Robert Rhodes

Robert Clark Rhodes age 93 died April 21, 2011 at Twin Rivers Health and Rehabilitation Center in Arkadelphia. He was the son of Lou Clark and Robert Clinton Rhodes who married in 1908. Mr. Rhodes graduated from Emory University in Atlanta, GA in 1935. Shortly after graduation, Mr. Rhodes moved to Clark County, settling in Arkadelphia in the late 1930s. Mr. Rhodes served his country during WWII attaining the rank of Captain while a member of the Quartermaster Corps of the Army.

Mr. Rhodes was a civic leader in the Arkadelphia community, serving as President of the Arkadelphia Rotary Club, President of the Chamber of Commerce, member of the Board of Trustees of the Ross Foundation and as a member of the Board of Directors of the Arkansas Forestry Association. Bob was perhaps best known for his work as a volunteer with the Boy Scouts, serving on the Advisory Board for the Ouachita Area Boy Scout Council and his generosity in helping establish the Ross-Rhodes Boy Scout Camp. Mr. Rhodes had a special attachment to the Boy Scouts and had marched in the inauguration parade of F. D. R. with a group of Scouts. Bob was preceded in death by wives, Louise Wilson Rhodes and Mary Ann Finger Rhodes.

Survivors include his wife Barbara, a daughter, Carolyn Laser and her husband Alvin of Arkadelphia, two step sons, Hunter Battle and his wife Cathy of Kingwood, TX, and Dean Battle and his wife Danielle of Dallas, TX, two step daughters, Helene Stone of Arkadelphia and Yvonne Wright and her husband John of Greenville, SC, 2 grandchildren, 11 step grandchildren and 5 step great grandchildren.

Visitation will be 6-8 PM Sunday, April 24 at Ruggles-Wilcox Funeral Home in Arkadelphia. Funeral services will be 1 PM Monday, April 25 in the First United Methodist Church of Arkadelphia and burial in Rose Hill Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 107 N. 9th St., Arkadelphia, AR 71923 or the Ouachita Area Boy Scouts Council, 102 Chippewa, Hot Springs, AR 71901.