John William Rhodes, Sr.

Graveside services for John William Rhodes, Sr., 87, of Lufkin will be held Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Conner Cemetery in Kennard, Texas with Brother Doc Lazarine officiating.

John was born December 12, 1937, in the Ora Community of Angelina County, Texas to the late Mary Elizabeth (McKinney) and John Ellison Rhodes, and passed away Friday, November 7, 2025 in Lufkin.

John graduated from Central High School in 1956 and went on to attend East Texas Baptist University and Stephen F. Austin State University before earning his accounting degree from the University of Houston. He married Carmelita Andrews on December 13, 1957.

John worked for Owens-Illinois for more than 25 years as an accounting supervisor, serving in Lufkin, Texas, Sylvania, Ohio, and Orange, Texas. After retiring, John and Carmelita returned to the Lufkin area, where they made their home for more than 35 years. In retirement, they enjoyed a variety of hobbies, including arts and crafts and traveling. John especially loved spending time on his tractor, gathering pecans, working on home projects, and collecting the many treasures he found meaningful.

John is survived by his brother, Marion H. Rhodes and wife Sherry, and wife of 67 years, Carmelita Andrews Rhodes. John is also survived by his three children, Gay Nell Rhodes Hilton and husband Andy of Colorado, Linda Rhodes Modisette and husband Charles of Pollok, Texas, and John William Rhodes, Jr. and wife Laura of North Palm Beach, Florida. John’s grandchildren include Jerry D. Jones, Jr. and wife Jennifer, Natalie Modisette Ramirez and husband Matthew, and Cassidy Modisette Stillwell and partner Charlie Cortines. His great-grandchildren are Greyson and Finley Jones, Logan Ramirez, Charlie and Jack Stillwell, Maci and Garrett Rice.

John was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Elizabeth McKinney Rhodes (1967); his father, John Ellison Rhodes (1986); and his sister, Joyce Marie Rhodes Ferguson (2004).

The family expresses their sincere gratitude for the outstanding care provided by the staff at Hospice in the Pines, Lufkin, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice in the Pines, 1504 W. Frank Avenue, Lufkin, Texas 75904, or a charity of your choosing.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at Carroway Funeral Home, 2704 S. John Redditt Drive, Lufkin, Texas.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.