F Benson Rhoades, passed away on Oct. 16, 2018, in Indianapolis. He was 92.
Mr. Rhoades was born on January 8, 1926 in Liscomb, Iowa, to Orval and Verna Rhoades. After graduating valedictorian from Lewisville High School in Indiana, he entered the U.S. Navy, serving in the Pacific Fleet during WW II as a radio operator. After his discharge, he graduated from Earlham College, lettering in baseball, basketball and football. He received his Masters in Education from Ball State University. On August 20, 1955, he married the former Mable Foxworthy of Knightstown.
Mr. Rhoades was a teacher and coach at Fairview High and Whitewater High Schools. He served as principal at Webster and Williamsburg High Schools. In 1963, he moved to Michigan City, where he taught at Central Elementary and then was a counselor at Elston Jr. High, Elston Sr. High and Rogers High School.
Mr. Rhoades was active in the First United Methodist Church in Michigan City, as well as the Kiwanis and Lions Clubs. He was dedicated to donating blood to the Red Cross and was a member of the 8-gallon club. He loved coaching and watching sports but his favorite activity was fishing in Lake Michigan.
He is survived by his brother Gerald Rhoades of New Castle, IN; daughter Marilyn Higgins (Mark) of Carmel, IN; his son David Rhoades (Claire) of Raleigh, NC; his daughter Janet Rhodes (Michael) of Fishers, IN; grandchildren John Higgins (Amy) of Greenfield, IN; Megan Werner (David) of Galesburg, MI; Ashley Rhoades and Gabrielle Rhoades of Washington, DC; Caroline Rhoades of Gainsville, FL and Ben Rhodes and Sara Rhodes of Fishers, IN and three great-grandsons. He is preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Mabel (Betty) Rhoades; daughter Jane Ellen Rhoades and brother Rev. Ronald Rhoades.
Services were Oct. 22 at Knightstown United Methodist Church. Officiating as his nephew Rev. Stephen Rhoades of L’Anse, MI. Burial followed at Glen Cove Cemetery in Knightstown, IN.