Willard ‘Bill’ Rhoades
Willard Rhoades, 89, of Broken Bow, Neb. passed away Oct. 29, 2021 at his home in Broken Bow.
Willard “Bill” Wesley Rhoades was born June 22, 1932 to Clemmie and Evadna Duryea Rhoades, in Arnold.
Bill grew up with his dad who worked on the railroad, attending multiple schools in Nebraska, Idaho, Oregon and California.
He entered the Army in 1953 and was honorably discharged two years later as a Corporal.
He loved to work, everything from being a mechanic, tow truck driver, rancher and the last was a heavy equipment operator.
As much as he loved to work, he loved to play; he was a stock car driver, coyote hunter and dog lover.
Bill leaves his wife, Joan Rhoades of Broken Bow; children Jeanne (Curtis) Dunbar of Milburn, Leonard (Carla) Rhoades of Sioux Falls, S.D., Juilia Mellman of Taylor, Janice (Stan) Moreno of Grand Island, Pamela (Ron) Spencer of Broken Bow and Cherilyn (Craig) Leth of Merna; sister Hilda Inness; brother Bob (Diane) Rhoades; best friend and army comrade Richard Uden; 13 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren, all who loved him dearly.
He was preceded in death by the mothers of his children Alice Rhoades and Francis Rhoades; and brothers Clayton Rhoades and Leonard Lemoine Rhoades.
Funeral services were Wednesday Nov. 3 at 2 p.m. at the Events Center in Taylor with Pastor Doug Saner officiating. Burial with Military Rites followed in the Moulton Cemetery in Taylor.
Visitation was Tuesday, Nov. 2, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. with family greeting 6-8 p.m. at Govier Brothers Mortuary in Broken Bow.
Memorials are suggested to the Veterans Administration or the family.
Govier Brothers Mortuary were in charge of arrangements. An online guest book may be signed at www.govierbrothers.com.