Leonard Rhoden , 91, passed away peacefully on Friday March 13 in Phoenix, Ariz. He was born March 27, 1917 on the family farm Udall, Kan. to John and Clara Rhoden and was one of 11 children, all of whom have preceded him in death. In 1935 he married the love of his life, Evelyn, and they moved to Phoenix in order to start their new life. Shortly after celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary, Evelyn passed away and Leonard was left to continue his journey alone. Although a very simple man, Leonard could tackle the most complicated tasks. This was a man that could build something, anything, out of nothing. He was a carpenter, an inventor, an engineer, a mechanic, you name it, and he could do it. His best days were spent rebuilding old cars, hunting the perfect game, and sitting on the best rock with his fishing pole in the water. Leonard was preceded in death by his son Leonard Lee, wife, Evelyn, and son James. He is survived by daughter Janice Rhoden, daughter-in-law Bonnie Rhoden, granddaughters Kathy (Scott) Wilson and Kim (Richard) Pharr, seven great-grandchildren and several cousins, nieces and nephews.
Leonard and Evelyn lived in Texhoma several years before moving to Arizona. He was a carpenter there. Leonard graduated from Texhoma High School in 1934. Local relations are nephew Butch and OlaMae Rhoden of Texhoma, niece Jean Bennett of Pampa, Texas; great nephews Dean and Cheryl Rhoden of Texhoma and Frank and Darla Rhoden of Perryton Texas; great nieces David and Tammy Teel of Monmouth, Ill. and Ty and Renee Ellis of Texhoma.
The family would like to express thanks to Hospice of the Valley, Sherman House, for their thoughtful care of Leonard. As Leonard was an avid out-doorsman, the family requests that contributions be donated to the Arizona Game and Fish Department, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000. A Visitation was held on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 10 a.m. and Funeral Service at 11 a.m. Both were held at Greenwood Memory Lawn Mortuary Chapel 719 N. 27 Ave. in Phoenix.