Russell Lionel "Bo" Rhodes Sr.

Russell "Bo" Lionel Rhodes Sr., 82, of Lantana, Texas, passed away peacefully at home on October 13, 2025. He was born on February 7, 1943, in Van Nuys, California. At 17, he enlisted in the United States Army. This marked the beginning of a life filled with service and dedication.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Verna; and his two children: his daughter, Terri Wages (and husband Tim), and her sons Joseph (and wife Claire), Jeremy (and wife Kendal), and Brance (and wife Jodi); his son, Russell Rhodes, (and his wife Mandy), and their sons Austin (and wife Sheridan), Mitchell (and fiancée Madison), and Cooper. Bo was blessed with many great-grandchildren: Zachary, Kaleigh, Elijah, Alyse, Colin, Kaitlyn, Rivers, Evangeline, Nathan, Cadence, Ariel, Elliette, Savannah, Garrett, Harrison, Bowen, Felicity, and great-great grandchildren Ashton, Bellamy and Ellis. Bo is also survived by his younger sister, Judy, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Loretta; his sister, Sheri; his son-in-law, Tim Wages; and his great-great grandson, Ashton.

Bo married his life-long love, Verna Lee Rhodes, on January 16th, 1961. Together, they shared a devoted partnership. He was a dedicated family man where his love and guidance have shaped generations.

Bo had a passion for bass fishing and was an avid member of the North Texas Bass Club for over 20 years, winning many fishing tournaments and making lifelong friends along the way.

After his military service, Bo worked with Verna's father in construction for several years in Oklahoma and Texas before joining the Wichita, Kansas Fire Department. He later joined the Carrollton Fire Department after moving down to Texas. He served the community with distinction and honor, earning the title of Firefighter of the Year of 1998 during his tenure. After a long and rewarding career of 23 years, Bo retired from the fire department, having made a lasting impact on those he served alongside and the citizens he protected.

While still serving as a firefighter, Bo discovered a passion for building homes. He established Bo Rhodes Custom Homes, and built many quality homes throughout the DFW Metroplex. Upon retiring from homebuilding, Bo joined the family real estate business, The Rhodes Team, where he continued to help countless families.

Bo was known for his dependability and willingness to help others without a second thought. He could fix anything and was always everyone's go-to guy to get something mended. His unwavering work ethic, commitment to always doing things "the right way" and his generosity, and commitment to his family and community will always be remembered. His legacy lives on in the homes he built, the lives he touched, and the love he shared with Verna and their family. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.