Terry Michael "Mike" Rhodes

Terry Michael “Mike” Rhodes of Montgomery, Texas slipped away from this world into eternal glory on October 31, 2023 to be with Jesus at the age of 83. Mike was born on October 26, 1940 to Moses and Mary Jane Rhodes in Louisville, Mississippi. The youngest of seven children, he enjoyed the simple things of life, roaming the country roads, fishing and swimming in creeks, and tracking rabbits in the winter. He enjoyed going to school, although it was an 8 mile bus ride into town which limited his involvement in sports and after school activities. One day instead of going to school, Mike got off the bus and walked to the courthouse to enlist in the US Navy. He worked as an A/C fighter jet mechanic on the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt for the entirety of his 4 years of service, traveling throughout the United States and to over a dozen countries. After the Navy, he moved to Houston to work with his brothers in construction and home building. When he was out with a buddy at Bill Mraz dance hall one night, he met the love of his life, Jeanette. They married and went on to have children and raise their family in Imperial Valley, located in the Aldine School District. Mike actively supported the schools and community for 36 years. He attended church, school plays, ball games and every parent meeting and always made his wife and children a priority. Mike and Jeanette were married just short of 59 years. Mike was a hard worker with an incredible work ethic. Shortly after marrying Jeanette, he began driving for Central Freight Lines and found a certain freedom behind the wheel that agreed with him. Year after year, he was recognized with awards and accolades for his outstanding Safe Driving Record and never had one incident in the 43 years with the company. Throughout his life, Mike was a talented artist, craftsman and handyman and could engineer just about anything. From home renovations and vehicle repairs, to yard art and bbq brisket, he enjoyed a challenge and took pride in his work. His love for the outdoors carried into adulthood as he instilled the same love and respect for nature into his family through hunting, fishing and camping. Mike spent many years transforming a cabin near Lufkin, hand-in-hand with Jeanette, where the family would spend countless weekends to escape the busyness of Houston. As empty-nesters, he and Jeanette built a home in the neighborhood of Diamondhead in Montgomery, TX where they have resided since 2003. In retirement, Mike and Jeanette enjoyed many road trips all over the U.S., several cruises, a train trip, bus trip, and on and on. He loved fishing and boating on Lake Conroe with his grandchildren, working in the yard with Jeanette, creating holiday yard art for his family and friends, and attending and serving at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Plantersville. He always loved having the family together for any occasion, big or small. Mike is preceded in death by his parents, Moses and Mary Jane Rhodes, his 4 brothers, Raymond, Byron, Rocky, and Harry Rhodes, and his 2 sisters Maxine Roberts and Jimmy Davis; his in-laws Emil and Annie Hermis, Emil Jr. & Ernest Hermis and Gladys Raabe; and his dear granddaughter, Bailey Jean Rhodes. He is survived by his wife, Jeanette Rhodes, his son Michael Rhodes and his wife Cheryl, and their children Courtney and Kayla and her husband Trent; his son Mark Rhodes and his wife Teri, and their children, Brianna and Bradi; his daughter Terri Rhodes Amarca and her children, Niccolo and Luca; and his daughter Vicki Rhodes Hogue and her husband Marshall, and her children Mason and Reid. Other survivors include in-laws Bob Raabe, Kenny & Bobbie Hermis, and Dinah & Dennis Bachmeyer; and his close nephew and friend, Felix “Sonny” Bowie and his wife Marsha, and many other beloved nephews, nieces, cousins and in-laws. The family will have a Visitation/Memorial from 5:00-7:00pm, Wednesday, November 8, at Sam Houston Funeral Home, 20850 Eva St, Montgomery, TX. A Rosary will be recited at 6:30pm for those who wish to participate. A funeral mass will be held at 10:30am, Thursday, November 9, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Plantersville (8227 Country Road 205, Plantersville, TX). In lieu of flowers, a donation to Texas Children's Hospital, in memory his granddaughter Bailey, would honor Mike and the Rhodes family tremendously. Thank you.

Terry Michael "Mike" Rhodes

October 26, 1940 - October 31, 2023