.m. Sunday, March 4, 2012 in Overland Park, Kansas, at the age of 78. He was born November 10, 1933, to Russell M. and Hilda (Sexton) Rhodes of Curran, Illinois.



Rutherford was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Gwendolyn (Knollenberg), and a brother, Robert. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Joyce, of Lenexa, Kansas; three children: Rusty (Donna), of Lenexa, Kansas; daughter, Anita (Randy) Clouse of Auburn, Illinois; and Jerry (Darlene), of Elkton, Ohio; seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.



Rutherford spent his life in the Springfield, Illinois, area, working at Fiat Allis for 30 years and building homes. He built a total of five houses and assisted friends, neighbors, and his children with numerous construction projects. He was a member of Springfield First Church of the Nazarene where he attended faithfully. He was also a frequent patron of Bob Evans restaurant where he was well-known and loved by the employees.



Visitation is 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home and a graveside service at Pleasant Valley will follow at 2:00 p.m.