AVILLA — Donald Charles Rhodes, age 90, of Avilla, passed away on Thursday, November 17, at Presence Sacred Heart in Avilla. Mr. Rhodes was born on February 12, 1926 in Swan Township, LaOtto at home to the late Charles and Veta (Beasley) Rhodes. He attended LaOtto High School and then went to serve his country honorably with the United States Army during World War II. During World War II, he was stationed in Switzerland where he was trained in skiing for military patrol. He and his unit were responsible for liberating various concentration camps during the war. On October 27, 1948, Don married Patricia J. Walt at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Avilla. Don worked for International Harvester for 35 years as an inspector before retiring on February 28, 1982. On August 16, 1980, he married Jean Ann Davis in Las Vegas, Nevada. Don was a member of the American Legion and VFW in Kendallville, American Legion Post #240 in Avilla Commander, and a member of the Elks in Albion. He enjoyed spending time with his family and traveling to nearly every state with his wife, Jean. Don loved to fish and ice fish on Eve Lake near Wolcottville. He also had a sweet tooth; he would enjoy doughnuts, chocolates, and desserts. Survivors include a daughter, Charlene Rhodes of Avilla, sons Donald Charles and Maudie Rhodes of Avilla, and Paul Wayne Rhodes of Garrett, step daughters Susan and Kent VanGorder of Avilla, and Sally and John Huelsenbeck of Avilla, step sons Terry and Robin Tonkel of South Bend, and Michael Haines of Kendallville. He also is survived by 8 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild. Don was preceded in death by his spouse, Jean Rhodes; brothers, Argyl, Ernest, Bernard, Kenneth, and George; sisters, Fern Sage and Vestal Troyer; and one step-grandchild, Robert VanGorder. Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 21, at 1 p.m. at Hite Funeral Home, 403 South Main Street, Kendallville, with visitation one hour prior from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Burial will be at Cedar Creek Cemetery near Garrett. Officiating the services will be Chaplain Tom Novi. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to Parkview Hospice. Send a condolence to the family at hitefuneralhome.com or find us on facebook.com. Arrangements entrusted to Hite Funeral Home of Kendallville.