Alvin E. "Gene" Rhodes

Alvin E. "Gene" Rhodes, 83, of Springfield passed away Wednesday September 15, 2010 at St. John's Hospice.

Gene was born July 13, 1927, in Lewistown, IL the son of Harry and Clara Keest Rhodes. He served in the United States Army as a classification specialist. His parents and 6 siblings preceded him in death.

He returned from service and worked as a driver for his family's trucking company, Rhodes Transfer. In 1955, he went to work with Farm Supply as a driver until his retirement in 1989. He married Alice Buehnemann in Worden, IL December 14, 1957 and she survives.

Gene is also survived by his three sons; Ken (wife Nancy Baker) Rhodes of Portland, OR, Glen (wife Mary) Rhodes of Springfield, and Scott Rhodes of Harvel, IL. There are two grandchildren; Nicholas and Caitlin Rhodes also of Portland, OR. Also surviving are his sister; Bonnie (husband Richard) Toncray of Kilbourne, IL his two brothers; Gerald (wife Janet) Rhodes of Lewistown, IL and Larry Rhodes of Florida, and several nieces and nephews.

Gene was a member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church LCMS, the Teamsters Local #916, the Capitol City Woodworkers and was a licensed private pilot.

Visitation will be Monday September 20, 2010 from 4:00 pm until time of services at 6:30 PM at Bisch Funeral Home West 2931 S. Koke Mill Rd. Springfield. Rev. Dr. Thomas G. Radtke will officiate. Private family graveside services will be on Tuesday at Camp Butler National Cemetery.

In Lieu of flowers, those that wish may direct memorial contributions in his memory to the Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church 220 S. Second St. Springfield, IL 62702.

Please visit the online "Life Remembered Story" at www.bischfuneralhomewest.com where tributes and condolences may be left for the family.