Rev. Luther Rhodes

Dr. Luther Rhodes, 65, of Jackson passed away Thursday, June 26, 2014, at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Aug. 15, 1948, in Arab, Missouri, to Milas Luther and Ruth Eaker Rhodes. He and Kathy Sitze were married Dec. 24, 1965, at New Hope Church near Advance, Missouri.

Luther began his journey in the ministry July 3, 1966. He was ordained May 29, 1971. He studied theology at Midwest Bible Institute and received his doctorate of ministry (DMin) from Andersonville Theological Seminary.

He pastored Randles General Baptist from 1970 to 1973; Scott City First General Baptist from 1973 to 1985; and Bertrand First General Baptist as interim pastor for 13 months. He came to Jackson First General Baptist in September 1985 and retired in December 2010.

In his retirement, he also served as interim pastor at First General Baptist Cape Girardeau and Malden First General Baptist and as pastor of Palm View Gardens Senior Adult Park in Zephyrhills, Florida.

He also served as chaplain for local law enforcement and for hospice.

He spent his life serving his community and those around him.

Loving survivors include his wife of 48 years, Kathy, of Jackson; four sons, Terry (Marilyn) Rhodes of Greenville, South Carolina, Steve (Kristen) Rhodes of Jackson, Kevin (Stephanie) Rhodes of Burfordville, and Darrin (Jessica) Rhodes of Jackson; 16 grandchildren, Elaina, Melanie, Ashton, Caylea, Tyler, Brian, Kaydi, Austin, Braden, Charlise, Jake, Devan, Trevor, Travis, Bentley and Grayson; 10 great-grandchidlren; four siblings, Wilburn (Millie) Proffer of Jackson, Charles (the late Shirley) Rhodes of Zalma, Missouri, Opal (Webster) Eaker of Cape Girardeau, and Ada (the late Russell) Masterson of Michigan.

He was preceded in death by his parents and six siblings.

Friends may call from 2 to 7 p.m. Monday at Connection Point Church, 1506 S. Farmington Road, Jackson.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the church, with Drs. Chris Vaught and Jerry Goff and the Revs. Kevin Mann and Sam Roethemeyer officiating.

Interment will follow at Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to the Connection Point Church or the American Heart Association.

Arrangements by McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting mccombsfuneralhome.com.