Hugh Rhodes

Hugh William (Dusty) Rhodes, age 84 of Centerville, Ohio passed peacefully Friday, October 2, 2020 with his family by his side. Dusty lived a full and adventurous life and was known as an avid golfer, soccer coach, military veteran and businessman.

Dusty was born on November 2nd, 1935 to Bill and Jessinell (Jones) Rhodes in Neodesha Kansas and was raised in Independence Kanas. He was very athletic and lettered in football and golf while attending Independence High School. He was the Valedictorian of his graduating class. Dusty moved on to the University of Tulsa for 2 years and became a member of the Kappa Alpha fraternity as well as the Tau Beta Pi fraternity for academic excellence. His academic prowess opened the door to an appointment to the United State Naval Academy in Annapolis Maryland in 1955.

Dusty would go on to serve 10 years in the Navy after graduation, flying F9F-8 Cougar fighter jets, serving aboard surface ships and eventually being recruited to become a member of the first group of men to serve on nuclear submarines in the famed “41 For Freedom”. It was during his time in flight school that Dusty would meet his wife of 60 years Linda (Hingle) Rhodes. After leaving the Navy, Dusty and Linda moved to Louisiana for a few years then settled down for good in Centerville, Ohio with their two children Sandra and Hugh.

Dusty started his own company in 1979 and ran that company for the rest of his life. He enjoyed keeping busy and visiting his clients as much as possible He loved to golf but his real passion was going to his grandchildren’s athletic and social events to include school plays, soccer and lacrosse matches, and cheerleading competitions. He was a die-hard Manchester United soccer fan who would watch every match possible. Very few men have traveled the world, flown fighter jets and travelled to the North Pole in a submarine like Dusty has.

Dusty is survived by his wife Linda (Hingle) Rhodes, sister Karalee Vint, two children Sandra Guthrie and Hugh Rhodes and six grand-children Gretchen Rhodes, Emma Haas Rhodes, Dean Rhodes, Will Rhodes, Madison Guthrie and Bridget Rhodes. His ashes will be inurned at the United States Naval Academy and a Celebration of his life will take place at a later date when the Covid situation is under control. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Wounded Warrior project on his behalf the following address: https://tinyurl.com/hughrhodes.