Myron Eugene "Gene" Rhodes, Sr.

Myron Eugene "Gene" Rhodes Sr., 75, went to be with his Heavenly Father on June 28, 2010, in Little Rock. Gene was born in Dunreith, Indiana on April 15, 1935 to the late George and Mary Rhodes. A graduate of Knightstown High School, Indiana, in 1954, he became an active duty serviceman in the United States Air Force in June of that year, serving honorably for 20 years in Aviation Electronics including a tour in country in Vietnam and a 4 year tour in Germany. He then worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company for 19 years before retiring in 1993. Gene was a long time member of the First Presbyterian Church, downtown North Little Rock where he was a Deacon, an Elder, and a Trustee for many years, selflessly spending countless hours of his time giving the property at 4th and Maple care and attention. A lifetime member of Elks Lodge #1004 in North Little Rock, Gene served in leadership positions and worked many years cooking and serving beans on Thursdays. He was a Master Mason, raised in Blue Lodge #760 in Rose City. He completed both York Rites and Scottish Rites on his way to becoming a Shriner in the Scimitar Temple in Little Rock. For many years Gene was involved in various community charity events and causes, sharing his gifts and talents with many. Countless people were beneficiaries of Gene's considerable knowledge of all things mechanical, structural, electrical, and philosophical. He mentored many, counseled many more, and loved seemingly without limit. There were few lives he touched that did not carry away some benefit from having come in contact with Gene Rhodes. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Mary Rhodes, and brothers Phillip, Jerry, and John Rhodes. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Peggy Jones Rhodes, son, Myron E. Rhodes Jr. (Annette), daughter, Kim Rhodes White (Toby) all of Maumelle, Arkansas and grandchildren, Michelle and Malleri Rhodes of Benton, Amber White and Cody Johnson of Maumelle, great-granddaughter, Alexis Spears of Benton, and several nieces and nephews. He also leaves his faithful pet Chihuahuas Princess and Tequila (Q). His legacy as a faithful husband, father, grandfather, and provider lives on in the lives of his family and is a beacon to them to serve others the way our Pawpaw served many. Memorial services will be held on Friday, July 2, 2010, 11 a.m. at North Little Rock Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorial gifts be sent to The American Heart Association, Little Rock, 909 West 2nd Street, Little Rock, Ark. 72201-2127; the Susan G. Komen Foundation, Little Rock, 904 Autumn Road, Little Rock, Ark. 72211-3702; or the charity of your choice. Arrangements by North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St., 758-1170. Online obituary and guest register at www.nlrfh.com.