Lowell J. Rhoades, age 96, of Greenville, Ohio, formerly of New Madison, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 11, 2025, at the Brethren Retirement Community.
He was born on July 24, 1928, in Union City, Ohio, to the late Russell and Mabel (Denniston) Rhoades.
In addition to his parents, Lowell was preceded in death by his loving wife, Betty (Lenhoff) Rhoades, whom he married on June 28, 1947, and passed away on May 24, 2023. Lowell and Betty spent over 76 years together. She was also preceded in death by his siblings, Helen (Verl) Olwine, Ferne (Bill) Hancock, and Leon (Martha) Rhoades, and his brothers-in-law, Grant Starrett and Mason Hardy.
Lowell is survived by his sisters, Reva Starrett of Xenia, Ohio, and Phyllis Hardy of Enon, Ohio; his nieces and nephews, Marilyn (Bill) Joerg, Bill (Patricia) Starrett, Louise (Dennis) Beach, Bill (Carol) Hancock Jr., Elaine (Mark) Terrell, Steve Rhoades, Ted Rhoades, Leslie Howell, Dena (Dwight) Wulber, Joel (Donna) Mangas, Nick (Karen) Lenhoff, Jamie (Karen) Lenhoff, Steve Lenhoff and Missy Kemplin; and numerous great nieces and nephews.
Lowell was a proud graduate of the Jackson High School Class of 1946. Immediately after graduation, Lowell enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving his country during the final stages of World War II. Following his esteemed service in the Marines, he was drafted into the United States Army during the Korean War, where he distinguished himself as a dedicated drill sergeant. Lowell’s leadership and dedication were instrumental in shaping the lives of countless soldiers who went through basic training. Upon his return to civilian life, Lowell opened his own television repair shop in Darke County, where he became a fixture in the community. His passion for electronics led him to become an esteemed instructor at Upper Valley Joint Vocational School, where he inspired and educated many students in the field of electronics. A man of many passions, Lowell had an enduring love for baseball. Not only did he cherish watching games, but he was also a talented player in his own right. Remarkably, prior to his military service, he received a draft letter from the New York Yankees, who sought him as a pitcher. Whether it was the Cincinnati Reds or FOX News, if the television was on, it was virtually certain to feature these favorites of his. Lowell was an active member of the New Madison American Legion and the Greenville VFW, where he continued to honor his commitment to his fellow veterans and community.
A celebration of Lowell’s life will be held at 2:00 PM, Friday, April 18, 2025, at Tribute Funeral Homes, Greenville Campus. Burial, with full military honors, will follow in Lisbon Cemetery in rural Randolph County.
Guests may visit with Lowell’s family on Friday from 12:00 PM until the start of the service at 2:00 PM at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be given to Top Priority Veterans, a Darke County non-profit that provides assets from A to Z, supplies and support for all veterans and their families in need. Donations may be mailed to 641 Treaty Way, Greenville, Ohio 45331.
Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.tributefuneralhomes.com
