Thomas Walker "Dusty" Rhodes

Cmdr. Thomas ""Dusty"" Walker Rhodes, age 99, passed away August 15, 2016. He was born August 22, 1916 in Blessing, TX.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Hamilton Rhodes and Mattie Blair Rhodes; his brothers, Benjamin Bartlett Rhodes and Lawson Loraine Rhodes; and his step-granddaughter, Christa Taylor.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth; his daughters, Carolyn Rhodes and Valerie Malone; his son, Thomas Rhodes, Jr. and daughter-in-law Shirley Rhodes; his step-daughter, Stephanie Lucas; his step-son, William Jenkins; grandchildren, Catherine Stewart and Ricky Meyers; and three great-grandchildren.
He was a native of Blessing, TX and after many duty assignments with the Navy, Dusty and Ruth moved to Diamondhead, MS.
He enlisted in the Navy in 1937 where he served as a decorated fighter pilot during World War II followed by several other tours of duty including, commanding officer of Guided Missile Group 1. He retired after 28 years of honorable service on January 31, 1965.
Dusty was a socially active man who, over the years, enjoyed Diamondhead's Mardi Gras events and playing golf with friends. His family and friends will always remember him as outgoing and friendly.
A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, August 20th at RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 9113 Kiln Delisle Road, Pass Christian, MS. Visitation will be at 1 pm with a service at 2pm followed by a reception at 7415 Mahalo Hui, Diamondhead, MS.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society on line at http:www.NMCRS.org or mail to NMCRS Attn: Development, 895 No. Randolph Ste. 225, Arlington, VA 22203.
An online guestbook may be signed and memories shared at www.riemannfamily.com.