Joseph Rhoads

Joseph William Rhoads, 89 of Kirksville went to be with his maker on Friday, March 5 ^th , 2021.

He was born August 20, 1931 in Kirksville, Missouri, the son of James and Ola (Keim) Rhoads. He was a graduate of Kirksville High School in 1949. He attended Kirksville State Teacher College, where he met his wife of 65 years. In the middle of his college career he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he spent 4 years serving his country. After the Air Force he came home and went back to school to become a teacher of Industrial Arts. He was united in marriage May 20, 1955 in New Cambria, Missouri to Loretta Cook.

Joe as he was called by family and friends taught school at Knox County, Brashear and Industrial Arts at Northeast State Teachers College. Ending his career as a Professor at NMSU (now Truman State University); retiring in 1994. After his retirement he wasn’t done influencing young people so he went to work for Weber Bus Company driving children to school.

Joe and Loretta were never idle and were always together. He enjoyed the farm and traveling and went to all 48 states.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, two sisters, and one brother.

Joe is survived by his wife of the home; one sister, Mary Moyer of Atlanta, MO and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 10, 2021 with funeral service at 12:00 p.m. at Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville, MO.

Memorials are suggested to Truman State University Scholarship Fund.