John C. Rhodes

John C. Rhodes of Damascus, MD passed away unexpectedly Sunday evening November 14, 2021. Born March 10, 1947, he was the son of the late Gladys and Edmond Rhodes. From age three John was raised by stepmother Dorothy Virginia Rhodes of Damascus. His father Edmond Rhodes was a founder of St. Paul Catholic Church where John helped his brothers clean the church and take care of the lawns and snow removal for many years. John attended Damascus High School and graduated in 1965. He was a Journeyman Plumber Gasfitter for 45 years. He worked in many hospitals and apartment buildings across Washington D.C. throughout his career. In 1992 he became a certified truck driver through the Diesel Institute of America. He retired in 2013 after ten years plumbing at Leisure World.

Most of all John was a family man. The joy of his life was simply time spent with his devoted wife of 51 years, Carolyn; three daughters and five grandchildren. He loved doing anything his wife asked him to do! His favorite annual tradition and most special talent was making Christmas wreaths in the garage for family and friends. He was a very proud and loving father. His third round of joy in life were his five grandchildren for whom he loved playing Santa and giving hay rides for their birthday parties.

John retired from plumbing to enjoy a little rest in his favorite easy chair watching his westerns. Years of plumbing work and cancer placed heavy burdens on his health yet did not break his spirit. John faced life’s adversities head on with toughness, humor and courage.

John is survived by his stepmother Dorothy Virginia Rhodes of Damascus; wife, Carolyn; daughters, Emily Burkhardt, Amy Rhodes, Sarah Flohr; grandchildren, Ana, Sofia and Matthew Burkhardt, Larry Flohr III, Mackenzie Hayden; brothers, Edmond Rhodes (Joyce), Thomas Rhodes (Elaine), Michael Rhodes. John is predeceased by his parents Gladys and Edmond Rhodes and his sister Patricia Rhodes Mowry.

A memorial mass will be held Tuesday, November 23, 11:00 am at St. Paul Catholic Church, 9250 Damascus Road, Damascus, MD,  A  gathering of family and friends will be held  in the church narthex one hour prior to the service. For those attending a mask or adequate face covering will be required.

In Lieu of flowers donations may be made to:  St. Paul Catholic Church 9240 Damascus Rd. Damascus, MD 20872.

Online condolences may be shared with his family on our website at www.molesworthwilliams.com

Florist Info:

 All florists must deliver flowers to  St. Paul Catholic Church, 9250 Damascus Road, Damascus, MD,            

 All flower arrangement must have DUPLICATE flower cards with them at time of delivery, One for the family and one to stay with the flower arrangement!

Thank You

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