Robert Rhead

1937 - 2021

Robert Rhead
Robert J. Rhead, Jr., born January 1, 1937, in Detroit, Michigan, whose parents were Robert J. and Lucille (Meyers) Rhead, died peacefully on Wednesday, August 4, 2021 at his home in Midland, Michigan. He is survived by his loving wife Marjorie Diana Rhead (Zavatsky), of 62 years, Along with seven children: Deborah Ann Rankl, Matthew Robert Rhead, Theresa Marie Rathsack (Colonel Matthew), Christine Lucille Thompson (Gary), Gregory Andrew Rhead (Hana), Robert Joseph Rhead, III, (Allysa Roberts) and Paul Timothy Rhead. He is also survived by thirteen grandchildren: Sarah Marie Wagner (Luke), Heather Leigh Smith (Tyler), Jessica Lynn Kindle (Jason), Zachary Thomas Rathsack, Maria Katherine Rathsack (Alex French), Elaina Marie Riley (Ryan), Kambrie Lillian Rhead, Angella Marie Rathsack, Caitlin Diana Rhead, Michael Joseph Rhead, Wilson Aidan Rhead, Madison Marie Rhead, and Grace Mae Rhead. Robert and Marjorie have eight great grandchildren: Aiden Deville Harper, Lyana Ariel Harper, Josiah Jeremiah Harper, Liam Lawrence Gauthier, Karley Annaliese Riley, Leigha Jane Smith, Oden Matthew Gauthier, Dwaine Robert Smith.
Robert had an extensive education: Bachelor of Arts-Chemistry/Philosophy from the University of Detroit in 1962, Juris Doctorate Degree from the University of Detroit Law School in 1966, John Marshall Law School in Chicago, Illinois in Patent, Trademark and Copyright Infringement.
Robert started his prominent career as a Research Chemist for Wyandotte Chemical in Wyandotte, MI from 1960 to 1965, Burroughs from 1958 to 1960. Worked as a Patent Attorney for American Can 1965 to 1967. Was hired with the Dow Corning Corporation as a Patent Attorney from 1967 to 1969, at which time he and his family moved to Midland, MI. Robert then was employed as Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for Midland County from 1969 to 1976. Robert's love of the law led him into private practice at first with Durance, Sheldon & Rhead with offices in Downton Midland. He continued to practice law as a sole practitioner until the time of retirement. Robert shared his legal expertise by instructing at Delta College in Criminal Law, Central Michigan University in Business and Corporate Law, and Mid-Michigan Community College in Criminal Law.
He has practiced law in all Courts of the State of Michigan including United States District Court (Eastern and Western), Sixth Circuit United States Court of Appeals, United States Patent and Trademark Office, National Labor Relations Board and the State Bar of Michigan: Criminal Section, Workmen's Compensation Section, Negligence Section, Patent Trademark and Copyright Section and the Family Law Section. Robert had the privilege of presenting a case before the United States Supreme Court.
Robert demonstrated his dedication to his family and community. He was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church with service on PTA and Administrative Commission, member of the Knights of Columbus Council 2141, acting member and Legal Officer for the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, Troop Committee Chairman of the Boy Scout Troop 798, and Merit Badge Counselor. He loved being a member of the Midland Amateur Hockey Association as coach, referee and player. Robert loved traveling to other countries with his wife, Marjorie and/or his son Matthew. He loved boating, spending lots of time on Lake Huron in his 30-foot SeaRay.
Robert's passion from his childhood times was building, collecting and running his O-Guage Lionel Model Trains. He will be truly missed by his family.
The Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, August 9, 2021 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 3109 Swede Ave. Father Rob Howe will officiate with burial to follow in New Calvary Cemetery. Friends may call at Ware Smith Woolever Funeral Home, 1200 W. Wheeler St., on Sunday from 4-8 p.m. and at the church on Monday from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the Liturgy.