Robert William RHOADS

RHOADS, Robert William
Passed away October 21, 2010 in Sacramento, CA. Robert was born June 24, 1924 in Elk Creek, Nebraska to Charlotte King Rhoads and Hubert Young Rhoads. Robert was a WWII Air Force veteran, flying B-17s over Europe; following the war being stationed at Johnson Island, Hawaii, Washington and his favorite tour, Fairbanks Alaska from 1951 through 1956. Robert retired from Mather Air Force Base after 21 years of service and began employment with McDonald Douglas in Sacramento as a test engineer on engines for the first space flight. His final employment and one he enjoyed was at Sacramento Community College for 14 years as an Aero-Nautics instructor. During his retirement he continued to build Monocoupe aircraft and at one point built and experimental airplane. Preceding him in death were his parents Hubert and Charlotte, brother Eldon and sister Marilyn Rhoads. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Peggy Lou Martin Rhoads, Fair Oaks, CA; daughter Susan Grace Rhoads, Elk Grove, CA, daughter Kathleen Mary Alves and husband Tony of Alturas CA, son Robert James Rhoads of Fair Oaks, CA; grandson Jason E. Utt and wife Deana of Elko NV; great-granddaughters Jasmine and Addison Utt, grandson Timothy James Utt and wife Anna, great-granddaughter Emma West of Janesville, CA. A celebration of life is planned in the spring of 2011. Please contact the following address if you would like to be notified of the event. We would enjoy you sharing your memories and the afternoon with us. Info: Kathie Alves, P.O. Box 662, Alturas, CA 96101.