Paul Eugene Rhodes Jr., age 83, of St. Louis, Missouri, passed away on April 11, 2026.

Paul was born on March 4, 1943, in Carlinville, Illinois, to Paul E. Rhodes, Sr. and Rita Rhodes (née Costello).

An older sister and a younger brother shared these parents, as well. Paul was known as “Eugene” within his immediate family growing up.

During his early childhood, Paul attended a one-room schoolhouse in Fayette, Illinois. After his parents’ divorce, his mother married Charles Pitchford in 1951, and they welcomed one daughter, Paul’s youngest sibling.

Upon graduating from Greenfield High School in 1961, Paul enlisted in the United States Air Force. During his service, he worked as a decoder and was stationed in Japan, as well as in Texas and Arizona. He received an Honorable Discharge after four years of service.

After a brief return to Greenfield, Paul began a long and dedicated career in telephone communications with Southwestern Bell in St. Louis, Missouri. Over the next 36 years, he held various roles in engineering and management. By the time he retired, the company had become AT&T.

Paul had two children with his first wife, Barbara Garrett (née Garrett): a daughter born in 1964 and a son born in 1976. After that marriage ended, Paul married Sharon Rhodes (née O’Brien) in 1981. Through this marriage, he became a stepfather to Sharon’s son and daughter. In 1983, Paul and Sharon welcomed a daughter together.

Paul found great joy in family life. He loved camping trips, attending his children’s sporting events, and traveling across the country to support their teams.

In later years, he cherished attending his grandchildren’s baseball and soccer games, as well as their musical performances. He also enjoyed family vacations in Texas, Florida, S. Carolina, and countless other places.

Paul is survived by his devoted wife, Sharon Rhodes; his children, Paula Harris (Chris), Tim Rhodes (Alecia), and Jessica Rhodes; his stepdaughter, Lisa Kenyon (David); his sisters, Kay Ann Deucker and Patricia DeGuire (Jim), and many beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Rita Pitchford; his stepfather, Charles Pitchford; and his brother, John “Bill” Rhodes; survived by his wife, Renee Rhodes.

A military service, prayer, and interment will be held at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, with the date and time to be determined.

A Celebration of Life will follow the service at the Sakura Gardens Condominiums Clubhouse, where family members will share words of remembrance along with music and refreshments.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association (heart.org).

Paul will be remembered for his deep love of family and the countless ways he showed up for those he loved.

He remains forever in our hearts.