Edwin Earl "Pete" Rhodes

Edwin "Pete" Rhodes, 92, of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, passed away peacefully at his home on October 1, 2025. Pete and his twin sister were born at home on February 6, 1933, in Farmington, Missouri to Ollie Dayton and Beulah Pearl Downs Rhodes. He graduated from Esther High School in Esther, Missouri in 1950. In 1953, Pete entered the United States Army and proudly served his country until his honorable discharge in 1955. In 1956, Pete married Almaretta Hanson. Together they raised two children, Debbie Lynn and Eddie Ray. Their marriage was a lasting partnership until Almaretta passed away in 2009. In 2012, Pete found love and companionship again, and married Carol (Dewees) Daniel, who survives him. Pete's entrepreneurial spirit led him to own and operate Plaza Tire Service with his brother Peewee for over 20 years. Under their leadership, the business grew to 16 locations across three states before Pete retired in 1986. His dedication to hard work and community involvement extended beyond business. He was a longtime member of the Elks Lodge and served as a trustee for over six years. He also held membership with the American Legion Post 38 for more than two decades, the Eagles Lodge the National Republican Convention and most notably serving as the Canteen Manager of the VFW Post 3838 until Monday September 22, 2025, for an impressive 33 years. A lifetime sports enthusiast, Pete's passion for athletics left a legacy in Cape Girardeau. In 1970 he helped establish the original Cape Traveler's Baseball Team and went on to coach youth baseball for over 15 years. His love for bowling earned him recognition as a member of the Missouri Bowling Hall of Fame after many active years in the Cape Bowling League. Pete is lovingly remembered by his wife Carol; his son Eddie (Valorie) Rhodes of Wesley Chapel, Florida; his twin sister Evelyn (JL) Seal of Farmington, Missouri; grandchildren Hali Lynn (Rich) Hutter of Cape Girardeau; Mallory Brooke (Randall) Morrison; Brittany Leigh Rhodes both Knoxville TN: Cameron Taylor Rhodes of Cape Girardeau; great grandchildren Kaliyah, Kastiel, Anjali and Davey; and Carol's son's Josh Daniel of Tupelo MS and Heath Daniel of St Louis, MO. He was preceded in death by his first wife Almaretta; daughter, Debbie Rhodes Hodge; and siblings Alvin (Eileen) Rhodes, Melvin "Mac" (Dorothy) Rhodes, Vivian (John) Wampler, Marvin (Melba) Rhodes, and Vernon "Peewee" (Carole) Rhodes. Pete's life was marked by service to his country, his community, and those around him. His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched during his long life. May Pete's memory bring comfort to those whose knew him. Please join the family at Ford and Sons Funeral Home, 1001 N. Mount Auburn Rd. in Cape Girardeau for visitation on October 7, 2025 from 4 to 8 PM and the funeral service at 11AM on October 8, 2025. Interment will follow at the Cape County Memorial Park Mausoleum. After interment, a luncheon will be hosted at the VFW 3838, 1049 N Kingshighway, in Cape. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Pete Rhodes to the Cape Girardeau Missouri Veterans Home Foundation. The website is capevetshomefoundation.com Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com

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Edwin Earl "Pete" Rhodes

February 6, 1933 - October 1, 2025