R. Lester Rhoades

R. Lester Rhoades R. Lester Rhoades, 68 of North East MD died Thursday, March 15, 2012 at his home. Born in Elkton on May 16, 1943, he was the son of the late George and late Florence Simpers Rhoades. Lester served honorably in the United States Army during the Vietnam era, spending fourteen months in country and received several commendations including the Bronze Star for bravery. After his discharge he resided in Concord, NC for approximately 12 years before returning to his home in North East, MD. He retired from work as a heavy equipment operator in 1993 due to medical complications but remained until his death very active in community activities in Cecil County. He was an active member of VFW Post 6027, North East, MD and the American Legion Post 135 in Perryville MD, serving currently as the chairman of the Cecil Legion Baseball team. He also worked with the Cecil County Chapter of Habitat for Humanity and The Cecil County Sports Complex in Rising Sun MD. Lester was devoted to his family and is survived by his wife: Geneva Griffith Rhoades and daughters: Amy Carlisle and Lorie Blevins Robbie both of North East MD; Three grandchildren: Madison, Lance and Kristina; Two sisters: Dorothy Parrett and Patricia Tesch both of North East, MD; Four brothers: Walter Rhoades Betty, John Rhoades Brenda both of North East MD, Dean Rhoades Sally Chesapeake City MD and Edgar Rhoades Cookie Elkton, MD. He was predeceased by his daughter Jodi Rhoades Morales of Concord, NC in April 2010. A funeral service will be held at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, March 20, 2012 where friends and family may call from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Crouch Funeral Home, P.A., 127 South Main Street North East MD. Interment will follow service at North East Methodist Cemetery with full military honors. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in Lester's memory to the local chapter of the Boys and Girls Club or Purple Hearts, in care of the funeral home.