William Huston Rhodes

Bill was born on August 24th 1929 to Thomas C. Rhodes and Vola Rhodes in Huntington WV. Bill spent his early childhood growing up on a farm in the mountains of Milton WV. Bill attended Marshall University in Huntington WV, while working full time at Standard Ultramarine which later became BASF corporation where he worked his entire career specializing in chemical engineering. Of his many accomplishments, Bill served his country proudly as a Sergeant 1st Class in the US Army during the Korean War and was trained as a sharp shooter/sniper, Bill holds 5 patents in chemical engineering, was listed in the Who’s Who of notable individuals in America.

Bill earned degrees in Organic Chemistry and English Literature and one of his passions was reciting Shakespeare poetry from memory. Bill later in life attended Oxford University in England and went on to later receive a theological degree from The University of the South in Swanee Tennessee.

Bill married his childhood sweetheart Joan K. Wiley on October 15th 1951 and together they raised two children Julie and Mark. Bill and Joan enjoyed a wonderful and happy life together until her untimely death in 1988.

Bill remained active throughout his entire life by serving as a docent at the Capon house, The Holland Museum and The Frank Lloyd Wright “Meyer May House” in Grand Rapids Michigan. He also was very involved in The Harbor Humane Society. Through Bill’s organization and fundraising efforts the Spay and Neuter Clinic was built and dedicated in his name. Bill was a longtime member of Grace Episcopal Church where he served in many capacities including Senior Warden of the Vestry, Lay Minister and sang in the church choir. Bill was also a trustee of the Elks Club and a lifetime member.

On August 26th 1993 Bill married his current wife, Chris St. John and enjoyed a new chapter of his life which included love, laughter, travel and exploring the world of Art.

Chris and Bill enjoyed many happy years together. His presence and goodness were felt by many people in so many ways by his generosity and kindness. Peace and grace were primary in Bill’s life as well as his spirit and soul. His life was a life filled with godliness and servitude.

Bill is survived by his wife Chris St. John, his daughter Julie Rhodes Longnecker (George) and his son J. Mark Rhodes (Tracy) along with grandchildren Taylor Rhodes (Rae), Billy Rhodes, Markie Rhodes, Terri Newby (Bryan) and Kathi Poe.

Visitation will be held Wednesday evening 5-7 p.m. January 31st at Grace Episcopal Church, 555 Michigan Ave. in Holland. A private burial will take place with only the immediate family on Thursday morning February 1st. A memorial service will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. at Grace Episcopal Church for all of Bill’s friends and family who wish to attend.

The family would like to thank the medical staff at Holland Hospital for the kind and compassionate treatment Bill received during the last days of his life. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Harbor Humane Society or to Grace Episcopal Church in the name of William H. Rhodes. Please visit www.lakeshorememorial.com to leave a message or memory for the Rhodes family.