1926
Harold
2023
Harold A. Rhoades
January 7, 1926 — February 22, 2023
Harold A. Rhoades, 97, of East Leroy, died February 22, 2023. Harold was born January 7, 1926 in Battle Creek to Charles and Effie (Osburn) Rhoades. He graduated from Battle Creek Central High School and continued his studies in Real Estate and Construction. Harold founded Rhoades Construction in 1953 and Wolverine Realty in 1967. He developed and constructed Oak Ridge Office Complex Condominium Offices in 1988. Before his working career really took off, Harold served his country honorably in the U.S. Army from 1944 to 1946, being stationed in Europe, France, Austria and Germany.
Harold married the love of his life, Mary Williams. He proposed to her after only four weeks of dating. When she responded, "I don't know you well enough to marry you", he said, "I have enough love for the both of us". And they were married four weeks later on May 12, 1950. Harold is survived by his loving wife, Mary and their two children, Michael (Mimi) Rhoades and Brenda (Bobby) Walker; two grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren and four great great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Ruth and Marj and three brothers, Duane, Donald and Lester.
Harold and Mary regularly attended the Frist Wesleyan/Woodland Church. When Harold was 96 Mary drove 95% of the time, but on Sundays Harold insisted on driving Mary to church so he could say I took Mary to church. He was a member of the Battle Creek Country Club, Great Lakes Motor Home Club, Battle Creek Board of Realtors, the Exchange Club, the Rotary Club and Battle Creek Chamber of Commerce. He was also a member and past president of the Battle Creek Home Builders Association. He enjoyed golfing, raising beef cattle, working in his shop and traveling around the country in his motorhome with Mary.
As per Harold's wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be directed to Woodland Church. Arrangements by the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.
Harold married the love of his life, Mary Williams. He proposed to her after only four weeks of dating. When she responded, "I don't know you well enough to marry you", he said, "I have enough love for the both of us". And they were married four weeks later on May 12, 1950. Harold is survived by his loving wife, Mary and their two children, Michael (Mimi) Rhoades and Brenda (Bobby) Walker; two grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren and four great great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Ruth and Marj and three brothers, Duane, Donald and Lester.
Harold and Mary regularly attended the Frist Wesleyan/Woodland Church. When Harold was 96 Mary drove 95% of the time, but on Sundays Harold insisted on driving Mary to church so he could say I took Mary to church. He was a member of the Battle Creek Country Club, Great Lakes Motor Home Club, Battle Creek Board of Realtors, the Exchange Club, the Rotary Club and Battle Creek Chamber of Commerce. He was also a member and past president of the Battle Creek Home Builders Association. He enjoyed golfing, raising beef cattle, working in his shop and traveling around the country in his motorhome with Mary.
As per Harold's wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be directed to Woodland Church. Arrangements by the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.
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