A. Keith Rhoades, 94, of Martinsville, went to his eternal retirement and joyful reunion with family and friends of yesterday on Friday, July 16, 2021 at Franciscan Hospice House in Indianapolis.
Keith was born September 26, 1926 in Morgantown to his parents the late Arthur C. and Emma Grace (Allender) Rhoades. He was a 1943 graduate of Speedway High School, obtained his Bachelor’s degree in 1950 from Wittenberg University and earned his Master’s Degree in Education from Indiana University in 1961. He taught and coached at Morgantown High School (1950-1954) and Bloomington High School (1954-1964). He then held various administrative positions with Beech Grove Schools from 1964 until retirement in 1988, completing a 38-year career in education.
Keith was a World War II Veteran, serving as a Technician Fifth Grade with the United States Army from January 1945 through July 1946. He was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity and Past President of the Beech Grove Kiwanis Club. He was a member of the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Martinsville and an associate member of the Marco Lutheran Church in Florida, where he and his wife Donna wintered since 1988 and made many beautiful and lasting friendships.
Keith married Donna Lee Smith on October 4, 1957 in Bloomington and together they raised two children Rhonda and Gregory. Donna lovingly survives after 63 devoted years of marriage.
Survivors include his wife, Donna; children, Gregory (Dilek) Rhoades of Ashburn, Virginia and Rhonda (Jeff) Townsend of Indianapolis; grandchildren: Andrea, Bryan (Brittany), Caroline and Samuel Townsend, Ayse and Daniel Rhoades; great grandchildren, Emery and August Townsend; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Dwight and Lueallin Pate; sister-in-law, Barbara Smith; cousin, Wanda Abbett; several loving nieces and nephews; and scores of students and ballplayers.
Pastor Nathan Janssen will conduct a Christian Celebration of Life Service on Saturday, July 24th at 11 a.m. at the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 3496 E. Morgan Street in Martinsville. Following the service, all are encouraged to stay for a fellowship luncheon. At Keith’s request, there will be no visitation prior to the service. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Meredith-Clark Funeral Home Cremation & Personalization Center in Morgantown.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent in honor of Keith to the Franciscan Hospice House, 8414 Franciscan Lane, Indianapolis, IN 47232 or the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 3496 E. Morgan St. Martinsville, IN 46151.
Expressions of caring and kindness may be made to the Rhoades family at www.meredith-clark.com.
