Everett Ray Rhodes

Everett Ray Rhodes, age 69 of Jackson, Missouri, passed peacefully Thursday, October 17, 2024 at Evelyn's House Hospice Care with his wife by his side. He was born January 7, 1955 in Anna, IL, the son of Billie L. and Connie Lucille (Gibson) Rhodes.

Everett graduated from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and dedicated over forty years to serving others as a Physical Therapy Assistant at various hospitals and long-term care centers. He was highly regarded for his skill and friendly demeanor as a caregiver.

In 1982, he married his best friend and the love of his life. Everett and Sarah enjoyed forty-two years of marriage and raising a family, which was his greatest joy. Everett had a robust love of the outdoors that he instilled in his sons, taking them hiking, camping, swimming, and canoeing. Those pursuits continue to play a prominent role in each of their lives today. In recent years, Everett and Sarah became passionate travelers and enjoyed going on cruises with family and friends.

Everett was a Godly man, and his Pentecostal faith served him well throughout his lifetime. He was a Christian in all aspects of being. His gentle kindness, patience, and loving heart were apparent to all who knew him; he lived in the service of others — to his wife, his children, his parents, friends, and patients. A lifelong gospel music lover, he touched many people with his singing in church services over the years.

Everett is survived by his loving wife, Sarah Rhodes of Jackson, MO; three sons, Shannon and wife Melissa Rhodes of St. Louis, MO, Kyle Rhodes of Durango, CO, and Levi Rhodes of Asheville, NC; brother, Stanley and wife Barbara Rhodes of Herrin; niece Tina and husband Frank Price of West Plains, MO; mother in law, Judy Hillis; father in law, Bob Hillis both of Poplar Bluff, MO; other extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, and nephew, Shane Rhodes.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, October 26, 2024 at the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna with Bishop Thomas Suey officiating. Everett will be taken to his final resting place in the Alto Pass Cemetery. Friends may visit after 11:00 a.m. and until the service at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, October 26, 2024 at the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna. Memorial contributions are preferred to the Kidney Cancer Foundation. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.