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Obituary of Gene Rhodes

Peoria—Gene Rhodes, 82, of Peoria, died at 4:20 p.m. Friday, November 27, 2009, at Manor Court in Peoria. 

He was born July 13, 1927, in Herrick, the son of Ira and Carrie Eagleton Rhodes.  He married Donna Copley in 1947 in Peoria.  She died July 3, 1996.  Surviving are one son, Steven Gene (Sheila) Rhodes of Springfield; Gene’s partner, Flo Charest of Florida; one brother, Jack (Betty) Rhodes of Peoria; and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by one daughter, Karen Sue Rhodes; one infant son, David Rhodes; one sister, Freida Hicks; and five brothers, Cecil Rhodes, Glen Rhodes, Ira Rhodes, Jerry Rhodes, and Duane Rhodes.

Gene enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1944 at the age of 17 and served in both World War II and Korea.  He graduated from Woodruff High School in 1947.  Gene received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois and a master’s in Engineering Administration from Bradley University.  He was employed as an engineer at Caterpillar Inc., retiring in 1985.  He then worked at H & R Block as a senior tax preparer.

Gene was a member of Caterpillar Retirees Club and Glen Oak Christian Church.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, December 3, at Glen Oak Christian Church, 1115 East Republic Street, Peoria, IL.  Rev. Dr. Randy Williams will officiate.  Visitation will be at the church from 9:30 a.m. to the time of service.  Cremation rites will be accorded. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Glen Oak Christian Church or to the American Cancer Society.

Hammitt-Hott Funeral Home, Princeville, is in charge of arrangements. 

Private condolences may be made to the family by clicking here.