JACK A. RHOADES Sr.

JACK A. RHOADES SR., 80, of New Haven, died on Monday, Nov. 26, 2012, at home. Born Aug. 30, 1932, in Fort Wayne, he was a 1950 graduate of Central High School. He joined the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict, serving on the U.S.S. Bannock. After returning to Fort Wayne, he worked as a truck driver for 30 years. In 1957, he moved his family to New Haven. He was a member of Plymouth Congregational Church of Fort Wayne; American Legion Post 330; and. V.F.W. Post 2457; and was a volunteer at the Fort Wayne Veterans Hospital. In 1988, he moved to New Orleans, La. where he became a charter member and doceñt at the National D-Day Museum; was a member of Munholland Church; and City Park Tennis Club. He returned to New Haven in 2008. "His children and grandchildren were the light of his life." Surviving are his wife, Jeanie (Kauffman) Rhoades; son, Jack Rhoades Jr. (Rita); daughters, Stephanie (Rick deceased) Oberley, Carolyn Lawson, Janice (Mark) Becraft, Kathy (Joe) Saalfrank, and Gail Gerber, all of New Haven, and Laura King of Georgia. He was the proud grandfather of 14 grandchildren; one great-grandchild and another to be born in December; nephew, Michael Rhoades of Fort Wayne and several cousins; stepchildren, Daniel Kauffinan, Kara Twachtman and Kristen Volz; and six step-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Gladys (Moore) Rhoades; and brother, Howard Eugene Rhoades. A Celebration of Life service is 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012, at Plymouth Congregational Church, 501 W. Berry St., Fort Wayne, with calling one hour prior. The Rev. Ruth E. Phillips and The Rev. John P. Gardner officiating. A luncheon reception will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, preferred memorial to Plymouth Congregational Church or St. Mary's Soup Kitchen.