Robert Earl Rhodes

Robert passed away at the age of 84 on October 7,2026. He was born January 8,1942 in Stafford Kansas to Cam Buchanan “Buck” and Eula Mae Compton Rhodes. Robert was proud to be enrolled as a Tribal Member of the Cherokee Nation. He was 5/32 Cherokee.

Robert spent his youth in Miami, Oklahoma with his sister Margaret and brothers Richard and Douglas. This is where he became a staunch Oklahoma fan supporting OU football, the women’s softball team and other sports. This was a lifelong love he shared with his son Kevin watching and supporting OU together. Especially the Red River Rivalry. While attending Miami High School he played football and ran track. Robert attended Tulsa University studying chemical engineering for 2 years. He was then hired by Dow Chemical and spent many years traveling to the southern states for them. He married Virginia and they moved to West Virginia to make their home while he worked for Dow. They had 2 children, Camie Rhodes and Gentry Rhodes. After injuring his back, they divorced, and he moved back to Oklahoma to heal. He later moved to Seattle with his sister Margaret and her husband DeWayne. He was hired as a roofer and spent more than 35 years with Queen City Sheet Metal and Roofing. He worked his way up to Superintendent and was very proud of his accomplishments. His last major project before retiring in 2004 was roofing the Mariners Stadium. He was very proud building and designing the iconic Pergola in Seattle’s Pioneer Square, among many other local buildings.

After moving to Seattle, he married Brenda and they had 1 son Kevin. They enjoyed camping, fishing, crabbing and shrimping. They spent time at the peninsula, Moses Lake, and Mineral Lake. He was a staunch home team supporter and enjoyed cheering on the Seattle Mariners, Seahawks, The Storm, Huskies and Cougars, while he didn’t understand hockey as well, he always watched some and supported them as well. He and Kevin had quite the rivalry when the Seahawks played the Steelers (Kevin's lifelong team). The house was never quiet during those games. Brenda passed at young age in 1981 leaving Robert and Kevin alone.

Years later Robert married Diana in 2001, and they made their home in Des Moines WA. The Family grew with good times and teasing. Many good times spent with Dave & Ann, Aileen, Barb, Ashley, Nathan Shannon, Melynda and many more. They hosted the famous Okie Bob Horseshoe Tournaments. Great gathering of friends, co-workers and family. BBQ burgers, Okie Bob’s famous chili and competing for 1st place. They were fortunate to travel and see Costa Rica, Jamaica, Mexico, New Zealand and Hawaii. They also traveled to see his niece Keely perform in Operas.

After retirement they moved to Belfair where Robert was active in the community and board. Helping with the beachfront. He later moved to Centralia WA and purchased a cute home he spent time remodeling. He loved to spend time on the deck looking at his garden and many flowers. He loved to be in the sun and enjoyed the neighbors, the dogs, friends and children stopping by for visits and to talk about the day!

He spent the last 3 years living with his son (Kevin). Spending many weekends visiting local farmers markets, having BBQ ‘S on the deck and growing tomatoes, corn, beans and other vegetables along with many flowers. He loved to sit on the deck in the sun and watch the dogs play in the yard and the people pass on the local trail.

He was preceded in death by his parents Cam Buchanan & Eula Mae Rhodes, brothers Richard Rhodes and Douglas Rhodes (Judy)

Robert is survived by his son Kevin Rhodes (Dawna), Sister Margaret Sparlin (DeWayne), Diana Rhodes, Nieces Holly Rhodes, Keely Rhodes, Nephew Weston Rhodes (Holly) Daughter Camie Rhodes Yarbrough, son Gentry Rhodes and many other friends and extended family members.

While we know he is a better place with the Lord he will be greatly missed by his family and many friends.

All are welcome to sign the online guestbook below and add any messages or stories for the family.