David Rhodes

David Arthur Rhodes, 76, of Thomas, WV departed this life on April 26, 2021, at Mon General Hospital in Morgantown, WV. He was in usual health and death was unexpected. Born on December 15, 1944, in Elkins, WV, he was a son of the late Arthur and Jessie Ketterman Rhodes.

David served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He was a member of the 196th Light Infantry as an E3 and served his country for many years. Traveling the world, he earned many medals including: Expert Rifle M14, Army Commendation Medal with Valor, National Defense Service Medal, Combat Infantry Man Badge, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Vietnam Service Medal. He worked as a deckhand on the drilling rigs, a security officer for the Mt. Top Hunting Club, and as a coal miner. He was a member of the Mt. Top Hunting Club, Beechwood Club, American Legion, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and the VFW. He was an avid hunter and fisherman who loved the outdoors. He enjoyed traveling around the world to different countries. David took pride in caring for his home, especially his garden and flowers. He enjoyed reading, watching sports and listening to music. David was very well known by his community and was a very loved man by many, especially his family, with whom he loved spending time. David was 76 years young, full of wit, humor and wisdom as well as a native of Thomas, WV.

David is survived by his wife, Beatrice "Bea" Rhodes and her five children, Karen Sue and Robert Lantz, Grafton, WV, Mary Lou and Skip Niemenski, Hambleton, WV, Timothy and Latisha Poe, Parsons, WV, Chrissy Poe and Robert Coffman, Hambleton, WV, and Robert and Jessica Poe, Hambleton, WV; 16 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Dan and Shirley Rhodes, Davis, WV, and Joe and Linda Rhodes, Thomas, WV; one sister, Linda and Bob O'Kernick, Elkins, WV; along with a host of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, David Arthur Rhodes, Jr. and two brothers, Steve Rhodes and James Rhodes.

Friends will be received Saturday, May 1, from 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm at Hinkle-Fenner Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home, Sunday, May 2, at 2:00 pm with Rev. Ivan Ackerman officiating. Interment will follow in the Maplewood Cemetery, Elkins, WV with military honors accorded. The Hinkle-Fenner Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Rhodes family. Due to COVID restrictions, masks and social distancing are required.