Joe L. Rhoades

Joe Lee Rhoades went home to be with the Lord on September 17, 2024, at the age of 87.

 Joe was born Oct. 16, 1936, in Maybank, Texas to Preston Rhodes and Estelle Sullivan. As a youngster Joe picked cotton and worked in vineyards. His family moved around quite a bit. Joe lived in Texas, Arizona, California, South Dakota, and Wyoming.

 While living in California Joe began driving truck and it was in California that he found the love of his life. On June 3, 1972, Joe married Ruth (Sharp) Plumb. It was through this union that Joe gained two young sons, Earl Jr. and Terry. He raised these boys as if they were his own.

 During their marriage, Joe and Ruth lived in South Dakota and Wyoming. They raised their family in the small community of Riverton, Wyoming. Here Joe worked in the uranium mines. After the boys graduated, the family lived a short time in South Dakota before finally settling in Gillette, Wyoming. Joe worked in the coal mines as a heavy equipment mechanic. It would be this occupation that eventually led to Joe becoming disabled.

 Joe loved building and working on old cars and trucks, fishing, and spending time with family and friends. He also enjoyed helping his son Terry with stock car racing, where he was part of the “pit crew”.

 Joe is preceded in death by his parents, siblings, one granddaughter and his wife. He is survived by his two sons, Earl (Barb) Plumb and Terry Plumb, four granddaughters, eleven great grandchildren, and extended family members.

 At Joe’s request no service will be planned and cremation has taken place. Joe and Ruth’s ashes will be spread in a private celebration of life above Crowheart, Wyoming.