Leon Weaver Rhodes
Leon Weaver Rhodes was born on January 8, 1927 in Bridgewater, a home birth. He died at 99 at the Bridgewater Home. His parents were P.R. "Pete" Rhodes and Lenna Wenger Rhodes. He is the last surviving member of the family, and the last male member of his high school graduating class. In addition to his parents, he has a deceased sister, Pansy Hoover, and a deceased brother, Raymond, and a deceased infant sister, Ivy. He attended elementary and high school in Bridgewater graduating in 1944, and a graduate of Bridgewater College in 1948. By working at part-time jobs during school years, and full time summer jobs, he was able to pay for his college education. He taught the 7th grade at Bridgewater for 3 years, 1948-1951.
He was employed in the Timekeeping Office of J. A. Jones Construction Company in Radford VA for 2 years. He was sought by Bridgewater College in 1953 to be the Book Store Manager, and he served his alma mater in that capacity for 45 years.
He joined the Dayton Church of the Brethren as a youth, and later transferred his membership to the Bridgewater Church of the Brethren. He was active in both churches, holding a variety of positions. He and his wife served as deacons in both the Dayton and Bridgewater churches. He was chef of the men's breakfast at Bridgewater for 16 years, and head teller for 17 years. He served as chair of his high school class reunions and as the convener at the meetings. After graduating from Bridgewater College, he served in all offices in the Ripples Society, the 50 year club. He served the town of Bridgewater on two commissions. As a member of the Ruritan Club, he held all offices and served as reporter for 18 years. He was named Ruritan of the Year in the Bridgewater Club in 1981, and had 60 years of perfect attendance. He was interested in art, coin and stamp collecting, photography and wooden novelty items. He enjoyed attending football and basketball games at Bridgewater College.
In 1956 he married JoAnn Whitacre, who passed away in 2022. He is survived by a daughter, Janet Partlow of Bridgewater and a son, Robert Rhodes (Lisa) of Salem Va. Surviving also are two granddaughters. Maria Partlow and Krista Partlow and four great-grandchildren, Ryan Mutherspaw, Jr, Trey Mutherspaw, Alyvia Partlow and Jace Carter. Although not wealthy, he shared his home and his resources with family and extended family.
A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 PM on Sunday, February 22, 2026 at the Bridgewater Church of the Brethren. The family will receive friends following the service. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Bridgewater Church of the Brethren, 420 College View Drive, Bridgewater, VA 22812, or to Bridgewater College, 402 E College St., Bridgewater, VA 22812.
The family would like to thank the staff of the Serenity Household for their excellent care and compassion.
