Robert Rhodes

Robert Rhodes, 82, of Ridgecrest, California, passed away at home with family by his side on February 7, 2022 from a long battle of emphysema.

Graveside service will be at 2:00 PM Friday, February 25, 2022 at Fairview Cemetery with Rev. Carter Pirtle, pastor of First Baptist Church of Skellytown, officiating. Local arrangements are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors and Crematory. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date in Ridgecrest, Calif.

Robert was born in Elizabeth, Colorado on October 4, 1939 to Bob and Grace Rhodes. Robert a proud veteran enlisted in the Navy at the age of 23 from Texas where he was sent to San Diego Naval Base, California for boot camp and attended A school. Robert valued this service highly and became a Radioman and attained the rank of E6 which earned him several ribbons and medals by the time of his retirement. During his service of 20 years, he served in the Vietnam War, and was stationed aboard multiple ships during his US Navy career; as follows: USS Piedmont, USS Annapolis, USS Proteus, USS Dixie, and the USS Stein which he was very proud to have served on. Robert was stationed at the Naval base on Guam and then NWC China Lake, California where he made his permanent resident after retiring. Robert then started his Civil Service career as an electronic technician and later retired in 2005.
When Robert wasn’t working, he had a passion for golf, he had a saying posted that said a day without golf probably won’t kill me but why risk it. And just as passionate he loved filming and watching his grandchildren play sports.

He is survived by his children, Rashell (John) Foster of Ridgecrest, California, Floyd Rhodes of Houston, TX; sister, Betty (JP) Wheeler of Pampa, TX; brother, Billy (Sue) Rhodes of Amarillo, TX; grandchildren, Troy Foster of Ridgecrest, California, Zane Foster of Ridgecrest, California; and a great grandson, Caydon Foster of Ridgecrest, California.

Preceding him in death are his daughter, Debbie Annette; parents, Bob & Grace Rhodes; sisters, Barbara Selvidge and Ella Mae Hicks; brothers, James “Junior” Strickland and Everett Lee Rhodes.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Robert’s name to the American Lung Foundation.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.gateskingsleygates.com for the Rhodes family.