Charles "Bud" Rhodes

Charles L. (Bud) Rhodes, 85, passed away on June 4, 2021, in Globe, AZ, due to complications of Alzheimer’s disease. Bud was born at home on August 20, 1935, in Kansas City, MO. The second child of five born to Elmer L. and Thelma (Hines) Rhodes. He was his older sister’s buddy and was always called Bud with most people never knowing his given name. In July 1949, his mother married Byron L. Brown. Shortly thereafter, the newly blended family of now seven children moved to Silver City, NM. Bud went to high school in Silver City; and at the age of 17, enlisted in the Army in August 1952, during the Korean War, and was discharged in August 1955. Because of his young age, he was not allowed to serve in combat, so he was assigned overseas to an Army base in Hokkaido, Japan, for 2 ½ years. Upon discharge, he briefly lived in Pueblo, Colorado and then followed his parents to Globe, Arizona, around 1956, where he remained the rest of his life. In 1957, he married Carroll Jackson and together they had two children, Terry and Mike. He enjoyed family time with his kids whether it was his daughter sitting on his lap and going through his pockets or spending time with his family listening to vinyl records, picnicking, or camping near Big Lake. He worked various jobs until the early 60’s when he discovered his passions for welding and layout while working at the Christmas Mine near Winkelman, AZ. He subsequently worked for the local copper mines, the logging industry, and ultimately with two short-line railroads, Copper Basin Railway, Hayden, AZ, and Arizona Eastern Railway, Miami, AZ. He retired in 1997 and for twenty years worked, and played, in his home welding shop repairing and fabricating for himself and others and creating metal artwork – especially with horseshoes. He would often say that there were only 2 things he could not weld – the crack of dawn and a broken heart! His quirky sense of humor endeared him to many, including the staff at Judy’s Cook House where he and Jan were regulars. He used many “one liners” in conversations – notably “That’s Once” and “Handy as a Pocket on a Shirt”. Throughout his life, Bud continued to enjoy visiting family and friends and being outdoors. Many more memories were made while camping, hunting, fishing, and horseback riding with the “infamous” local Sheriff’s Posse. On July 4, 1981, Bud married Jan in Las Vegas, NV. They met while working at a local copper mine and were considered by many to be the “mismatch” of the century. Happily, their 40-year marriage proved the doubters wrong. Independence Day turned out to be a great anniversary as not only did Bud lose his independence on that day, but every anniversary included a parade and fireworks. Bud and Jan enjoyed 40+ years of recreating in the eastern White Mountains, especially in Greer and at Bear Paw RV Park in Eagar and fishing the surrounding lakes. The family sends heartfelt thanks and gratitude with big hugs and love to the many caregivers, Aviant Hospice workers, and Faubush Family Homes staff who helped care for Bud over the years. Bud was preceded in death by his parents; 2 brothers Rodger and Richard; 1 stepbrother Ron Brown; and 1 sister Rosalie Stinchcomb. He is survived by Janell (Jan) his wife of 40 years of Globe; daughter Terry (Duane) Dowler of Globe; son Mike of CA; sister Beverly (Larry) Virant of Pueblo, CO; stepsister Kay Joines of Crane, TX; granddaughter Elisia Penrod of Show Low, AZ; 2 grandsons, Scott of Tucson, AZ, and Daniel (DJ) Dowler of OK; 6 great-grandchildren, Timmy, Tisen, Torri, Dakoda, Darrell, and Nessa; very close family friend of 70+ years Carl (Barbara) Scholl of Silver City, NM, and numerous extended family. There will be a public reception in Bud’s honor on Thursday, June 24, 2021, from 10:30 A.M. to 12:00 noon at Lamont Mortuary of Globe, 328 S. Hill St., Globe, AZ.