Merle A. Rhoades, 81, of Seneca, KS, formerly of Culbertson, NE, died Sunday, October 26, 2003, at Crestview Manor care home in Seneca where he had been a resident since 1987.

He was born September 18, 1922, in Culbertson, the son of George and Fairy Seybold Rhoades. He attended District 20 Grade School and graduated from Culbertson High School in 1939. Merle worked for the CB & O Railroad as a fireman before he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1942. He served during World War II and was honorably discharged in 1944. He spent time in Veterans Hospitals in Downey, IL and Topeka before he entered Crestview Manor in 1987.

He was married to Elma Jean Taylor March 22, 1942 in Oberlin, KS. They were later divorced.

His memberships include the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #6219 and the American Legion, both in Culbertson. He had enjoyed boxing in his younger days and boxed in the Golden Gloves Contest sponsored by the McCook Elk’s Club. While he was hospitalized, he reached out to others and volunteered over 14,000 hours for the benefit of veterans. He received recognition numerous times for his volunteer service with the Veterans Administration.

Survivors are his son, Michael Rhoades of Rancho Cordova, CA; two brothers, Earl Rhoades of Amarillo, TX, and Wayne Rhoades of Union City, CA; two sisters, Barbara Almond of Elizabeth, CO, and Maxine Talley of Culbertson.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Emma Rhoades and LaVaughn Anderson; and two brothers, William and Glenn Rhoades.

Funeral service will be Thursday, October 30, at 11 AM at Carpenter Breland Chapel in McCook, NE. Burial will be in the Culbertson Cemetery, with a miltirary honor guard by theCulbertson VFW.

Memorials may be given for the American Cancer Society, and sent in care of the family.

Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca handled local arrangements.