Dewey T. Rhoades

A Jack of all trades, master of none, oftentimes better than master. Dewey was admired by friends and family for his sweet demeanor and mild manner. He had a dry sense of humor, always gave solid advice and had an answer to any question. Left home at age 17 a young Hot-Rod mechanic working at McDonalds he was always a tinkerer. Dewey joined the US Navy in 1967 at age 19 to become an Airframe/Powerplant Mechanic. During his first Enlistment he toured Vietnam at Yankee Station with A-7 Corsairs. Dewey left the Navy for one year of civilian life when he met Leona and started a family. He re-enlisted in 1972 and was sent back to Yankee Station with RA-5C Vigilantes aboard USS America. Fast forward to the Libyan conflict of 1980's aboard USS John F. Kennedy in the Mediterranean Sea with his favorite bird the F-14 Tomcat of VF-32 Swordsmen. After 23 years he retired from the Navy; he saw the whole world, as advertised.

In retirement Dewey and Leona spent time with family and were social fixtures to the neighborhood. He will be missed by many.

The visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 06, 2016 from 6-8pm at Oak Lawn Funeral Home. Funeral Services are Thursday, April 07, 2016 from 10-10:45am at NAS MAIN CHAPEL, 190 Radford Blvd., Pensacola, FL 32508 with interment to follow at Barrancas National Cemetery.