Dennis Edward Rhodes

Dennis Edward Rhodes, March 15, 1950 – March 17, 2025. Dennis was born in Bakersfield, the only son to Harold and Sylvia Rhodes. He grew up in Di Giorgio, California on 11,000 acres of farmland and attended local schools in Arvin. As early as 10 years old, he worked “in the fields” every summer moving sprinkler lines, harvesting peaches and plums, and pruning grape vines, no doubt the beginning of a strong work ethic that carried with him his entire life. After graduating from Arvin High School in 1968, he attended Bakersfield College. In 1970, he was drafted in to the Army and served his country during Viet Nam. When he returned he married his high school sweetheart, Kathleen, and began a long career in the oil industry, 40 years. As the saying goes, he climbed the company ladder along the way, starting with Union Oil in Taft. In 1976, he accepted a position in Bakersfield with Getty Oil which later became Chevron Texaco. By 1994, the family was relocated to Denver and later to Shell Oil in Houston in 1999. In 2006, Dennis accepted an overseas assignment with Shell in Sakhalin Island, Russia. When that assignment ended, he retired, but only for a short time. He couldn’t sit still and went to work for Occidental Petroleum, finally retiring in 2014 in Ivins, Utah for 10 years and eventually moving once again back to Texas to be close to their daughter.

Dennis was a proud American and loved his country. He loved fishing and hiking in the Sierras, running, lifting weights, eating carrot cake, and binge watching Bonanza, Gunsmoke and John Wayne. Not a Sunday went by without watching a NASCAR race or a good tennis match. He worked hard all his life and provided well for his family who were first and foremost. He was fair, unselfish, and loyal to all he knew.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Sylvia Rhodes. He leaves behind his wife Kathee, Horseshoe Bay, Texas, daughter Tracee Rhodes, Austin, Texas; sister Beverly Rhodes, nephews Mark Brown (Rene) and Chris Stayton, niece Lisa Fenn (Jeff), their families and many friends he made along the way. Special thanks to Houston Cardiovascular Associates, cardiologist, Dr. Kevin Lisman and the entire staff at Houston Methodist, Texas Medical Center.

Honorary pallbearers are Richard Stotler, Danny Stotler, Paul Stotler, and Bob Day. Private visitation will be held Wednesday, April 2, 6 to 8:30 and graveside services Thursday, April 3 at 12:30, Hillcrest Memorial Park, 9101 Kern Canyon Road, Bakersfield. If you would like to make a donation in Dennis’ name, please consider the American Heart Association.