Duplain W. Rhodes III

1959 - 2021

Duplain W. Rhodes, III., (fondly known as "Pete") transitioned to his eternal heavenly rest early morning on Thursday, September 23, 2021, at the age of 61. He was at peace in his final moments beside his loving wife, Sherry Landix Rhodes. Pete, born on November 14, 1959, was the only son of the late Doris Millaud and Duplain W. Rhodes, Jr. He spent his formative years in the Chef Menteur and Lacombe family homes with his beloved older sisters, Sandra Rhodes Duncan, Duplynn Joan Rhodes, Stephanie Rhodes Navarre, Kathleen Rhodes Astorga, and the late Edith Gomes. Pete was extremely close to his family, his dear Mable, and childhood dog, Annabel. Pete made lifelong friends in the Rhodes Drive neighborhood with Dennis Walker, Jimmy Robert, Cyril Barthé, Ronald Woods, Don and John Scott, Eugene Bart, the late Corey Williams, Kenneth Walker, C.J. LaSassier, and Yancy Robert. Pete attended Martinez Kindergarten, Valena C. Jones Elementary School, and was a proud graduate of Saint Augustine High School (class of 1977). He later attended Louisiana State University (LSU), Morehouse College of Atlanta,Georgia and obtained his degree in Mortuary Science from Worsham College in Wheeling, Illinois (class of 1991). Pete forged lasting friendships with "Morehouse men" - Joe Lewis, Chuck Releford, David Boyd, Michael Moultrie, Mark Moultrie, Richard Harleaux, and Ernest Cherrie - until the end. Pete earned his Funeral Director and Embalmer's License from the Louisiana State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors in 1992, after completing an apprenticeship under his oldest sister, Sandra. At an early age, Pete worked in the Rhodes' family businesses and was a servant leader in the New Orleans community. His parents instilled the value of hard work and education. Pete traveled with his parents and siblings. He participated in a fact-finding trip to France for Louisiana Economic Development opportunities. Pete grew professionally as a funeral director, embalmer, and remarkable businessman. Pete accepted responsibilities at the New Orleans International Airport during the years of Airport Rhodes. He was the President of Duplain W. Rhodes Funeral Home, a director on all Rhodes corporation boards, and proudly served as funeral director to many grieving families. Pete was also the manager of Rhodes Limousine Service, Rhodes Care Center, and supervised upkeep of the 80-acre tree farm in Lacombe, LA. He was appointed to serve on the State of Louisiana Embalmers and Funeral Directors board where he served in multiple roles including Secretary, Treasurer, and most recently Vice President. In July 2021, he was extended for an additional four-year term. He served on the Louisiana Judiciary Commission (1997-2001). As an investor with the Jazzville Group, Pete was instrumental in successfully bringing the only land-based casino to New Orleans. He was a member and integral in reinvigorating the Crescent City Funeral Directors. Pete was a member of the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club and former member of Young Men Illinois Club. He was also active in the National Funeral Directors & Morticians Association (NFD&MA) and National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA). To balance his demanding life, Pete found peace among the bayous and large oaks of Lacombe. He enjoyed holidays with family there and loved traveling weekly to visit Lacombe with his son. Pete enjoyed exhilarating activities such as flying airplanes, deep sea scuba diving, water skiing, and snow skiing. He would often travel to Belize with close friends and family to scuba dive and snorkel in the coastal waters. He also spent time swimming, tossing a frisbee, shooting pool, boating, and fishing. A proud moment for him was purchasing his first boat, a 1982 Mitchell, with his sister, Joan. Along with his family, Pete created and hosted the infamous Rhodes boat parties held in Lacombe. Pete appreciated fine vehicles, including his most prized Camaro Rally Sport, pop-up headlight RX7, and a laundry list of other fun models. After a long day at work, he could be found spending time with family and friends on "the veranda" or enjoying time with his friends from Michelli's. Pete was the loving husband of Sherry Landix Rhodes and to this cherished union of 24 years was born their son, Duplain W. Rhodes, IV, and daughter, Alexis Erique Rhodes. From his first marriage to Irene Leon Grant (William) was born his eldest daughter, Amanda Duplynn Rhodes Segovia (Oscar). Pete was a loving and devoted grandfather, affectionately called "Pop-Pop," to Jacqueline Sofía Segovia and Matthieu Santiago Segovia. Pete loved his children and grandbabies very much. He was never more than a phone call away and often talked about their accomplishments with pride. He especially enjoyed vacationing with his family in Biloxi, Destin, Fort Walton beach, and skiing in Utah annually, as well as hurricane and birthday escapes to Memphis. Pete was a strong role model to his three godchildren, Ashea Duncan, Tiffany Barthé, and Jonathan Plustache. Pete lived by some classic principles: "Keep it Simple," "Facts over Tears," "Get it Done," "Let's solve it over lunch," "I've got this," "I'm going to see a man about a dog," "I'm going to the library," "Make good choices," "I'm not getting in the grass over this," Kill them with Kindness," "Sit in the Front Row." Pete was an adored uncle to many nieces and nephews: Lisa Ramsuer Fuller, Walter Manuel Gomes (Yvonne), Sabrina Brustie Duncan-Rose (Frank), Otis Barrington Duncan, Jr., Orrin Rhodes Duncan (Lurline), Omar Laneth Duncan (Gina), Ashea Lanette Duncan, Jasminne Monique Navarre, Gregory Hammond (Antoinette), Yonus Millaud Astorga, Jason Henry Astorga (Candace), Willie Jaimon Navarre (Ashley), Vernon Leroy Aych, Jr., DeSantos Joseph Manning, Jr., Nicholas Malik Manning, Trinity Faith Manning, and the late Kellie Erique Brown. Also survived by great nieces and nephews, other relatives, and many friends. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend a Viewing at Rhodes Pavilion, 3933 Washington Avenue, on Wednesday, October 6, 2021, from 7:00 am until 7:00 pm, with a tribute starting at 4:00 pm. Celebration of Life on Thursday, October 7, 2021, at 11:00 am at Beacon Light International Baptist Cathedral, 1937 Mirabeau Ave, New Orleans, LA 70122. Bishop Darryl Sylvester Brister, Officiating. Viewing will begin at 9:00 am until 10:30 am. Interment in Lakelawn Cemetery. Arrangements by D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Ave. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the guestbook. In Lieu of Flowers Please Make A Donation in the name of Duplain W. Rhodes, III to The Rhodes Community Art Collaborative 7411 Chef Mentuer Hwy New Orleans, LA 70126 or St. Augustine High School New Orleans, LA.