Local businessman Pee Wee Rhodes, founder of Plaza Tire, dies

Vernon "Pee Wee" Rhodes always dreamed of starting his own business and succeeded by transforming a hand-operated carwash into Plaza Tire Service, a retail business with 49 stores throughout Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky and Arkansas.

Rhodes, 76, died Friday morning at his home in Cape Girardeau.

Born in Barnhart, Mo., Rhodes grew up during the Depression and began working on his family farm at an early age. The experience taught Rhodes the value of hard work, values that his son, Scott Rhodes, said he later instilled in his children.

"He taught us how to work," Scott Rhodes said. "He taught us by having us work at an early age and by giving us responsibilities."

Scott is one of three children, along with brother Mark and sister Kelly, that Rhodes had with his wife, Carole.

Rhodes eventually passed his business on to his two sons, and Mark Rhodes said he and his brother continue to build the business much like their father did.

"He taught us by example." Mark Rhodes said. "He always had great energy and worked all the time. He was never not working."

Rhodes began his career after being discharged from the U.S. Marines in 1959. Upon returning home, he took a job with Harvest Bread in Jackson where he met Jack Lewis Sr., founder of the Bunny Bread Co.

Lewis eventually offered Rhodes a job managing Plaza Car Wash and the opportunity to own half of the business if he did a good job. Rhodes had always wanted his own business and accepted, closing the deal with a handshake.

Rhodes quickly grew the business and eventually bought Lewis' stake in the ownership. Under Rhodes' leadership, Plaza Car Wash began offering more services and evolved into Plaza Tire Service.

Scott Rhodes said Plaza Tire Service became a large-scale business because of his father's determination.

"He never gave up on anything," Scott Rhodes said. "He would just keep trying and never listened to anyone who told him something couldn't be done."

In addition to Plaza Tire, Rhodes worked with his brother and family to help open three Gulf service stations in 1963. He was also involved in real estate ventures in Cape Girardeau and other cities with Plaza Tire stores.

While he never joined a specific charity or civic organization, Rhodes gave back to the community by sponsoring the Capaha baseball team in Cape Girardeau and helped support sports teams and Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops that entered his businesses over the years asking for donations.

John Mehner, Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce president and CEO, said Rhodes was an important figure in the community and created many jobs through his businesses.

"This area, for some reason, seems to produce entrepreneurs," Mehner said. "Some areas are known for sports stars or artists, but we've had an overabundance of smart, entrepreneurial business people. Vernon Rhodes represented the best of that."

Despite his accomplishments, Rhodes always attributed his success to the support of his family and his loyal employees.

Mark Rhodes said his father's energy and ability to make friends wherever he went will serve as his legacy.

"He was one of those people everyone wanted to be around," he said. "He enjoyed life and was always on the go. He was full of life and loved every minute of it. That's how he'll be remembered."

ssemmler@semissourian.com

388-3648

Pertinent address:

2149 William St., Cape Girardeau, MO