Dr. Jerry W. Rhodes

Dr. Jerry W. Rhodes died on Feb. 24, 2013, at the age of 88.

Dr. Rhodes was born in Puxico, Mo., on Jan. 21, 1925. He was predeceased by his parents, Dr. J.C. and Cora Rhodes. He attended Puxico Public Schools and graduated from Puxico High School as the class valedictorian in 1942.

He received his pre-dental education at Central Methodist College in Fayette, Mo., and attended dental school at Washington University in St. Louis. He received his degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery upon his graduation from Washing-ton University in 1947.

He volunteered for service in the U.S. Naval Reserve and was called to active duty in July of 1943. He was released from active duty in Dec. of 1945, and subsequently was honorably discharged from the Naval Reserve in 1947.

In January 1952, he re-entered the service as a dental officer in the U.S. Army and spent most of his army career in Korea during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged from the Army in October 1953.

He was united in marriage to Lois Cooper, also from the Puxico area, on May 11, 1951. To this union three children were born. They are Mick, who resides with his wife Kris in Kansas City, Mo.; Rick, who resides with his wife Deb in Troy, Mo.; and Rod, who resides with his wife Katie in Farmington, Mo.

There are seven grandchildren and one great-grandson, Connor. He is also survived by his sister, Carolyn (David) Chaney, and many nieces and nephews.

Dr. Rhodes practiced the profession of dentistry for a total of 43 years. He practiced in Farmington from 1956 until his retirement in 1990 and continued living in Farmington since his retirement.

He was an avid golfer and a founding member of the St. Francois Country Club. He also was an outstanding baseball player, playing shortstop and second base for Central Methodist College, Washington University and various city league teams in southeast Missouri. He is a member of the Southeast Missouri Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame.

He was a member of local, state and national dental professional organizations and was awarded life membership in those organizations upon his retirement.

He was a member of Memorial United Methodist Church of Farmington and participated in various civic organizations during his working career.

Visitation will take place at Cozean Memorial Chapel & Crematory on Wednesday, Feb. 27 from 5 to 9 p.m. Visitation will resume Thursday beginning at 9 a.m. at Memorial United Methodist Church, followed by services at 10 a.m. with Dr. Sarah Chaney, Reverend Judy Chaney Slimmer and Reverend Scott Hall officiating. Interment will follow at Hillview Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be made to Memorial United Methodist Church.