Obituary of Clarence J. Rhoads

Clarence Jefferson "Jeff" Rhoads of Walton, age 66, passed away Wednesday July 3, 2024 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Pittsburg, PA on June 5, 1958 and graduated from Joppatowne High School in Maryland. Jeff married the love of his life, Michaela in 1976 in Maryland where they grew up. He proudly served his country with distinction for many years in the United States Army. This service took him all over the world and his service was awarded many medals of distinction. During this service, Jeff and his family made a home in Germany, Florida, North Carolina, and Kansas. Additionally, Jeff was deployed to Korea and to serve in Desert Storm. Jeff specialized as a mechanic during his time in the Army and his record was decorated with a Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, South-West Asia Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and Kuwait Liberation Medal as well as several other awards, remarks, and brave accomplishments. At the conclusion of his military career, Jeff retired from Fort Leonard Wood as a Senior Writer Instructor.

After retiring from the military, he worked at Bayer Construction and then as a Senior Master Diesel Technician at Dick Edwards Ford in Kansas. He eventually settled in Walton, KY with his wife. He loved to spend his spare time working on his '82 Mustang Fox body, helping anyone he could, and spending time with his family, especially his granddaughter. Jeff was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandpa, brother, and friend who will be missed beyond measure by those who knew him.

He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Michaela Rhoads; children, Janett (CJ) Moutinho and Jeff (Mary-Elizabeth) Rhoads; beloved granddaughter, Aubrianna Rhoads; siblings, Shelly (Dan) Dowd, Linda (Wally) Yowaiski, and Michael (Cindy) Rhoads; as well as several other close friends and relatives who will cherish his memory.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Janett {King} and David O. Rhoads; and his siblings, Darlene Barry and James Rhoads.

A graveside service will be held at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery North in Williamstown, KY on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at 2:00 PM, with military honors. The veteran’s cemetery is located at 205 Eibeck Lane Williamstown, KY.  Memorial donations can be made in Jeff’s name to the Disabled American Veterans here. To share a memory or online condolence, please visit the tribute wall.