Jerry L. Rhodes, 76, of Lexington, Ohio passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, June 13, 2023 after a 5 year battle with cancer. He was born November 6, 1946 to the late George and Virginia Rhodes.
Jerry lived his entire life in the Bellville/Lexington, Ohio area. He was one of the best semi-truck drivers out there and drove locally for The Bissman Company, Milliron Industries, and lastly for Alliance Imaging of Canton, Ohio.
Jerry loved camping, boating, and fishing at Lake Erie. He enjoyed teaching his children and their friends how to waterski. He especially loved the challenge of flipping them off of innertubes too! He loved to travel around the country and going to casinos with family and friends.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years and caregiver, Marilyn (Fletcher) Rhodes. Daughters; Leslie (Jeff) Dessecker of Bellville, Ohio, and Jackie (Jim) Basham of Johnstown, Ohio. Grandsons; Kyle (Noelle Verrilli) Dessecker of Marysville, Ohio, Adam Dessecker of Bellville, Ohio, Nathan (Beth) Basham currently stationed in Wahiawa, Hawaii. Granddaughter; Rachel (Tim) Pence of Pataskala, Ohio, and by his 7 great grandchildren. Brother; Stanley Rhodes. Sisters; Carol (Ralph) Walker, and Joan Carpenter. Sister-in-laws; Sue Huffman, Carolyn Ogborn, and Sarah Rhodes. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother; Willie Rhodes. Brother-in-laws; Raymond Ogborn and Jerry Carpenter. Sister-in-laws; Sandy Rhodes, Christina Barnes, and Marylou Moran. Two nieces and two nephews. His fishing buddy/mother-in-law; June Gatton, and his beloved puggle, Sammy.
We, his family, would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at The James Cancer Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, and Southern Care Hospice of Mansfield, Ohio for their excellent care and compassion throughout this journey. We are forever grateful for the 5 additional years we were able to spend with him.
According to Jerry’s wishes, the family will have private services at a later date.
Funeral home : Ohio Cremation & Memorial Society
