Walter L. Rhoades

Walter L. Rhoades, 79, of Prosperity, died Wednesday, February 10, 2010, in the Washington Hospital, following a lengthy illness. He was born March 5, 1930, in Washington, a son of Ewing and Edria Powell Rhoades. Mr. Rhoades worked at Washington Cemetery for 20 years. He was a member of Anawanna Hunting and Fishing Club and American Legion Edwin Scott Linton Post 175. Mr. Rhoades enjoyed animals and loved boating and camping. On October 17, 1946, Mr. Rhoades enlisted in the United States Army and served until his honorable discharge on October 17, 1947, with a rank of Private. He earned the World War II Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal and Rifle Marksmanship Badge. On January 27, 1948, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He served on the USS Saipan and was honorably discharged on May 23, 1950, with a rank of Gunner’s Mate Seaman. Mr. Rhoades continued his military service in the Pennsylvania National Guard, serving from June 15, 1955, until August 2, 1957. On January 9, 1952, he married Alice M. Zimmerman, who survives. Also surviving are a son, Jason (Denise) Rhoades of Prosperity; four daughters, Joyce (Daniel) Wright of Washington, Edria (David) Ackley of Prosperity, Timmie (Jason) Wright of Graysville and Amy (Tom Ritchea) Armstrong of Washington; three brothers, James Rhoades of Washington, Jack Rhoades of Florida and William Rhoades of Washington; a sister, Patricia Beatty of Washington; 13 grandchildren, Ronnie Lee Chenney, Erick Chenney, Joshua Campbell, Jacob Campbell, Shawn Haynos, Zachary Ackley, Marsha Livingood, Michael Shook, Donald Shook, Bryan Shook, Justina Armstrong, Jerika Armstrong and Cheyenne Rhoades; and eight great-grandchildren. Deceased are a sister Meral Beatty; and a brother, Richard Rhoades. Friends will be received 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 395 East Maiden Street, Washington, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, February 15th, with Pastors Linda Mankey and Gary Gibson co-officiating. Burial will follow in Washington Cemetery. Military rites will be accorded graveside by American Legion Edwin Scott Linton Post 175.