Mr. Rhoten's obituary circa May 1930 is courtesy of Lebanon-Laclede County Library and also Laclede County Historical Society, Lebanon, MO (Virginia Lawson Long): -- Rich Rhoten Dies Suddenly -- Richard F. Rhoten, a prominent farmer of the Graves neighborhood west of Conway, was found dead in the woods near his home Tuesday night. He had left the house about three o'clock, apparently in the best of health, to do some chopping. When he failed to return at supper time the family became alarmed and went to look for him. Neighbors joined in the search and the body was discovered about 10 o'clock where he had been at work. Mr. Rhoten had always enjoyed good health, never requiring the services of a physician, and his sudden death comes as a terrible shock to the family and friends. Funeral services will be held at Warden Chapel Friday morning at 11 0'clock, conducted by Rev. Kerr and Rev. Shook, and burial will be in the Graham cemetery, directed by W. E. Holman. Mr. Rhoten was born in Park county, Indiana, February 24, 1862. He was married October 15, 1891 to Mrs. Ether [sic] Haymes [nee Dustin] and to them were born one daughter and three sons, the daughter dying in infancy. The sons are Lee, of Conway; Alva, of Taft, California; and Orvil, of Noel, Mo. He is also survived by his wife, an adopted daughter, Ester Bell; two step sons, Lon S. Haymes and Lawrence Haymes, of Springfield; three brothers, Alf and Alex, of near Conway; Noah, of March, Mo; two sisters, Mrs. Hannah Clifton, of Conway, and Mrs. Sarah Taylor, of Bule Jacket, Oklahoma; and seven grandchildren. Mr. Rhoten was converted in 1922. He was a good Christian man, a devoted husband and father and a loyal friend and neighbor, highly respected by everyone.

- Jane Denny
Added: Sep. 26, 2009