John Curtis Rhodes, of Safford and a lifelong resident of the Gila Valley, passed away Wednesday morning, December 2, 2015, at his residence, surrounded by his loving family. He was 93.
John was born September 2, 1922 in Fort Thomas, the son of Frances Eridia and William Curtis Rhodes. Following his formal education, he enlisted in the United States Navy serving from 1942 until receiving an honorable discharge in 1945. In 1944, John met Loretta Rodon. They were married October 22, 1944. John was employed with Woods Brothers Refrigeration and later self-employed as an HVAC technician. In 1996, Loretta passed away. Throughout his lifetime John was active in the American Legion Swift-Murphy Post #32 and the Safford Elks Lodge BPOE #1607. John enjoyed hunting, fishing, and most of all, camping with his family and friends. John was an extraordinary man. There are many in the community who will deeply mourn his passing as his was a life of service, love, compassion and excellence. May he rest in peace.
John leaves to mourn: his daughter, Delores Dilk (Kenneth), of Goodyear; two sons, John Duane (Kathy), of Safford and Mike (Denise), of Safford; his brothers, Raymond (Billie), of Fort Thomas and Fred (Barbara), of Tucson; nine grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. John was predeceased by: his wife, Loretta; his mother Frances; his father, William; and two brothers, Joe and Bill.
Funeral services for John will be conducted Saturday, December 12, 2015, at 2:00 p.m., at Vining Funeral Home’s “Chapel of the Valley” by Rev. Sherry Brady. Concluding services with military honors conferred by the Gila Valley Veterans Honor Guard will follow in the Gila Valley Memorial Gardens.
The family will receive friends Friday evening, December 11th, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and Saturday afternoon from 1:00 p.m. until service time at 2:00 p.m., at the Vining Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be offered at viningfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are entrusted to Vining Funeral Home.
