Gaylord R. Rhodes

Gaylord Ray Rhodes, age 92, formally of Pittsfield, IL, passed away at the Maple Lawn Nursing Home in Palmyra, MO on Saturday October 7, 2023.  He was born on April 10, 1931, in Des Moines, IA to Leo and Beulah Launspach Rhodes.  Gaylord married Aletha ‘Jo’ Abel on November 27, 1953, in Donnellson, Iowa and she survives.

Gaylord graduated from Rosevelt High School in Des Moines, IA and went on to Drake University to obtain his Pharmaceutical Degree.  During this time, he also served his country in the U.S. Naval Reserves.  After college he worked for a pharmacy in Monmouth, IL and then made the move to Pittsfield, working at Aldrich Pharmacy.  A few years later he went into partnership with Rex Dinsmore and together they owned and operated the G & R Pharmacy.  He eventually sold the business to Illini Hospital and continued working for the Illini Pharmacy with Dick Weir until his retirement. 

Gaylord was a longtime member of the Pittsfield Christian Church and later became a member of the Melrose Chapel Methodist Church in Quincy, IL.  He was very active in the Pittsfield Church holding several positions over the years serving as a deacon, elder, trustee, and chaperoned many youth events.  He could always be found cooking or smoking on his smoker, for the many dinners held at the church.  Gaylord was an avid Cubs fan, and he also loved the outdoors, enjoying fishing, hunting, and golfing.  He enjoyed boating at the river with his family and watching or keeping up with his grandchildren’s activities.  Gaylord loved music, reading, and watching movies especially Hallmark.  He was an active member of Rotary, receiving the Paul Harris Award, and was also a member of the Masonic Lodge #790 A.F. & A.M and the Pike County Shriners.  Gaylord was a good and faithful servant and was loved by all who knew him. 

Gaylord is survived by his loving wife of almost 70 years, Aletha ‘Jo’ Rhodes; four children, Peggy (Robert Rigney Jr.) Rhodes Dabney of Quincy, IL, Randy (Debbie) Rhodes of Montgomery, TX, David (Debbie) Rhodes of Pittsfield, IL, and Richard (Rebecca) Rhodes of Pittsfield, IL; eleven grandchildren, Stefanie (Jim) Johnston, Chris Dabney, Ryan (Kari) Rhodes, Tyler (Olivia) Rhodes, Josh (Sarah) Rhodes, Dustin (Natalie) Rhodes, Karley (Josh) Carter, Kasey Osment, Hayden Osment, Haley Rhodes, and Kelly (Zach) Lentz; twelve great-grandchildren; one brother Keith (Barb) Rhodes and two nephews, Michael (Robin) Rhodes and Mark (Maggie) Rhodes.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one great grandson, Cael Welty.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday October 12, 2023, at 12:00PM at the Niebur Funeral Home. A visitation will be held prior to the service from 10 AM- 11:30AM with a Masonic Service to begin at 11:30 AM.  Interment will follow at the Pittsfield West Cemetery.  Memorials are suggested to be made to the Pittsfield West Cemetery or Saukee Nation.  Online condolences may be left to the family at www.nieburfh.com.  Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield is handling the arrangements. 

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