William Rhodes

William "Bill" D. Rhodes, age 84, of Paw Paw, MI passed away Saturday morning, Feb. 18, 2017 at Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo. Bill was born April 26, 1932 in Kalamazoo the son of the late Ralph and Evelyn (Harris) Rhodes. After graduating from State High School, he became an apprentice stream fitter for Miller Davis Plumbing and Heating and worked on many large buildings in Kalamazoo. He then enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was in charge of operation and maintenance of a boiler room on a destroyer DD852 for four years, serving in the Korean War. He was a high school graduate, 13 week boiler man school at Great Lakes, IL, five apprentice program plumbing, heating and air conditioning, and one week leadership seminar. He was very active in the Paw Paw Community, serving 20 years for youth baseball league as coach, building and raising funds for facilities. He also served on the high school board for 8 years, high school booster club, Lions Club, American Legion and also served many years on the Van Buren County Road Commission. Bill was the driving force in the construction of Falan Field and Maple City Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Park. He said the best job he ever had was supervisor for the Paw Paw veteran's park. He was so proud of the park. He was a member of the Paw Paw Lions Club, and American Legion, McGowan-Johnson Post #68 Paw Paw. On May 4, 1953 in Long Beach, CA Bill was united in marriage to Marilyn J. Myers who preceded him in death on Nov. 10. 2005. Surviving are five children, Greg (Barb), Randy (Sue), Brent (Pam) Brad (Sue) and Tara Lynn Rhodes. This family produced the dirty dozen, twelve of the best grandkids in town, including Katie (Will) Fowler, Travis (Heather) Rhodes, Sarah (Nick) Boyce, Sierra Rhodes, Tyler Rhodes, Zach (Megan) Rhodes, Megan (Dan) Wiley, Chelsey Rhodes, Jake Rhodes, Luke Rhodes, Nick Wallace, and Audrey Wallace; great grandchildren, Nathan, Ryan, Hudson, Lennon, Jordan, Cole, Jack, Ellie and Sawyer; brother, Gene Rhodes of Kalamazoo; sister, Mary Ann (Jim) Evans of Pullman; many Niece, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by brothers, Jay R. and Bruce Rhodes. Family will receive friends Thursday (Feb 23) 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at the Adams Funeral Home, Paw Paw where funeral service will be held Friday, 11 a.m. with Rev. Bob Lynch officiating. Interment will follow in Wildey Cemetery, Paw Paw with full military honors. Memorial contributions may be directed to American Legion Veterans Park, Paw Paw.