Thurman Leroy Rhoades

Thurman Leroy “Dusty” Rhoades (Dad, Papa, Pops) was a man of unwavering integrity, quiet strength, deep loyalty, and boundless love for his family. Whether serving his country, protecting his community, or welcoming family and friends around his table, Dusty lived a life marked by hard work, service, humor, and devotion to the people he loved.

Those qualities were formed early in life.

Dusty grew up on a dairy farm in the Cleburne and Joshua area of Johnson County, Texas. The early mornings, long days, and responsibilities of farm life instilled in him the self-discipline and strong work ethic that remained with him throughout his life.

He graduated from Paschal High School in Fort Worth in 1961. Judging by the comments and photographs in his yearbook, Dusty was already known as quite the character—a reputation he happily lived up to for the rest of his life. His quick wit, unforgettable personality, and gift for storytelling became hallmarks of the man so many came to know and love.

Following high school, Dusty proudly served three years, from February 1963 to February 1966, in the United States Navy. His military service as a naval airman (he was quick to let you know he never served on a boat!) further strengthened the values of honor, discipline, responsibility, and service that would define both his personal life and professional career.

The highlight of Dusty's professional career was the eighteen years he served with the Dallas/Fort Worth Airport Department of Public Safety. He began his career as a patrol officer and loved the wide variety of people he encountered while on duty. Dusty could entertain family and friends for hours with stories from his years in law enforcement.

Corporal Rhoades was especially proud of being a founding member of the department's Bicycle Unit. Patrolling the airport on two wheels instead of four was something he truly loved. He often laughed as he told stories about quietly riding up on unsuspecting bad guys before they even realized he was there.

While Dusty found great fulfillment in serving and protecting others, the center of his world was always home.

Together, Dusty and his beloved Vicki built a life on their three-acre home in Burleson, Texas—a place that reflected everything they loved. There was room for his horses, his ever-present pack of Chihuahuas, and, most importantly, the people they cherished. Their home became the gathering place where family and friends looked forward to holidays filled with incredible meals around the table, afternoons in the pool, spirited games, plenty of laughter, and the kind of relationships and memories that would last for generations.

Yet even those treasured moments were simply an expression of what mattered most to Dusty—his family.

Nothing on this earth meant more to him than his beloved Vicki, his daughters Danielle and Emily, and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His love for them was unconditional, his loyalty unwavering, and his commitment knew no limits. Whether someone needed encouragement, protection, a helping hand, or simply someone to stand beside them, Dusty was there. His family never had to wonder where they stood with him because they always knew they were deeply loved.

Dusty's legacy is not measured only by the badge he wore or the years he served, but by the husband that was adored, a father faithfully loved, the grandfather and great-grandfather who delighted every generation, and the countless family members and friends whose lives are richer because they had the privilege of knowing him. His stories will continue to be told, his laughter remembered, and his love felt for generations to come.

He is survived by his loving daughters and son-in-law, Cheryl Danielle and Chris Babcock, and Emily Haydin. He was a proud grandfather to Bryce, Lauren, Haley, Courtney, Stevie, Ella, Kayla, Noah, and Brian. And a cherished great-grandfather to Bryson, Brayln, Haven, Isaiah, Lainey, Carter, and Tate. Very importantly, in-laws and outlaws, Teri Duncan, Jim and Christie Jacobus, Barbara Kay and Kurt, Ken and Judith, Mike and Al, Michael Frazier.

Dusty is also survived by his daughter, Kim Smith, and her husband, Beto Smith; grandson, Jessie; his brother, Mike Rhoades, and his wife, Dena; his beloved "second mom", Aunt Maxine Ledbetter; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, "My Vicki," Lea Rhoades; his parents, Thurman and Neva Rhoades; and his grandson, Cody.

“Take control of your life and don’t worry about things you can’t control.”

-Dusty Rhoades