Meril Gene Rhoades

Meril Gene Rhoades, 84, of New Castle, died Friday at Henry County Hospital. He was born June 24, 1924, to James and Georgia Rhoades in Knightstown, IN. Mr. Rhoades lived in New Castle most of his life. He was a 1942 graduate of New Castle Chrysler High School. He served in the Pacific theater of operations with the Army Air Corps during World War II. He was a member of the First Christian Church since 1939 where he served as Board Chairman, Chairman of Trustees, and Chairman of Property. He was a member of the choir and was tenor soloist. He was involved with First Nighters productions. He was also a member of the Men's Apollo Club, The Proclamations, a gospel quartet, and the Raintree Barbershoppers. He was also a member of Kiwanis International. Mr. Rhoades served as Manager of Quality Control for Ingersoll Steel, both the Hot Roll and Cold Roll Divisions. He retired in 1981 after 40 years of service, serving under various owners. He also worked as a meat cutter for many years at both the 11th Street Market and Kenny Eaton's. Following his retirement, he served as Bailiff with the Superior Court and volunteered for Meals on Wheels. He is survived by his wife, Susan, his high school sweetheart, whom he married November 26, 1943; two sons, Gene J. “Jerry” (wife: Jacqueline) Rhoades of Batavia, OH and Robert A. (wife: Janet) Rhoades of Alpharetta, GA; two daughters, Josandra Barger of Spencer, IN and Cathleen Rhoades of Charlottesville, VA; a daughter-in-law, Rhonda Rhoades; a son-in-law, Steven Bol; 13 grandchildren, Amy (James) Byrum, Christina Hancock, Heather (Jeff) Rhoades-Hric, Carrie Rhoades, Brian (Brandi) Rhoades, Scott Rhoades, James Rhoades, Jennifer (Richard) Baker, Jakob Bol, Lauren (David) Pusey, Anna Rhoades, Madelyn Rhoades, and Sophia Rhoades; three step-grandchildren, Rick Barger, Kim (Jace) Elmore, Julie (Chris) Lacey; 12 great-grandchildren, Shauna Byrum, Britney Hancock, Jessica Hancock, Lindsey Hancock, Raistlin Hric, Gavin Rhoades-Hric, Logan Rhoades-Hric, Jayden Rhoades, Katherine Rhoades, Jacob Rhoades, Cory Rhoades, and Tyler Baker; three step-great-grandchildren, Christopher Lacey, Ashley Lacey, and Haley Barger. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Mary Ballard; and three cousins who raised him, Dottie Perkins, Goldie Gordon and Dottie Reid; and a son-in-law, R. B. Barger. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Tuesday, November 25, 2008 at the First Christian Church with Pastor Keith Kincaid officiating. Burial will follow in Green Hills Memory Gardens. Friends may call from 4:00 - 8:00 pm on Monday at Sproles Family Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church and Kiwanis, with envelopes available at the funeral home. You may send the family a personal condolence at www.sprolesfamilycares.com.

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Meril Gene Rhoades

June 24, 1924 - November 21, 2008