Obituary & Life History
Merle “Jeff” Rhodes, age 64 of Zanesville, died Sunday June 27, 2010 at Grant Medical Center in Columbus. He shared the gift of life through organ and...
Merle “Jeff” Rhodes, age 64 of Zanesville, died Sunday June 27, 2010 at Grant Medical Center in Columbus. He shared the gift of life through organ and tissue donation.
He was born December 18, 1945 in Massillon. He is survived by his wife, Melinda J. (Mallory) Rhodes of Zanesville
Jeff received his Bachelors of Arts degree from the University of Miami in Florida and his degree of Masters of Arts in Psychology from The Cleveland State University. He recently retired as a licensed clinical counselor in mental health with over 30 years of service, and had also retired as a Lieutenant Colonel with the U.S. Army Reserve where he worked in special operations in which he found the work rewarding. He was an avid gardener and loved his Ferraros, having owned over 3 in his lifetime. Jeff had a special compassion and interest in animals. Neighbors and utility repair crew alike will recall his venture into turkey farming. He was truly a kind man who would help anyone.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his parents, L.W. Rhodes and Mary (Loomis) Rhodes of Massillon; son, Jeffrey (Amy) Rhodes; grandchildren: Cassandra and Sidney Rhodes all of Massillon; step-sons: Peter (Erinn) Nyikes of Dublin and Patrick Nyikes of Cincinnati; brother, Timothy “Ted” (Jan) Rhodes of Massillon; sister, Elaine (Chester) Larson of Wooster, and a nephew, Jason Larson of Wooster.
The family will receive friends from 5 – 7 pm Monday July 5, 2010 to celebrate the life of Jeff at the Bryan & Snider Funeral Home, 2318 Maple Ave., Zanesville.
Memorial contributions may be given to the Ohio Military Museum, 316 Lincoln Way East Massillon, OH 44646.
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