Jerry Lee Rhoades Jr.

During life, Jerry Lee was a devoted son and a best friend to his parents, and a wonderful big brother to his two sisters. He was a warm and gentle man who gave his heart to those around him. He loved animals and dedicated himself to protecting and finding a home for animals in need. He had a great sense of humor, loved to play and receive practical jokes, enjoyed fishing, boating, snowmobiling, white water rafting, was an outstanding cook and would do anything to help his friends and family. Jerry Lee worked hard all his life, learning early that he had mechanical and engineering skills. He could drive or repair any type of heavy equipment, design and fabricate metal, and built houses in MN and KY. He worked as a mechanic and underwater welder, and ultimately built a career in the mining and oil industries as a dredge and heavy equipment engineer in MN and CA, and a mud engineer on oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico. In retirement, he returned to his hometown to help and be a best friend and companion for his parents. He enriched the lives of those around him with his love and laughter.

Jerry Lee was preceded in death by his grandparents, Orion Rhoades and Stella Horton, and Harry and Edith Conner.

He is survived and deeply missed by his parents, Jerry Lee, Sr. and Barbara Ann (Conner) Rhoades; sisters, Lisa R. (Keith) Goggin and Leeann R. (Ryan K.) Parker; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held 3:00 PM Saturday, October 14, 2017, at Alexander West Chapel. Friends may visit Saturday from 2:00 PM until service time, and following the service until 5:00 PM, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, Vanderburgh Humane Society, or to PAAWS online at http://www.paaws.org to continue Jerry Lee’s legacy of love for abandoned or homeless animals. Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderWestChapel.com.