Stanford Rhoads' Obituary
Stanford Simon Rhoads, son of Bert Franklin and Alta Cora (Baxter) Rhoads, was born June 19, 1916, near Protem, in Taney County, Missouri. He departed this life Monday, February 23, 2009, in Glenwood Healthcare, in Seymour, Missouri, at the age of ninety-two years, eight months, and four days. On March 28, 1945, he was united in marriage to Laura Jane McSwain in Mountain Home, Arkansas, and together they spent sixty-two wonderful years before her passing on May 24, 2007. He was also preceded in death by his parents. Stanford is survived by his son, Steve Rhoads, and his wife, Vicky, of Lebanon, Missouri; his daughter, Jane Ann Guthery, and her husband, Darrell, of Fordland, Missouri; seven grandchildren, Tony Rhoads, and his wife, Caroline, of Springfield, Missouri, Anna Watts, and her husband, Dallas, of Rogers, Arkansas, Nick Guthery, and his wife, Christine, of Fordland, Missouri, Denny Rhoads, and his wife, Samantha, of Lebanon, Missouri, Deidra Rhoads, of Columbia, Missouri, Travis Rhoads, of Bolivar, Missouri, and Dustin Rhoads, of Cleveland, Tennessee; four great-grandchildren; two brothers, H.A. Rhoads, of Bradleyville, Missouri, and James Robert Rhoads, of Springfield, Missouri; a number of nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and many dear friends. He grew up in Ozark and Taney Counties and entered the United States Army in 1942 where he served his country faithfully during World War II in the Pacific Theater with the 24th Infantry Division. During his service, he received the Purple Heart and two Bronze Stars. In 1951 he and Laura moved to their farm on James River, north of Diggins, Missouri, where they lovingly raised their family. Following his retirement in 1999, they moved to Fordland. Stanford had made his profession of faith in Christ at the age of thirty and was a member of the Diggins Baptist Church for fifty years. In 1945 he was installed as a Master Mason in Lutie and later transferred to Hazelwood Masonic Lodge #459 A.F. and A.M., in Seymour and was also a member of the VFW in Webster County. He loved the farm life and being outdoors, especially when he was hunting, fishing and riding horses. He also enjoyed visiting with family and friends; he was an outgoing man who never met a stranger. Stanford was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and uncle and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and accomplishments and will cherish the wonderful memories he has created for his family and friends. Services will be held at 1:00 pm on Thursday February 26, 2009 at the Holman- Howe Funeral Home Semour.Burial in the Seymour Masonic Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday evening 6-8:00 pm at the funeral home under the direction of the Holman-Howe Funeral Home in Seymour Missouri. Return to top
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