Benner S. Rhodes Obituary (1929

Benner S. Rhodes, Jr., 91, formerly of Salem, Illinois passed away on June 30, 2021 in Mansfield, MO. Benner was born December 27, 1929 in Springfield, Missouri to Benner and Lorenda Cantrell Rhodes. Benner married Wanda Murphy in Hardy, Arkansas on October 5, 1951 and then later in 1974 he married Ferne Louise Presgrove Bailey. Ferne preceded him in death on March 29, 2020 after 45 years of marriage. Survivors include his children Dave Rhodes, Patrice Jones and husband, Bill, all of Mansfield, Missouri, Rebecca Robinson and husband, Mike, of Hardy, Arkansas, Mark Rhodes and wife, Glenda, of Ava, Missouri and Jack Rhodes and wife, Elaine, of Mansfield, Missouri. His stepchildren Brenda Hodge and husband, Mike of Salem, Steve Barrow and wife, Mary of Centralia, Cecelia Lesso and husband, Bill of Austin, Texas, and Doug Bailey and wife, Vickie of Salem. He is also survived by a sister, Virginia Baldridge of Springfield, Missouri; a niece; 11 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren. After graduating from Mansfield High School in 1947, Benner enlisted in the United States Air Force. He served during the Korean War and was discharged in 1955. Benner moved to Salem in 1967 and was employed by Brown Shoe Company where he worked for 20 years, retiring in 1987. In his spare time, Benner had a passion for hunting and hound dogs. Graveside services were held for Benner on July 2 at Hensley Cemetery in Mansfield, Missouri. To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Benner S. Rhodes, Jr., please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.