Don J Rhodes

Don J Rhodes, (90), of Tucson, Arizona passed away in his sleep on June 1, 2023.

Don was born to Ross and Navelle Rhodes on February 20, 1933, in Garland Utah. He worked on the family farm and graduated from Bear River High School in Tremonton, Utah. Shortly thereafter he attended Weber State University until he enlisted in the US Army in 1951.  His first tour was to Japan, then he fought in both Vietnam and Korea. While assigned to Fort Totem, New York, Don married his first wife Mary Stehle in 1957. They had four children that traveled around the US to various military bases until his retirement in 1974.

Don retired from the military as a CW4 at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico.  He then decided to finish his degree at New Mexico State University and became a nutritionist for the Public Schools in Las Cruces. Don met Jean Skillins DeLucia and were married in 1978.  They both loved being part of the NM State Aggie Alumni and attended numerous sporting and musical events over his 40 plus years in Las Cruces. After retiring from the Public Schools, Don and Jean became very active RV enthusiasts, traveling the US and Canada while maintaining Las Cruces as their home port.

Aside from his love of golf and traveling, Don was passionate about giving back.  He offered his culinary skills for many years at the First Presbyterian church with providing freshly baked cinnamon rolls, feeding children every Wednesday, plus working the Las Cruces Soup Kitchen into his late 70’s.

Don is survived by his wife Jean, son Randy, and daughters Doreen (Clyde), Vivian (Cherie) and Jacqueline.  Two stepchildren, Jon DeLucia (Debbie) and Beth DeLucia Schulze (Scott).  Seven grandchildren, Jassy, Patience, Alex, Jamie, Charles, Kristen, Courtney, plus great-children, Rex, Chord, Delylah and Miles.  He is also survived by his sister Diane Coombs (Stan). Don is preceded in death by his parents and younger siblings, Carol Rhodes Anderson, Joe Rhodes, and Neil Ross Rhodes.

Graveside services will be held at the East Garland Cemetery (N E Garland Rd, Garland, UT) July 7^th at 11 A.M. A memorial service is being planned in Las Cruces, New Mexico at a later date.  We would like to thank all those who came to visit and helped take care of Dad.