Howard D. Rhodes, 74, Coal Valley, died Sunday, May 22, 2005 at Genesis Medical Center-Illini Campus, Silvis. Visitation is 2-5 PM Wednesday at Van Hoe Funeral Home Ltd., East Moline. Following visitation, his body will be cremated. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established. Private family burial will be held at Coal Valley Cemetery. Howard was born January 25, 1931 in Mason City, IA, the son of Oscar and Helen (Gerth) Rhodes. He married Betty Jane Newton October 12, 1951 in Muscatine, IA. He worked 35 years as a union painter retiring in 1992 from Painters local 502. He enjoyed spending time with his family, fishing, working on his truck, tinkering in the garage, or just sitting on the porch. Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Betty, children and spouses Dolly and Michael Wilson, Milan, Denny and Gloria Rhodes, Coal Valley, Dusty and Sheila Rhodes, Milan and Darrin Rhodes, Coal Valley, and Joshua Rhodes, Moline, his mother Helen Rhodes, Muscatine, six grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and brothers and spouses Roger and Delores Rhodes, Rockford, IL and Joe and Fontal Rhodes, Muscatine, and his beloved dog Sandy. He is preceded in death by sons Doug and Derrick.