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Samuel Rhodes Obituary
Samuel "Sam" Rhodes Jr., age 93, passed from this life into paradise on Jan. 7, 2026. Sam was born in rural Mercer County, Ohio, on Dec. 22, 1932, to the late Samuel and Opal (Now) Rhodes. He was a 1950 graduate of Celina High School. Sam lived a full life. He served in the United States Coast Guard from 1952-1956, during which time he married Marjorie Schleucher on March 20, 1955. After his military service, he continued to serve his country as an Ohio State Highway Patrol Officer from 1957-1974. Sam helped protect various cities, such as Montpelier, Hamilton, Washington Court House, New Philadelphia and Defiance. He remained a hard worker as he transitioned to being a home building contractor from 1975-1990. He retired his career in service from 1990-June 2001 as the Defiance Municipal Court bailiff-probation officer.
Sam was a dedicated member to his community. He was a member of the Defiance Church of the Nazarene since 2002, serving as a trustee, an Adult Sunday School Teacher and Small Group leader. His favorite pastimes were traveling, especially in the Rocky Mountains. He also traveled abroad on three mission trips to South America. Sam enjoyed attending family sporting events, woodworking, genealogy, Bible study and reading in general. He also loved to spend time with his four sons and their wives.
Sam is survived by his four sons, Mark (Deb) Rhodes, Tim (Tami) Rhodes, Steve (Tami) Rhodes and Gregg Rhodes; sister, Sondra Jukes; seven grandchildren, Sarah, Bryce, Erin (Erik), Brady (Jesse), Brock (Rachel), Samantha (Luke) and Nick (Christina); five stepgrandchildren, Josh, Jeremy (Manow), Ryan, Jordan and Derek; 15 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Marjorie Schleucher; and three sisters, Evelyn Sealscott, Onalee Waldo and Jeanne Linn. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, from noon-1 p.m. at the Defiance Church of the Nazarene, 1656 Jefferson Ave., Defiance, Ohio. A funeral service honoring Sam's life will follow at 1 p.m. with Pastors Scott Williams and Terra Gorrell officiating.
Burial will take place at Sherwood Cemetery. Preferred memorials may be made to the Defiance Church of the Nazarene in honor of Sam. Donation envelopes will be available at the church. If you are planning on sending flowers, please arrange for delivery to the church, on Tuesday between 10 a.m.-noon.
For additional information and to view Sam's online obituary, please visit www.churchfuneralsdirect.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Samuel Rhodes
4 Entries
Todd Rosebrock
January 11, 2026
I had his wife for a teacher in grade school and shared the same graduating class of 1975 with his son Mark. I still remember when Mr Rhodes was a State Patrolman. One rainy night when I was 13 I was riding my mini bike on a side road and crossed Rt 18 illegally. Don´t you know the oncoming car was Mr Rhodes in his patrol car. He pulled me over, had me park the bike and instructed me to get in the backseat. My response was "I´m all muddy and your seat is gonna get messed up". Just as nice as could be he responded "that´s what soap and water is for" . He drove me home from there. I always respected him and all his family. The best memories stay with us. My sincere condolences to Mark and all the Rhodes family.
Amanda Decker
January 9, 2026
Sam was one of my favorite patients and I will miss him dearly. His smile would light up the room and I will miss that most about him.
Scott Seay
January 9, 2026
Kim and I are so very sorry for your loss, Steve and Tami. Our hearts go out to you both during this difficult time. We hope you find strength and comfort in the love that surrounds you and in the special memories you hold dear. Please know we are keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. With deepest sympathy to all of your family. Scott & Kim Seay
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