Date of death: 12/6/2010

Saint Meinrad Class: O 1941

The Rev. Joseph Rhodes, 95, passed away at the Carmel Home in Owensboro. He was born in Knottsville, the son of the late Edwin Joseph and Alma Aull Rhodes. He was a graduate of St. Francis Academy and attended St. Mary College, St. Mary. He received his philosophy and theology training at Saint Meinrad Seminary in St. Meinrad, IN. He was ordained by the Most Rev. Francis R. Cotton at St. Stephen Cathedral on June 7, 1941.His assignments included associate pastor at St. Joseph Church, Owensboro; Holy Name, Henderson; St. Joseph, Bowling Green; and St. Francis de Sales and Rosary Chapel, Paducah. Father Rhodes was pastor at St. Peter in Waverly from 1955-1965; Holy Name in Henderson from 1965-1969; pastor and rector at St. Stephen Cathedral from 1976-1985; and St. Anthony in Browns Valley from 1985-1989. He served as dean for the Owensboro Deanery for 16 years. Father Rhodes retired to the Cotton Apartments and served as chaplain for the Carmel Home until 2004.Father Rhodes was a member and chaplain of the Knights of Columbus Council No. 817. They named their building Rhodes Hall in appreciation of his many years of service.Father Rhodes loved to travel and led many pilgrimages to Europe. He was also a friend of the poor. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Dorothy Capelle and Angela Kerrick.Father Rhodes is survived by his brother, Thomas Anthony (Kay) Rhodes of Owensboro; nieces Barbara Horn of Midland, Texas, Dottie (Dave) Brian of Louisville, and Bettye (Jerry) Rouse, Paula (Jerry) Fisher and Ann Simon, all of Owensboro, and Anne (Don) Rhodes Miller of Morristown, NJ; and a nephew, Dudley Capelle of Corydon, IN.Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to the St. Stephen Cathedral Renovation Fund or to the Elderly Priest’s Care Fund, 600 Locust St., Owensboro, KY 42301.Published in the Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer on 12/8/10.