Richard Rhodes

Richard Garland Rhodes, 91, of Fort Smith, entered eternal life on April 25, 2025.

Richard was born in Pampa, Texas to Opal and Garland Rhodes on January 21, 1934. After graduating from high school in Allen, Oklahoma, Richard worked for the Rock Island Rail Road in Howe. At the boarding house where he lived, he met the love of his life, Sarah Jeanne Savage, who was a teacher at Howe High School. They married in 1954.

Richard, a proud veteran of the United States Army, served in the 45th Infantry of the Oklahoma National Guard. He then trained to be a radio operator at Fort Carson, Colorado before being assigned to active duty at the United States Army base in Garmisch-Partenkirchen Germany, at the beginning of the Cold War. He attained the rank of E5 Sergeant and was very strack. Mom and Dad’s time in Germany were some of the best years of their lives and they fondly spoke of them often. One of Richard’s prized possessions was the “Quilt of Valor” which was made by the River Valley Stars to acknowledge and honor his military service. This quilt will drape his casket during his memorial service.

After returning from his service, Richard worked for Sunray DX Oil Company in Fort Smith for 11 years until his health required him to change his line of work. Now in his mid-30s and after taking night classes at Westark (UAFS), Richard attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. This required two to three weekly round trips for nearly 2 years up and down the old 71 highway to Fayetteville. After graduation, Richard began teaching 6th grade in his new career at Raymond F. Orr Elementary School. A natural teacher, Richard was beloved and respected for his real-world, down-to-earth instruction, finding ways to make the material “click” for each student. He was also known as the Raymond F. Orr Drill Sergeant and instilled discipline, dedication and purpose to all students. Even after he retired in the early 1990s, many of his former students dropped by his home to let him know how much he had shaped their lives for the better, which meant the world to him. Richard was also very generous and would help anyone in need.

Dad was known for his 1972 orange and white Chevy Custom 10 Deluxe pickup truck and was directly supervising work on the truck the week prior to his passing. He was also known for his sense of humor, and his affection for his puppy dogs through the years, especially his boxer General Patton.

Richard, Sam and Tim were avid fishermen. Fishing out of his 14-foot flat bottom boat towed to the fishing hole by the 1972 Chevy truck, the fish would tremble at our arrival. Richard caught two 6-pound bass at Siegenthalers Pond in one morning on his favorite plug the Lucky 13. Richard and the boys fished Darby Lake, Vasse Grass off the River and every pond in the County. Dad would often say, “I doubt there are any fish left in that creek” as we were leaving.

Beth particularly cherishes the time she spent with her dad running around town in his old green pickup truck when she was little. They would sing to the radio, talk and tell jokes. They were good buddies. He was very proud of her musical talent and encouraged her to pursue her music.

Richard loved his children fiercely and never missed an opportunity to tell them how proud he was of them. He also never missed the chance to brag to anyone who would listen about having the three greatest kids in the world. We, the kids, apologize to everyone who had to get constant updates about us. But we also suspect that we will greatly miss having our dad in our corner. We find solace in the fact that Richard is now reunited with our dear mother Sarah after having been parted from her for the last five years.

Richard’s family thanks, with deepest gratitude, the doctors, nurses, and technicians at Heart of Hospice and Mercy Medical Center, Dr. Syed, Dr. Annamalai and the staff of the VA, Dr. Mehl, Dr. Terrell, Dr. Hawthorne, Dr. Norwood in the Mercy ER and Richard’s daughter-in-law, Dr. Nadine Alex. We also are grateful for Richard’s loving caregivers through the years: Madison, Trisha, Sue, Angela, Trista, Kathy, Suk, and Thor. Thanks also goes to Allyn Donaubauer from Raymond James for his advice and sincere friendship. We greatly appreciate Deborah Yeager Clark who was an incomparable friend to Richard and Sarah. Thanks to Richard’s niece Stepanie and husband Doug Grimm for helping out with Dad through the years. It really took a Village! Richard enjoyed his life at home during final years with his 60-inch TV and his new fancy lift chair. He loved watching the Dallas Cowboys, OSU and all Razorback games. He was an avid viewer of the Lawarence Welk show on Saturday evenings with the TV volume and hearing aids all the way up. Just ask anyone who was there. He never missed a show over the last 60 years, often directing the big band music along with Lawerence.

Richard is survived by his son Sam (wife Alice, children Stephanie Grimm, Melissa Rhodes Carter and Samuel, and grandchildren Elsa, Gemma and Leo Carter) son Tim (wife Nadine and children Kaitlin and Haley Rhodes) and daughter Beth (partner Kevin Bowen.) Richard is predeceased by his beloved wife of 65 years, Sarah, their infant son Kelly, his brother J.L. Rhodes and sister Nancy Branstetter.

Visitation will be held at 11:00 am, on Thursday, May 1st at Edwards Funeral Home, with services in the Edwards chapel at noon. Interment with military honors will immediately follow at the National Cemetery in Fort Smith.

Memorials may be made to the Salvation Army and Cat House Palooza Rescue, Inc., 4121 South 35th Street, Fort Smith, AR 72903.

Online condolences may be sent to, www.edwardsfuneralhome.com.