Larry Ray Rhodes

Larry Ray Rhodes, 75, of Summerfield, Ill., formerly of Jefferson City, passed away August 15, 2018, with family and friends by his side. Larry was born May 19, 1943, in Jefferson City to Raymond Dyson Rhodes and Margaret Smith Rhodes. He attended Trinity Lutheran grade school and graduated from Jefferson City High School in 1961. Larry served his country as a Seabee in the United States Navy during the Vietnam Conflict. After his military service, he worked alongside his dad, brothers, and many friends as a Union Ironworker-Local 396. He loved St. Louis Cardinal baseball and would stop everything to watch a game with his little dog Thunder by his side. In 1979, Larry married Merle Cooper. They owned and operated a lounge on Madison Street in Jefferson City before moving to Illinois. Merle preceded him in death in 2005. Larry is survived by his children: Travis Rhodes Boessen and Tracy Rhodes Suggett of Jefferson City; Gary (Julie) Cooper, Jay (Deanna) Cooper, Doxandra (Doxie) Cooper, all of Illinois; and Dr. Tamara Hopkins of Jefferson City. Siblings include: his brothers, Wayne (Truby) Rhodes, Melvin (Becky) Rhodes, Jim Rhodes; and sisters: Joyce Kirchner, Shirley (Ronnie) Samson, Sue Maasen, Carol (Paul) Johnson, Terry (Chuck) Campbell, Jill (Mitch) Lampe, and Janet (Steve) Wewerka. Grandchildren include: Shelby Suggett; Keith Allen Cooper; Erica Cooper Peyton; Jeff Peyton; Derek Verts; Dusty, Destiney and Delanee Bell; Dylan Cooper; Daniel Cooper; Willy Cooper; Samuel Cooper; Rose Cooper; TJ Chandler; and Shannon Freeman. Great-grandchildren include: Kali, Logan, Hunter, Madeline and Julian. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents: Ray and Margaret Rhodes; his wife, Merle; a son, Scott Cooper; his brother-in-law, Darrell Kirchner; and three nephews: Tom, Rick, and Greg Rhodes. A celebration of Larry's life and a gathering of his friends and family will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, September 15, at South Creek Ranch, Russellville. Relatives and friends wishing to remember Larry and participate in this celebration may call for directions, 573-392-1300 or 573-280-7899.