Ray Rhoads

Ray Arlen Rhoads, 77, of Pleasant Hill, was born January 14, 1934, in Clinton, Missouri the son of Howard "Buck" and Lovell Marie (Todd) Rhoads. He passed away peacefully surrounded by love and family at 2:17 a.m. on Thursday, June 23, 2011, at the Court of Overland Park.

Ray grew up in Clinton, where he graduated high school. Following high school he joined the U.S. Army and proudly served two years in the Korean Conflict. After his time in the service he went to work for the Missouri Public Service in Pleasant Hill. While eating lunch one day at his favorite diner in Pleasant Hill he met the lifetime sweetheart Elma Jean "Snooks" Clements, they were married February 22, 1955.

He was an avid golfer and spent his many hours of his retirement on the golf course and traveling back and forth between his homes here in Pleasant Hill and Winterhaven, Florida. He was diagnosed with Alzheimer's seven years ago and due to declining health became home-bound the last two years.

Ray was a meticulous person who believed in following rules and etiquette in life and golf. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather who instilled lifelong qualities in his children and grandchildren and loved his wife without end.

Ray was a lifetime member of the of the Pleasant Hill VFW Post #3118 and a former member of the Jewell Lodge #480 A.F. & A.M. of Pleasant Hill.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother James Lyle Rhoads.

He is survived by his loving and steadfast wife Jean of the home; five children Sauna (and Jon) Grider of Raytown, Taylor (and Jennifer) Rhoads of Lee's Summit, Viola and (Keven "Butch") Fleener of Orlando, Florida; Darren (and Sonya) Rhoads of Independence, and Susan (and Rick) Supulver of Pleasant Hill; Grandchildren, Blaine & Mollie Grider, Dustin & Holly Rhoads, Jeana Marie (Rhoads) & Michael Fleener, Jonnie James, Ronnie Smith, Daryn Lyn & Vanci Steinbrook, and Regie Ray Rhoads-Supulver; great grandchildren, Ace Doutt, Ryley, Gabe and Gracie Long, and Keena Porchia; two brothers Harold (and Dusty) Rhoads of Blue Springs, and Robert Lee Rhoads of Clinton; one sister Pamela Sue Rhoads-Mitchell of Clinton; many nieces and nephews; other family and a host of friends.

Cremation has been accorded.

The family held a celebration of life service on Thursday, July 21, 2011 at the Pleasant Hill VFW Post #3118.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Compassionate Care Hospice Foundation, 10000 W. 75th St., Suite 231, Shawnee Mission, Kansas, 66204