Robert Rhoads

Robert Rhoads

September 22, 1935 - November 28, 2023

Bellefonte, Pennsylvania - Robert L Rhoads Jr, 88 of Bellefonte, went to be with his Lord on Tuesday November 28, 2023, at Mount Nittany Medical Center.

Born on September 22, 1935, in Pleasant Gap, Pa. He was a son of the late Robert L Rhoads Sr. and Geraldine (Biddle) Rhoads.

He was truly a man of his community, giving back through countless organizations.

In 1943 he started his scouting career as a Cub scout with Pack 20 in Centre Hall. He became a member of the Order of the Arrow in 1946. He served on Seven Mountains Camp staff from 1949-1951. He achieved the honor of Eagle Scout in 1952. He was a member of Seven Mountains Camp Site Alumni Association, a Silver Beaver Recipient and was presented the Founders Award.

He graduated from Penns Valley High School in 1952. In June of 1953 he began his studies at Penn Tech in Williamsport, before enlisting in the US Air Force in October of 1953. He returned to his studies at Penn Tech after he returned from his Air Force duties in 1957. He was employed as a tool and die maker at Cerro Metal Products from 1959 until his retirement in 2000.

He proudly served his country with the Air Force until 1961, when he transferred to the Air National Guard. In 1976 he joined the 318 Maintenance Battalion until his retirement in 1993.

After his retirement from the Army reserves, Robert became active in the Milesburg American Legion Post 893, where he served as Commander from 2010-2012. He was also a member of the Bellefonte VFW.

Robert was very involved in the 4-H and equine community. He was the board president of the Centre County cooperative extension office from 2007 -2009. He also served as a ring steward at the State 4-H horse show from 1977-2015. He was a member of the PA Quarter Horse Association where he was also a ring steward. He was a judge at the equine show for the Special Olympics for several years.

Robert is survived by his loving wife of 64 years Nancy (Butler) Rhoads; daughter Lori Hogan of Bellefonte; son, Joseph Rhoads (Karen) of Pine Grove Mills; Nine grandchildren: Adam Zimmerman, Nathan Rhoads (Kimmie), Joshua Rhoads, Jonathan Rhoads, Daniel Rhoads, Timothy Rhoads, Rachel, Rhoads, Elizabeth Rhoads and Stephen Rhoads; as well as four great grandchildren: Karl Zimmerman, Robert Zimmerman, Aiden Zimmerman and Mikaele Zimmerman. Along with his brothers; William Rhoads of Lancaster and Richard (Barbara) Rhoads of Annapolis, MD. And several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by his sister, Shirley Luse.

Family and friends will be received from 11am-1pm on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, at the Bald Eagle Valley UMC, 111 Runville Rd, Bellefonte, PA 16823. A funeral service will immediately follow with the Pastor Eugene McCallips officiating. Interment will take place a Schenck's Cemetery with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Juniata Valley Council- Memo- For Seven Mountains Scout Camp or the Bald Eagle Valley Community Methodist Church.