John R. Rhoades

1938 - 2021

John R. Rhoades

Muncie - John R. Rhoades, 82, went to be with the Lord Monday, March 1, 2021. John was born on April 4, 1938 in Muncie, IN, the son of John Solomon and Audrey Bessie (Stafford) Weaver.

John graduated from Muncie Central High School in 1957. He joined the United States Army, where he served as a Staff Sergeant for the Military Police in the Army Reserve for six years. He continued his education at the IU Law Enforcement Academy and served on both the Muncie and Yorktown Police Departments. John later retired from Borg Warner after 32 years.

John and Elaine (Hardy) were married in Augusta, GA on July 28,1961. He adored his wife for 62 years. He was the strong / tough guy with the kindest heart and unconditional love for his family. He was the patient voice of reason and lived a selfless life with integrity. John was a loving and caring father, grandfather, and friend. His favorite retirement hobby was encouraging his grandchildren to follow their dreams and being their number one fan. He also enjoyed weight lifting, and he was a regular for most of his life at the YMCA, where he could be found working out with the "young guys." He was also a 32nd Degree Mason and attended Center Chapel United Methodist Church.

John leaves behind his wife, Elaine (Hardy) Rhoades of Muncie, IN; sons, Jack Kevin, and Tim R. Rhoades (wife Heather); daughter, Leslie Van Cleave (husband Doug); brother Larry Rhoads (wife Patty); grandchildren, Ryan Rhoades, Amanda Phillips, Brooke Phillips (husband Schuyler), Wesley Van Cleave, Megan Cabral (husband Jose), Shelby Klase (husband Tyler), and Tyler Rhoades; fourteen great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John Solomon and Audrey Bessie (Stafford) Weaver; twin brother, Jack Ray Rhoades; and sister, Joyce Carmin Bradbury.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 5, 2021 from 12:00 to 2:00 PM in Garden View Funeral Home, 10501 North State Road 3, Muncie with funeral services immediately following at 2:00 PM, also in the Funeral Home, officiated by Reverend Damon Soper and with Military Honors. Burial will follow in Gardens of Memory Cemetery, Muncie. Memorial donations may be made to Riley Hospital for Children or Peyton Manning Children's Hospital. Visit https://www.rileychildrens.org/ or http://www.peytonmanningch.org/ for more information. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.gardenviewandgardensofmemory.com.