Thomas Darrell Rhodes August 18, 1979 – January 26, 2010
Thomas Darrell Rhodes was born August 18, 1979 at Linden, Texas, the son of Susan and Mark Watson and Ricky and Jewell Rhodes. Thomas graduated from Hughes Spring, Texas high school in 1997. He enjoyed music and was active in the band and choir and enjoyed stirring up the chorus teacher. Thomas married April Lacsey and MaCaylee was born to them. They later divorced. Thomas married Shelly Young on October 3, 2009 and together they raised Michele.
After high school Thomas started working in the oil fields but would later switch to truck driving. He drove for Mueller & Sons Trucking in Atlantic, Iowa. Michele treasures the memories of taking some trips with her daddy in the truck. Thomas left the trucking to be at home and had worked for Longfellow Drilling in Clearfield. In his spare time, he liked to work on his pickup and loved playing with his kids. Thomas was a true gentleman with respect for people around him and would help anyone at anytime. Thomas passed away at his home north of Diagonal on January 26, 2010.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Thomas Dudley, and maternal grandmother Rhodes.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Shelly Rhodes of Diagonal, Iowa; his children, Michele Rhodes at home at Diagonal, Iowa, MaCaylee Rhodes of Longview, Texas, Jacob Garrett of Texas and Anna Marie Rhodes of Linden, Texas; his mother and stepfather, Susan and Mark Watson of Hughes Springs, Texas; father and stepmother, Ricky and Jewell Rhodes of Center, Texas; brothers, Ben Watson of Tyler, Texas and Ricky Lynn Rhodes of Center, Texas; maternal grandmother, Mae Dawn Dudley of Hughes Springs, Texas; paternal grandfather, Darrell Rhodes of Center, Texas; father and mother-in-law, Scott and Kathy Young and brother-in-law, Terry Young, all of Diagonal, Iowa, and other relatives and friends.
A memorial fund has been established in his name to be decided later. Watson-Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr was in charge of the arrangements.
Services were held at the United Church of Diagonal in Diagonal on Saturday, January 30, 2010, with Rev. Bruce Giese and Rev. Eydie Stephens officiating. Musician was Judy Newton.
Memorials may be made in his name to be decided later.
