Francis Frank "Dusty" Rhodes

RHODES Francis Frank ""Dusty'' Rhodes on Tuesday, September 13, 2005, at 11:00 p.m., the key went silent for W5OUD. Dusty, 87 years of age, passed away in Donaldsonville, LA surrounded by family. A longtime resident of New Orleans, Frank was a lifetime member of the Westside Amateur Radio Club, the American Radio Relay League, and the Telephone Pioneers of America. A veteran of World War II, serving in the Pacific Theatre, Dusty and his unit received a special citation for being instrumental in the victory in the Battle of the Coral Sea. After the war, he worked for Bell Telephone in the New Orleans area for 35 years. As a founding member of St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church in Algiers, he served as head usher with much dedication. Mr. Rhodes was preceded in death by his loving wife, Irene Neil Rhodes. He is survived by a daughter, Dr. Susan Rhodes Hemelt Bellina; son-in-law, Dr. James Bellina; grandchildren, Dr. Brent Hemelt, Dr. Cheri Clark Hemelt, Scott, Robin and Tracey Bellina; and great-grandchildren, Andrew, Emily and Taylor Hemelt. Funeral Service was held at Ourso Funeral Home in Donaldsonville on September 16, followed by interment at Westlawn Cemetery, Gretna, LA. A Memorial Service will be held at St. Andrew Catholic Church, Algiers, LA on Saturday, October 29, at 11:00 a.m.