"I go outside under the stars and visit with my daddy regularly, and last night it felt as if the sky was a little brighter . . . they say that when people die, they give new light to the Heavens above . . . and their light guides us forward on a pathway of life. I believe that Dusty is now resting comfortably in the arms of our Lord in Heaven, and that if you listen carefully, you will hear his words and feel his love. He will never really leave you, as he lives within your heart and soul. BIG Hugs . . . Elaine"
In loving memory of
Walter Russell Rhodes
August 4, 1952 - May 31, 2007
Walter Russell Dusty? Rhodes Born: August 4, 1952 in San Marcos, Texas to James Edward Rhodes and Peggy Tomblin Rhodes There was no bigger heart than Dustys. He never met a stranger and always had a kind word for everyone. He was loved by so many and known for his thoughtful and gentle soul. Dusty lived for his family; his beautiful wife of 24 years, his children and grandchildren. He was dedicated to being actively involved in all their activities whether it was shearing sheep for the stock show for Jason and Jim Bob, to helping out his oldest daughter, Christy with Girl Scouts to participating in his youngest daughters, Stacy, dance events, by being the emcee for all of her drill team performances. He served on the Board of Directors for Camp Ben McCulloch as Vice Commander. Dustys favorite time of the year was spending time with his family and close friends at Camp Ben McCulloch in June. Dusty served his country proudly in the Air Force and was an E5 Staff Sergeant stationed in Keflavik, Iceland. He loved having the opportunity to also be their DJ? for the Icelandic Radio Station AFRATS. He was also DJ? and news director for KCNY. His love of music was recognized by many. From all state choir honors to singing in his bands, his talent was undeniable. Dusty passed away suddenly on May 31, 2007 of heart complications. Survived by his, mother, Peggy Tomblin Rhodes of Austin; wife, Frances Ragland Rhodes of Dripping Springs; children, Jason Duane Rhodes & family of Cameron, James Robert Jim Bob? Rhodes of Austin, Christy Lynn Rhodes Gardner and husband Larry James Gardner of Kyle, Stacy Renee Rhodes of Dripping Springs; grandchildren, Holden James Gardner and Kenneth Logan? Gardner of Kyle; brother, Darrell Lynn Rhodes of San Marcos; aunts, uncles, nephews and nieces, numerous cousin and dear friends and best buds Rebel? and Lewke? Preceded in death by father, James Edward Jimmy? Rhodes; grandparents; Walter Pete? and Bernice Tumbling; father & mother-in-law: R.J. Skeet? & Eva Louise Ragland Dusty lived all of his beautiful life in Austin and Dripping Springs, Texas. He was a 1970 high school graduate of Travis High School, and a 1981 graduate of Southwest Texas State University. The family will receive friends from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., Sunday, June 3, 2007 at Harrell Funeral Home, Austin, TX.Funeral service will be held at 10:00 A.M., Monday, June 4, 2007 at Sunset Canyon Baptist Church, 4000 E Hwy 290 West, Dripping Springs, TX. Burial will follow at San Marcos City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Dusty Rhodes Memorial Fund? held at Harrell Funeral. Guest book and obituary available online at harrellfuneralhomes.com 4435 Frontier Trail Austin, TX 78745
Tributes
"Dusty will always be remembered by us as a great friend in a time of need. He was a God Send to us when our business was going through a tough year, and we will forever be thankfull."
"My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Dusty Rhodes... I was a graduate of Travis High School class of 1970 as well and I know I will miss Dusty as a high school friend on our next reunion in 2010... He was a sweet guy and so friendly and never forgot me when we talked... God bless you Dusty and I will see you in Heaven...Kay Dawes Person"
"I will always remember Dusty's great work ethic and I will remember how much he loved his family. Even when the kids were going through tough times, Dusty always stayed calm and caring. His life revovled around his family. The TXWorkers' comp Fund Strategic Plan is due? No problem, but I'm leaving work ON time to get home to my family. I loved how much he loved music. He was one of the kindest men. In the world these days, it's not easy to find kind, unselfish people. In my eyes, he was one fine man."
"From the '70 class of THS. Dusty was a great guy when I knew him in school. I've often thought of him and hoped he was doing well. I'm sorry I didn't know him better all these years."
"Dear Francis, I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. May your many happy memories bring you strength and comfort in this time of grief. My thoughts and prayers are with you."
"To Frances & Family, Peggy, Darrell & Family, May it comfort you to know that so many people care and are thinking of you and your family at this time. While there is nothing we can say that will ease your loss, we wanted you to know that we are grieving and thinking of you all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. With our deepest sympathy, Rachel, Rebecca and Lydia Soto"
"Deepest sympathies from my family and me. I will always remember Dusty's openness and cheerfulness which always came through whenever we were together at Camp Ben or at Red & Elsie's."
"To Darrell and Family, I'll be praying for you every day. You will find peace and comfort in God's arms and in those good memories you keep tucked away in a safe corner of your heart. Love, MK"
"Dear Frances and family: I was so sorry to hear about Dusty's death. He was always so full of life and fun. I enjoyed so much working with you all in the Band Boosters and the many other occasions at the high school. Our family will always fondly remember the time we spent with you and your family. May God Bless You and Keep you always in his love. You all will be in our thoughts and prayers. Rod, Brenda, Shawn, Eric & Cristie Holloway"
"Frances and Family, I'm so very sorry to hear about Dusty. I will keep you all in my prayers. Plese let me know if I can do anything."
"Darrell and Family, We were so sorry to hear of Dusty's passing. There is nothing we can say to ease your pain, but may it comfort you to know that so many people are thinking of you and grieving with you. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. With deepest sympathy, John and Chloe"
"James & Family, I was sad to hear of your fathers passing. While I did not know him personally I do remember his cheerful voice calling out Bingo numbers at Camp Ben and seem to remember him always having a smile on his face. May the stories and memories of your father live on through you and your family. I pray that God's Peace surrounds you and your family during this time as you begin to move forward with Dusty's memory in your heart. Peace Be With You, Melaini"
"To all, We are very sorry to hear of Dusty's passing. No words can help the pain for his family, but he is in my prayers. I always remember his happy outlook of life, easy to talk to, liked by all, always willing to help. We had some great times at camp Ben. I believe God has a special place for him, He will be in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless you and your family."
"To Darrell and the Rhodes family, Even though I did not know Dusty, you have my sympathy in this time of loss. I know you will miss him, but enjoy the many good memories that I'm sure you all have. Mike Roark CenturyTel Monroe, LA"
"We want to extend our condolences to your family during this time. May you find peace in your hearts, and faith in Jesus Christ. He will help you through this difficult time."
"I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I will keep you and yours in my prayers."
"Frances and Stacy, We are heartbroken over the loss of your sweet "Dusty". No words can express how you both are feeling at this time. He was an awesome individual that loved his wife, kids, and extended "HiStepper" family. I was out of town this week and wasn't able to tell you this in person and am very sad about that. Love, Pam, Carlos, Meghan, Ashley, and Logan Leal"
"Dear Frances, Stacy, Christy, Jason, and Jim Bob, We will miss seeing Dusty wave from the porch swing as we pull into Camp Ben. You are in our thoughts and prayers."
"To Frances and family, I am greatly saddened by the news I received Thursday morning. I was in Coleman, Texas, when I got the news. My prayers are that you will be ever so comforted by Jesus Christ and be surrounded by friends and family. May you receive strength and courage as we all say our last goodbyes. I am proud and honored to speak at the services. Thank you and may God Bless You All. In The Name of Jesus Christ, Bo Henry"
"When I rode my John Deer to the village store I noticed Dusty in the paper, I have been based in Austin since '57 & went to the Armadillo -- I remember his name and will always and know most of all of us will ... so sorry for your loss ... a prayer for you I said ... diana schroeder jones & Chris & Omega"
"Our deepest sympathy to our extended "Camp Ben family". Casey Cluiss Flinn & Family Dennis & Kelly Whetstone Cluiss Camp Ben Family"
"Frances, You and your family have our sympathy. Woody & Carolyn"
"Frances, Christy, Jason, JimBob, Stacy and family, My love and sympathy goes out to all of you. I was devistated by the news and the world is going to miss such a wonderful individual. Dusty has always been such a kind man and would do anything for anybody. I love you all and you are in my prayers. In Him, Nikki Harmon Cottingham"
"Frances, Christy, JimBob, Stacey, Jason and all the rest of the family, There is no way to express the sadness at the loss of Dusty and no words that could truly comfort you now. Dusty was a wonderful man and I have so many memories of times spent laughing with all of you and no one laughed harder than Dusty. He will be greatly missed by so many people. You are all in my prayers."
"Dear Frances, Stacy, Christy, Jason, & Jim Bob, Words can never express the sorrow I feel for you and your family. Dusty was a remarkable human being. I know he touched my life in so many ways. May you find some comfort in knowing that so many loved and cared about your father and that our lives will never be the same because we were touched by his remarkable personality. We love you all and you are in our prayers. May God bless and keep you all. Sincerely, Tracy, Lee, Logan, & George Neef"
"Dusty will be greatly missed but will live on in all our hearts. We love you Frances and your family. We will always be here for you. Love Marie & Kelly"