Wilfred Leroy Rhoades Sr

Our beloved father and grandfather, Wilfred LeRoy Rhoades Sr. "Willie", 83, passed away peacefully early Monday morning, June 23, 2014, surrounded by his family in his home. Willie was born in Amoret, (Bates County), Missouri to Eva M. Mager Rhoades and Walter Faye Rhoades on May 3, 1931. He was the oldest of 9 children. He moved between Idaho and Missouri from the age of 3 to 17 several times. His family moved to Soda Springs, ID. in 1947. He lived there until he went into the US Navy at the age of 21. He served our country until his honorable discharge. Willie attended schools in Missouri and Idaho until he graduated the 8 th grade. Willie married Jeanne Hellen Joslin in June 1955. They had 2 children together, Wilfred L. Rhoades Jr. and Sandra Darlene Rhoades. They were later divorced. He then met and married Lourna Deane Briscoe in July 1961. They had 3 children together, Melodie Ann, Karla Kay, and Rosalie. They were later divorced, but remained good friends. In 1961, Willie started working for Western Electric where he was an installer of telephone equipment until he retired. He was very good with his hands. He would take old items and make them like new. He was very talented, gifted, and creative. He built a home and a camper. Willie loved spending time outdoors hunting, fishing, and camping. He had a love for animals and his small farm was an array of farm animals and birds. He had his own little zoo. He also loved music and dancing. He played music by ear and would make up his own music. He played multiple instruments. Somewhere my Love, Paloma Blanca, Heart of Glass, Amazing Grace, The Old Rugged Cross, and Wheels, are just a few of his favorite songs. Dad loved to go dancing. When he and our mom, Lourna, would dance, everyone would back away from the dance floor so they could watch them. Willie had many favorite pastimes but his greatest love was visiting with family and friends, playing dice, playing card games, and going to the casino. The family wishes to extend our gratitude for all the love and help from Encompass, Maag, Norco, the VA, and Friends and Family. You all did a fantastic job and we consider you all a blessing to his life. He loved spending time with you and cherished those friendships. He is loved and will be dearly missed by all. He is survived by three daughters, Melodie (Oscar) Tracy, Chubbuck, ID, Karla (Anthony) Myers, Arimo ID, Rosalie (Dee) Wheeler, Basalt ID; two sisters, Lucille Foster, Pocatello, ID, Linda (Richard) Joslin, Edgewood, NM; two brothers, Walter (Alberta) Rhoades, Pocatello, ID, John Rhoades, Palestine TX; grandchildren, Alicia (Morgan) Maxwell, David Tracy, Nichole (Mike) Maglio, Ashly (David) Johnson, Britney (Levi) Breen, Brandie Wise (Jesse Breen), Haily (Jordan) Heer, Steven (Jackie) Loosle, Jared Wise (Drea Dearduss), Sean Loosle, Doriann (Rusty) Coon, Melissa (Wade) Stecklein, Brady (Jennifer) Oakes, David Thomas; and 33 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Rhoades and Eva Ames, stepfather, William Ames; daughter, Sandra Darlene Rhoades, son, Wilfred LeRoy Rhoades Jr.; grandson, Dale Rhoades; three sisters, Norma Jean Joslin, Carole Little, Sharon Johnson; and a brother, Alfred Rhoades. Funeral services will be Monday, June 30, 2014 at 2 pm at Colonial Funeral Home 2005 S. 4 th Ave. Pocatello, ID. 208-233-1500. Family will receive friends on Sunday, June 29, 2014 from 6-8 pm at Colonial Funeral Home and also for one hour prior to services on Monday, also at Colonial. Burial will follow at Restlawn Memorial Gardens, 2864 S. 5 th Ave. Pocatello, ID. with Military Honors. Condolences can be made to the family online at www.colonial-funeralhome.com