Darel Rhodes (87) of St. Elmo

Darel W. Rhodes, 87, of St. Elmo, beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, passed from his earthly life on Saturday, October 5, 2019.

He was born Wednesday, November 18, 1931 in St.Elmo, IL the third child and third son of Wayne and Emma (Blankenship) Rhodes. He married Genine Cox on May 5, 1952. Together, they raised 4 children: Jody Rhodes (deceased), Teresa (Chris) Thies of Effingham, Darel Eugene (Melissa) Rhodes of St.Elmo, and Darren (Sara) Rhodes of Brownstown. He was truly and dearly loved by his family. A kind and gentle man who touched many lives.

He leaves behind grandchildren: Mindy (Chris) Asplin, Jordana Pearcy, Tyson (Angela) Pearcy, Jacob (Jackie) Torbeck, Dane (Renee) Torbeck, Nikolas Torbeck, Chris (Rhonda) Thies, John (Michelle) Thies, David (Rachae) Thies, Jessica (Brandon) Sisal, Cole (Courtney) Rhodes, Levi Rhodes, Bayle Rhodes(Jake Cather), Wayne (Rachel) Rhodes, Dawson (Brittany) Rhodes, Clay(Brandi) Rhodes, Alyssa Rhodes, Jamey Rhodes, Lane Jurgeons, Kayla McMain, Nikki Taylor and Abby Crowell, 33 great grandchildren, and 1great- great grandchild. He also leaves a sister, Shirley High of Salem, and brother-in-law, Fred Naab of Vandalia, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Genine, daughter, Jody, his parents, 7 brothers, Truman, Elvy, Bud, Carl, Larry, Dennis and Steve, 2 sisters, Delight Calloway and Joyce Morris Hicks, and 1 great grandchild, Mallorie Thies.

Darel retired from Petco as an oil field worker and served his country proudly as a Korean War Army veteran.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 8 at Gieseking Funeral Home, Altamont with Rev. Joe Lawson officiating. Burial with military rites by Effingham American Legion Post 120 will follow at Griffith Cemetery, Brownstown. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until service time at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Research or the donor’s choice.

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