Randall Dean Rhoads, Sr.

Randall Dean Rhoads, Sr., 63, of Emporia died on Saturday, April 19, 2014 at St. Francis Hospital in Topeka.

Randy was born on May 4, 1950 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Emporia, the son of James Walter, Sr. and Phyllis Irene Parks Rhoads. He married Patricia June Cook on September 28, 1968 in Cottonwood Falls, Kansas. She survives.

Other survivors include: daughter, Lisa Rhoads of Emporia and son-in-law Troy Dial; his father, James W. Rhoads and wife Vera of Emporia; brothers, Terry Lee Rhoads, Sr., and Jimmy Rhoads, Jr., both of Emporia; grandchildren, Tylor Preeo and wife Amber, Samantha Preeo and boyfriend Andrew Mezquite, Ashlynn Rhoads, Austin Rhoads, Aerial Rhoads; and step-grandchildren Storm and Jaxon Dial.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Phyllis Irene Rhoads, and his son, Randall Dean Rhoads, Jr.

Randy graduated from Emporia High School in 1968. Following high school, he joined the United States Navy in October 1968. During his four years in the service he attended many different schools for molding and firefighting. Randy was a Vietnam Veteran, and was a lifetime member of Lowry-Funston Post #1980 Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Fraternal Order of the Eagles, both in Emporia.

After returning to Emporia in 1972, Randy went to work for Sauder Custom Fabrication, where he was employed for 37 years before retiring in October 2010. Randy enjoyed his grandchildren, hunting, fishing, wood working, and building projects for many people in the community.

Cremation is planned with a memorial service at 1:00 P.M., Wednesday, April 23, 2014 at Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home. Military honors will be presented by Ball-McColm Post #5, American Legion; and Lowry-Funston Post #1980, Veterans of Foreign Wars.

A visitation will be Tuesday evening from 7:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions to American Diabetes Association or Paralyzed Veterans of America may be sent in care of Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home.