Robert M. Rhoads

Robert "Bud" M. Rhoads, age 91, of Kent, died on Sunday, January 10, 2021 at UH Portage Medical Center.

Robert "Bud" was born May 13, 1929 at home on Elm in Kent, to Herman and Rachel (McCue) Rhoads.

He Attended South School, Roosevelt High School, Kent State and Akron Universities, and Cal Poly. Enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corp, serving in the 8th Air Force, Strategic Air Command, and the U.S. Air Force Space Program.  After service, Robert worked for Fenn Dairy, Kroger Company, Dave Helmling Meats, Portage Paper Box, and Kent Fire Department. Retired Fire Chief from the Kent Fire Department in 1983.  After Retiring, he drove for Osman Pie Company, and worked for the Indy Car Pace Car team.

He and his wife Carol wintered in Dunedin, FL, where he worked as Club House Security for the Toronto Blue Jays at their Spring Training Camp.

Life member of International Fire Chief Association, Northeast Fire Chiefs, Portage County Fire Association, American Legion Post 496, and Post 500, Speedway Indianapolis, F.O.P.A #9.  Initiated K.F.D. Medic, Paramedic Service, and helped other Portage County departments to add to their Firefighting Duties, was a 20-gallon blood donor.

He loved Piloting single engine planes in his younger days. Enjoyed all outdoor sports, loyal follower of the Browns, Ohio State, and the Toronto Blue Jays.

He is survived by his son, John, James, and Joel Rhoads; daughter, Julie Goodwin; grandchildren; Joel, Tiffani, Shannon, Paul, and Collette Rhoads, Luigi, and Stephanie Goodwin; 16 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Robert J (Vi) Minnick.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Carol Rhoads; sons, Jerry, Jeff, and Steve Rhoads; grandchild, Chris Rhoads; sister, Mildred, Thelma June Rhoads, Barb Bentley, and Carol Hane; parents, Herman, and Rachel Rhoads.

We invite friends & family to gather at Standing Rock Cemetery in Kent, Ohio on October 1st, 2022 at 11:30am for a memorial service to honor Bud. Pastor Kris Patt will conduct this ceremony.  Following the ceremony, we invite you to join us at Plum Creek Park (590 Plum St, Kent, OH 44240) Shelter #1 to enjoy food! Please bring a dish to share. If you’re unable to bring a dish, there will still be food provided.  Come share memories, tell stories, and join our family while we remember our loved one. We want this day to be filled with love and joy as we reflect on the incredible life of Bud.

Cremation services in the care of Bissler & Sons Crematory.  Memorials may be made to contributions may be made to the Kent Fire Department 320 S. Depeyster Kent, Ohio 44240.

Services in care of Bissler & Sons Funeral Home and Crematory, 628 West Main Street, Kent, OH 44240.