ROGER F. RHODES

GIDEON -- A long-time supporter of higher education, for whom Rhodes Hall of Science at Southeast Missouri State University is named, died Friday, Aug. 9, 1991. Roger Frederick Rhodes, 89, of Gideon died at Twin Rivers Medical Center in Kennett.

His financial gifts to the university made possible both the Roger F. Rhodes Hall of Science and the Center for Teaching and Learning. His financial support also was instrumental in funding the University of Missouri's Roger F. Rhodes research farm in Dunklin County.

He formerly was a public school administrator and regional manager of The Equitable Life Assurance Society of America. He also was president of Rhodes Land Co. and Planters Gin Co. of Gideon, and was active in many farm organizations including the Soil Conservation District and the ASCS committee of New Madrid County. He served as president of the Missouri Cotton Producers Association and as director of Drainage District No. 38.

Rhodes was born Jan. 28, 1902 in Monroe City, the son of O. R. and Maude Frederick Rhodes. On Jan. 21, 1933, he married Ella Frances Hall, who preceded him in death April 2, 1989.

He was a farmer and a member of the First Southern Baptist Church in Clarkton. He received a bachelor's degree from Southeast Missouri State College in Cape Girardeau, and his master's degree from Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill.

He was an honorary colonel during the administrations of former Missouri governors Warren E. Hearnes and the late John M. Dalton.

A brother, F. Marion Rhodes of San Diego, Calif. survives. Two brothers and a sister preceded him in death.