ISHMAEL C. "DUSTY" RHODES was born in Detroit, Texas on September 18, 1917. He was called home on October 15, 2002 at the age of 85 years. Mr. Rhodes was the oldest of four sons, born to Walter and Blanche Rhodes . He was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force as a member of the 137th fighter bomber wing. He served not only in World War II but also in the Korean War. Mr. Rhodes has to his record 351 combat missions that he flew over China, Burma, and India and had been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. "Dusty" had been a Mason for 59 years, he was a charter member and past master of Sagemont Lodge #1426. He had also been past Commander of Park Place Commandry #106, and was recipient of the Knights Templar Cross of Honor, past High Priest of Park Place Chapter #458, and was past TIM of Park Place Council #373. Ishmael had also been a member of Allendale Baptist Church. Mr. Rhodes is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Billie Jo Rhodes; son Ishmael Rhodes and wife, Sandra; daughters, Theresa Foreman and husband, Steve, Mitzi Marshall and husband, John, and Gina Billings and husband, Steve; grandchildren, Joshua, Daniel, and Tabitha Rhodes, Caroline and Katie Foreman, and Wayne and Holly Marshall; brothers, Ronald Rhodes, Walter Rhodes and wife, Peggy, and Wendell Rhodes and wife, Carol; and special brother-in-law, James Green and wife, Jerri. Family and friends will gather for visitation on Wednesday, October 16, 2002 from 6:00pm until 8:00pm at the funeral home. A service to celebrate Mr. Rhodes' life will be held on Thursday, October 17, 2002 at 1:00pm in the chapel of SouthPark Funeral Home with Pastor Danny Kilcoyne, officiating. Following the funeral service Mr. Rhodes will be laid to rest in the gardens of SouthPark Cemetery, with Military Honors.

Houston Chronicle
Wednesday 10/16/02