Sonny Rhoades

A private family graveside service will be held for Dwight D. "Sonny" Rhoades at the Orleans Cemetery in Orleans, Nebraska with Pastor Lana Dake, officiating.

Dwight D. "Sonny" Rhoades, 87 years of age, of Orleans, passed away on Saturday, April 11, 2020, at the Beaver City Manor in Beaver City, Nebraska.  Sonny was born September 12, 1932, in Cawker City, Kansas, the only child of Daniel "Guy" and Hilda (Hunter) Rhoades.  He received his education in Cawker City.

Sonny was inducted into the United States Army on January 14, 1953, and was honorable discharged on December 23, 1954.  He served with Company B of the 83 ^rd Engineer Battalion, and received the National Service Defense Medal.  Upon his honorable discharge, Sonny came to Orleans, to work at his father's filling station.  This is where he met Helen (Beck) Rhoades, and the couple were united in marriage on March 18, 1958.  To this union three children were born:  Teresa, Daniel, and Dennis.  The family made their home in Orleans, where Sonny was employed for ten years by Tripe Motor Company in Alma, Nebraska as a mechanic.  He then accepted a position as a mechanic with the Nebraska Department of Roads until his retirement.

Sonny enjoyed raising horses, hunting, tinkering in his garage, playing card games, watching the same old westerns, and giving everyone he came across a hard time.

He was preceded in death by his parents:  Guy and Hilda Rhoades.

Sonny is survived by his faithful wife of 62 years, Helen Rhoades; his three children:  Teresa Weak and her husband, Steve; Daniel Rhoades; and Dennis Rhoades, all of Orleans; four grandchildren:  Angela Craig and her husband, Curtis of Phillipsburg, Kansas; Tracy Weak and his wife, Natashia of Holdrege, Nebraska; Rachel Dallmann and her husband, Joey of Elm Creek, Nebraska; and Lucas Rhoades of Kearney, Nebraska; ten great-grandchildren:  Cory Philby; Kayla Philby; Kane Craig; Josh Craig; Ty Craig; Trenton Weak; Tyler Weak; Taylor Weak; Kynadi Dallmann; and Revyn Dallmann; one great-great granddaughter, Stella Philby; and other relatives and friends.

A memorial has been established in Sonny's honor, and kindly suggested to the family for later designation.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Bauer-Torrey & Mach Funeral Home in Alma is in charge of the arrangements.