November 1, 1944 – January 31, 2026

Richard David Rhoades (Papaw)

Born Texarkana, Texas

Parents Lannie “Dusty” Rhoades and Omega Rhoades

Richard joined the United States Air Force in 1965 and was stationed in Abilene, Texas, Vietnam and Dover Delaware. He was honorably discharged in 1969. On October 29, 1966, he married Johnie Mae Lewis whom he met when she was a junior in High School and were married for 59 years in October.

They moved to Dallas, Texas in 1969 where he began his career in aircraft maintenance. In 1974 they moved to Friendswood where he worked for Pennzoil and Anadarko and became Chief of Maintenance while at Hobby airport and then Bush International airport.

He has (3) children: David Rhoades (Married to Joyce Rhoades), Julie Rhoades Andersen (Married to Paul Andersen) and Lisa Linebarger (Married to Chris Linebarger). (3) grandchildren: Delaney Virts (Married to Matthew Virts), Ethan Rhoades and Macie Linebarger. (2) Great grandchildren Sadie and Tate Virts.

Papaw enjoyed coaching his kids and grandchildren in football, baseball and softball, woodworking and his Friday morning military gang. His favorite hobby was hunting in South Texas. His comrades in his adventures were Ed Harris and Jerry Smith who would often travel to Kansas to bird hunt.

We will have a Celebration of Life for Papaw at:
Leavesley Park Jones Hanger
901 Buckingham Dr.
Friendswood, Tx 77546
Friday, February 13, 2026, from 4 – 7PM (Come and Go as you please)
Please come as you are, share your favorite stories of Papaw and have a good time as he would want it, no suits required.

The family would also like to thank the wonderful ladies at Chester House @ Sadie Farms for their kind and loving care during Papaw’s stay.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to:

Three Little Pitties Rescue
https://buy.stripe.com/8x25kD3hw2tpgXRccA9R60l

Honor Flight Houston (honorflighthouston.org)h
ttps://www.honorflighthouston.org/individual-donations/