John Thomas Rhoden, of North Platte, passed away at home surrounded by his family on Thursday, August 30, 2018, at the age of 74.
John was born November 3, 1943, in Fairbury, NE, to Catherine (Black) and James C. Rhoden, Sr. They moved to North Platte in 1948 when his parents divorced and here John attended North Platte Public Schools.
On December 28, 1961, John enlisted in the U.S. Navy thus starting a career which took him around the world. John made four tours of Vietnam in less than three years, serving as a crewman in rescue helicopters, and served on every aircraft carrier in the Pacific including the USS Yorktown, USS Kearsarge and twice on the USS Ranger. He served at Naval Air Stations: Mirmar, San Diego, CA, Memphis-Millenton, TN; Imperial Beach, CA; Point Mugu, Oxnard, CA; Rio Grande, Albuquerque, NM. He was also stationed at Pacific Missile Range Barking Sands in Kauai, Hawaii.
On March 18, 1962, John married the love of his life, Carolyn K. Chamerlain, in North Platte. The couple had two children, Chawna Rene and John W., and were married for 56 years. They lived a military life and the family followed John to the different bases as he was reassigned.
Over the years he was awarded four each of the Good Conduct Medals, Armed Forces Expeditional Medals and Vietnam Service Medals. He also received the Navy Commendation Medal, Vietnamese Gallantry Cross Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal, and the Navy Achievement Medal. After a distinguished 20 year career John retired in June 1981.
Following retirement, John and Carolyn returned to North Platte. With the help of family and friends they built one of the first earth sheltered houses in the area and that became their final home. John attended Mid-Plains Community College and was employed at several places including Troyer Enterprises, Sutherland Power Plant, T & L Irrigation and the Union Pacific Railroad until his health required him to retire again.
John had a love of restoring old trucks and cars. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting and camping. He will be greatly missed.
Those left to mourn him are his loving wife, Carolyn, their children, Chawna Treat and John W. Rhoden, son-in-law, Orlan Treat and grandson, Dominic Hinojosu, all of North Platte; sisters-in-law, Shirley (Kenneth) Jones, of Lexington and Fae Rhoden, of Sun Tan Valley, AZ; stepbrothers, John (Judy) Mullins and Gary (Lynn) Mullins, all of Littleton, CO; as well as many nieces, nephews, other family and special friends.
He was preceded in death by his father and stepmother, Jim, Sr. and Lelia Rhoden; mother and stepfather, Catherine and Carroll Johnson; brothers, Jim and Frank Rhoden; grandsons, Daniel and Tyler Treat; stepsisters, Beverly and Katie Mullins; stepbrother, Bill Mullins; and in-laws, Milton and Ruth Chamberlain.
Cremation was chosen. Memorial Service will be 10 a.m. Thursday, September 6, 2018, at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore with Chaplain Gary Smith officiating. Inurnment with military honors will follow in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Callahan Cancer Center.