Wilbur "Tipp" A. Rhodes Sr.

Wilbur A. “Tipp” Rhodes Sr., 94, of Richfield, passed away at 5:25 p.m., Monday, September 18, 2017 at Brookline Manor.

Born December 7, 1922 in Wayne Township, Atkinson Mills, he was a son of the late Eva G. (Woodward) and Mack Rhodes. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by three brothers and seven sisters.

He is survived by: his wife, Grace E. (Knepp) Rhodes, whom he married  Sept. 16, 1949, celebrating 68 years and two days of marriage; children, Pauline Klingel and husband, Richard, of Middletown, Wilbur A. Rhodes Jr. and wife, Patricia, of New Bloomfield, Delores A. Richens, of Mifflintown, Marjorie E. Swartz, and companion Gordy, of York, and Ronald J. Rhodes and wife, LouAnn, of Richfield; sister, Pearl Robinson, of North Carolina; 14 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Wilbur served in the U.S. Army during WWII from 1943-1945. He was a P.O.W., earning many medals and receiving a purple heart.

He was a trackman and machine operator for the railroad, from 1948-1983, retiring after 35 years.

Tipp enjoyed woodworking and visiting his family, especially his grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, Sept. 22 at Heller-Hoenstine Funeral Homes, Inc., Woodlawn, 200 N. Main St., Lewistown with Pastor Jeannine Berube officiating.

Viewings will be held from 6 – 8:00 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 21 and from 1 – 2:00 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22, at the funeral home.

Interment, with VFW military honors, will take place in Juniata Memorial Park, Lewistown.

Memorials in Wilbur’s name may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.hellerhoenstinefuneralhome.com.

 Service Information