William Keith Rhodes

William Keith, “Bill” Rhodes, 82, of Oskaloosa passed away Memorial Day Monday, May 27, 2013. Bill was born in Marion, Kansas but moved to Jefferson County when he was 9 years and resided there until his death. He graduated from Oskaloosa High School in in 1948. He was married to Beverly Ruth Edmonds in Oskaloosa , KS., on August 11, 1956 until her death on June 10, 2001. He owned and operated a dairy farm in rural McLouth for many years and later partnered with his son Chris. Bill retired from farming in 1999 but continued to be involved in the operation until his death.
Bill was very active in his community. He served as county commissioner from 1989 until 1998 and on the board of directors for the Federal Land Bank Association. Additionally he sat on the Soil Conservation, Mid America Dairy Association, Leavenworth -Jefferson Electric Cooperative, and the Jefferson County Historical Society boards. Bill was personally involved in several community projects over the years. He was a life-long member of the Oskaloosa United Methodist Church where he sang in the chancel choir for 68 years. Bill led a life with strong Christian faith and had a love for his community, his family and the outdoors. Bill married Joyce Papenhausen-Peek in 2003, She Survives of the home. Bill is also survived by two children, his son, Chris and wife Alma Rhodes of McLouth, and his Daughter, Leah and husband Tim Crull, of Roscoe, ILL., and four grandchildren. Bill is also survived by three step-daughters, Tricia and her Husband Kent King, Oskaloosa, Susan and husband C.J. Schrick of Johns Creek, GA., and Vicki and her husband Joe McAfee of Winchester, KS., as well as eight step grandchildren and two step great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife Beverly Rhodes , His Parents, Milton Jacob and Wilmina Hoffer Rhodes., three brothers, Warren, Don and Kent, and a sister Marjorie.
Services will be 10:30 AM, Monday June 3, at the Oskaloosa United Methodist Church in Oskaloosa. Cremation will follow services. A visitation will be Sunday evening 6:00 to 8:30PM also at the church. Memorials may be made to the Oskaloosa United Methodist Church Scholarship Fund, or the Jefferson County Historical Society, or to the Jefferson County Friends of Hospice in care of the Barnett Family Funeral Home PO Box 602 Oskaloosa, KS 66066. Online condolences may be made at www. barnettfamilyfh.com Please sign this guestbook at Obituaries. LJWorld.com.