Walter Floyd Rhodes

Born the third of four children, Walter began his trek on August 8, 1940, born to Floyd and Lorene Rhodes. He graduated from Aztec High School, Aztec, New Mexico where he was a star football player "good ol' #19." He received a football scholarship to UNM. He later went on to receive his college degree in business in Salt Lake City.

As a young man his youth was full of adventures, achievements, football, and he learned hard work at the family business, Aztec Motor. This fueled a life brimming with many creative talents. At 14 he lied about his age, to begin his career in the oil fields. He was an employee of El Paso which became Northwest Pipeline which became Williams for a total of 35 years. After retirement, he was recruited to supervise the building of an oil refinery in Lithuania as well as overseeing the construction of the Baltic Sea Pipeline.

He was on the team that designed and fabricated a fully autonomous car that was selected to participate in the DARPA National Grand Challenge, held in California.

In the backyard of Walt's childhood home there was a 75-year-old cherry tree that stopped bearing fruit the year his mother passed. With Walt's skill the tree was transformed into a complete bedroom set for a granddaughter. Many rolling pins and cutting boards were distributed to family and friends. He was always creating beautiful furniture for family with only a scant description given to him. His last creation was a custom designed China hutch, sketched out by his granddaughter-in-law.

Dad, you were always out the door each morning at 7:10am. Coincidentally you walked out of your earthly door at 7:10am and you are on your way again. It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to such a wonderful and caring person who gave so freely and asked nothing in return. As his life journey concludes, his family will forever carry with them the wonderful life he bestowed upon them.

A viewing for Walt will be held Friday, March 15, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Callahan-Edfast Mortuary & Crematory, 2515 Patterson Rd., Grand Junction, Colorado 81505. Funeral services will begin at 1:00 PM.

A graveside service will occur Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Crestview Memorial Gardens, Intersection of US Hwy 160 & Colorado Hwy 172, Durango, CO.