Robert R. "Bob" Rhodes, 88, of Dunbar, passed away on Friday, March 19, 2010 after a long illness.

Bob was born September 9, 1921, and raised in Blue Sulphur Springs, WV, known to him as "God's Country". He attended and graduated from Smoot High School.

After serving in the US Army and being stationed in Japan, he returned home and began a career in Cleveland, OH. He worked at the Chevrolet Plant for several years and then returned to WV. His employment with Union Carbide began in 1951. Following an explosion on Blaine Island in 1980, Bob was never able to return to work. His retirement began in 1981. As everyone knew, Bob loved people and did volunteer work with the City of Dunbar Senior Citizens Group. Bob always loved talking and being with other people. He truly was a people person. He was a dedicated husband to his wife, dad, to his children, and poppy, to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was a member of Dunbar Junior Mechanics' Lodge.

He was preceded in death by his son, Robert E. Rhodes; father, Ervin E. Rhodes; mother, Vearie M. Rhodes Callison; brothers, Thomas E. Rhodes, Charles A. Rhodes, James Rhodes; sisters, Ruby R. Leavitt, Frankie Stevens.

Bob is survived by his wife of 62 years, Lucille S. Rhodes; daughter and son-in-law, Shirley, who took care of her dad from the start of his illness to the end, and Larry Cottrill of Cross Lanes; son, Frederick A. Rhodes of Yawkey; sister, Mary Allen of Ivydale; granddaughter, Tammy, and her husband Clarence Litton of Winfield, Kimberly D. King; grandson, Alex Caldwell Rhodes of Winfield; great granddaughters, Haley Brianne Litton, Lakin Nicole King, Mallory Ryan Litton. Bob always enjoyed his own children, but truly worshiped al of his girls, meaning granddaughters, and great granddaughters.

His daughter, Shirley Cottrill and family, would like to sincerely thank all of the individuals who had a hand in caring for this wonderful and unique human being. The caring and compassion of Drs. John Merrifield, Dr. Neville and Dr. Bowman will never be forgotten in our lifetime. The care and love that was received, not only to Bob but to this family, from the entire staff at SunHealth of Dunbar was unsurpassed by none. They not only were considered Bob's 24 hour caregivers, but family and friends to us all. We were truly blessed to have had the opportunity to meet and know each and everyone. Our family could not have dealt with such an illness without their help. We also would like to thank Dr. Randy Warren and his office staff for being so supportive in our time of need and uncertainty. Special thanks also to Henry Unrue, Harold Archer, and Manford "Mannie" Haynes for their dedication to Bob. They visited him on a regular basis throughout the four year journey at the nursing facility.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., Tuesday, March 23, at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar, with Pastor Jerry A. Shaw officiating. Burial will follow in Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens.

Friends may call two hours prior to the service at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.