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William "Bill" Golman Rhodes, loving husband and faithful father, went to be with the Lord Friday, July 18, 2005. His devoted wife Gerry and children were at his side when he left this life.
He was born Oct. 18, 1922 to Golman and Hester Rhodes in Enid. After high school, Bill took a job in Los Angeles. Shortly thereafter, he joined the U.S. Navy where he rose to the rank of commander. He became a naval aviator and flew dive bombers in the Pacific Theater. He served for 20 years in the Naval Reserves flying several different types of aircrafts. Bill's love for flying was passed down to his grandson Maxwell.
Bill spent 13 years with the California Division of Highways where he achieved the position of resident engineer. From 1962 to 1967, he was both president and operations director for the Southern Pacific Milling company, a sand and gravel processing firm located in Oxnard, Calif. In 1969, he took a position with Peter Kiewit and Sons where he carried the titles of excavation superintendent, district engineer and materials engineer. Near the end of Bill's career in 1979, he transferred to Boulder City, Nev. where he was senior engineer until his retirement in 1984. Bill met his first wife Claire in California shortly after the war. They had two children: a daughter Gail and a son William. After Claire's death, Bill returned to Enid for his high school reunion where he was reunited with his high school sweetheart Gerry Hart. Bill and Gerry were happily married 27 years and celetrated their silver wedding anniversary in 2002.
Bill and Gerry moved to Sapulpa in 1998. They were active members in the Methodist Church in both Boulder City and Sapulpa. Bill's woodworking ability was greatly appreciated at both churches. He built pews and helped with many repairs. He made many beautiful pieces of furniture and clocks through the years. He especially loved making wooden crosses for family and friends.
"Dusty," as he was kown to many of his friends, loved to play golf. He had many golf buddies through the years and he will be greatly missed by them. He loved the outdoors, fishing, hunting, hiking, boating and traveling. He loved to feed the birds and chase away the squirrels.
On the Fourth of July, all the kids and grandkids loved to go to Granddad's and light firecrackers where he always had a large supply of pop bottle rockets waiting for them.
He was a gentleman, a cowboy, a patriot and a devoted Christian. He had many fine qualities and was loved by all. He trusted Christ as his Savior, for the forgiveness of his sins and knew his need for God's saving work in his life.
He is survived by his loving wife Gerry, of Sapulpa; daughter Gail Miner and husband Monte; grandson Maxwell, of Rolling Hills Estates, Calif.; son William M. Rhodes, of Canyon Country, Calif.; stepdaughters Dannye Sue Domnick, of Tulsa and Debbie Snider and husband Gary, of Jenks; stepsons Darrel Domnick and wife Ellen, of Stillwater, and David Domnick and wife Nicole, of Sarasota, Fla.; and 32 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He will be missed by all. We take comfort in knowing we will see him again, when together we shall behold our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First United Methodist Memorial Fund of Sapulpa in honor of Bill.
The funeral service is 10 a.m. Thursday, July 21, 2005 at First United Mehtodist Church in Sapulpa. Graveside services will be at Green Hill Cemetery.
The family has entrusted the care of the services to the directors at Green Hill Funeral Home.
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