F Benson Rhoades, passed away on October 16, 2018 in Indianapolis. He was 92.
Services for Mr Rhoades will be October 22, 2018 at Knightstown United Methodist Church. Officiating will be his nephew Rev. Stephen Rhoades of L’Anse, MI. Visitation will take place at 10:30 with the service at 11:00. Burial will follow at Glen Cove Cemetery in Knightstown,IN.
He is survived by his brother Gerald Rhoades of New Castle, IN; daughter Marilyn Higgins (Mark) of Carmel, IN; his son David Rhoades (Claire) of Raleigh, NC; his daughter Janet Rhodes (Michael) of Fishers, IN; grandchildren John Higgins (Amy) of Greenfield, IN; Megan Werner (David) of Galesburg, MI; Ashley Rhoades and Gabrielle Rhoades of Washington, DC; Caroline Rhoades of Gainsville, FL and Ben Rhodes and Sara Rhodes of Fishers, IN and three great-grandsons. He is preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Mabel (Betty) Rhoades; daughter Jane Ellen Rhoades and brother Rev. Ronald Rhoades.
Mr Rhoades was born on January 8, 1926 in Liscomb, Iowa to Orval and Verna Rhoades. After graduating valedictorian from Lewisville High School in Indiana, he entered the US Navy, serving in the Pacific Fleet during WW II as a radio operator. After his discharge, he graduated from Earlham College, lettering in baseball, basketball and football. He received his Masters in Education from Ball State University. On August 20, 1955 he married the former Mable Foxworthy of Knightstown.
Mr Rhoades was a teacher and coach at Fairview High and Whitewater High Schools. He served as principal at Webster and Williamsburg High Schools. In 1963, he moved to Michigan City where he taught at Central Elementary and then was a counselor at Elston Jr High, Elston Sr High and Rogers High Schools.
Mr Rhoades was active in the First United Methodist Church in Michigan City, as well as the Kiwanas and Lions Clubs. He was dedicated to donating blood to the Red Cross and was a member of the 8 gallon club. He loved coaching and watching sports but his favorite activity was fishing in Lake Michigan.
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