Lloyd J. Rhodes

Lloyd Junior Rhodes June 19, 1925 - April 18, 2012 Junior Rhodes 86, died April 18th with his family by his side. He was born in Poteau, Oklahoma, June 19, 1925 to parents Loyd and Georgia Rhodes. He grew up with three brothers and five sisters. While attending high school in Oklahoma his brother Chester gave him a pair of boxing gloves. He went on to win numerous awards at school for boxing. Junior was a World War II veteran of the United States Navy. He also won several boxing awards while in Navy. He was very proud of his service to his country. Junior and his brother Billy tried out for the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cardinals wanted to sign both brothers, but instead they went with their parents and other siblings to California in the 1940's. From that day forward he became a life-long Cardinal fan. Junior was a cowboy; he loved his horses and country music. He actually played guitar and sang at the legendary Blackboard with Buck Owens (before he became famous). He had a great sense of humor and loved to play practical jokes. Junior bought a small farm in Bakersfield where he and his wife raised five children. Even though the farm required him to work many hours each day, he also worked for 32 years as Head Custodian for Bakersfield City Schools. Most of those years were spent at Emerson Jr. High school where he was affectionately known as "Popeye". He cherished the friends he made from school and still kept in touch with many of them. Junior also taught Jr. High Sunday School for 23 years. He had a heart for children and led many of them to the Lord. Junior was generous to everyone and he never gave up on anyone. Junior is survived by his sister Patsy Saunders, sister-in-law Jean Rhodes, sister-in-law Sylvia Rhodes, cousins Joe Rhodes, Ann Ward, Raymond Rhodes, Doug Rhodes, his five children and their spouses, Russ and Kathy Combs, Steve Combs, Carolyn and Herman Clower, Randy Rhodes, and George (Stan) and Debbie Rhodes, 10 grandchildren, and 15 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by parents Loyd and Georgia Rhodes, brothers Chester Rhodes, Harold Rhodes and Billy Rhodes, sisters Lucille Barkley, Wanda McMillan, Virginia Miller, Phola Rhodes, daughter-in-law Molly Rhodes, and grandson Timothy Combs, As he said many times, Junior loved the Lord, his family and friends with all his heart and soul. Although he will be missed dearly, we have the assurance that we will one day see him again in heaven. The funeral will be held at Hillcrest Mortuary, Monday, April 23rd, at 1:00pm. There will be a viewing from 4:00 to 8:00pm Sunday, April 22nd.