SPRINGFIELD – Lewis Arnold Rhodes Sr., 81, of Springfield entered into heavenly rest on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at Regency Nursing Home in Springfield.

He was the son of Clarence and Clara Rhodes, and was born on November 15, 1943.

He graduated Morrisonville High School in 1962.  He married Betty Huber in 1963, and later divorced in 1982. During the course of his life, he held down jobs of longevity at both Allis Chalmers/Fiat Allis in Springfield (1963-1985), and Golden Manor Nursing Home in Nokomis (1986-2004). Such dedication not only existed in his work ethic, but applied to his family life as well. He loved spending time with his family and it was such dedication that served to mentor both his children and future grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death are his parents, Clarence and Clara Rhodes; brothers, Ray, Frank, Lawrence, Russel, Elden, John, and Harley; and sister, Marcella Rhodes Blanch.

Surviving him in death are his two sons, Lewis Rhodes Jr, and Daniel Rhodes, both of Springfield; grandchildren, Matthew Rhodes, Danielle Rhodes, Daniel Travis Rhodes, Timothy Rhodes, and Adrianne Terry, all of Springfield; great-grandchildren, Emily Rhodes, Isabella Rhodes, Anna Rhodes, Lenny Rhodes, all of Ramsey, and Asher Terry of Springfield.

Throughout his life, Lewis served numerous years as Cub Scout Master in Nokomis.  He coached both his boys in youth baseball and basketball.  He was also an active member of the Nokomis Jaycees and Rotary Club. He enjoyed spending time with family, playing cards, bingo, and watching the St Louis Cardinals and Chicago Bears on television. He also enjoyed taking several trips down to Busch Stadium and Branson.  He enjoyed singing and listening to Johnny Cash and Roy Acuff. One of his favorite musical groups was The Oak Ridge Boys; which he was fortunate to be able to see in concert several times.

Visitation will be held from 5 – 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at Vancil-Murphy Funeral Home 437 South Grand Avenue West, Springfield, IL. No funeral service will be held. The family plans to have a private Celebration of life on Father's Day.