Michael L. “Mike” Rhodes age 70 of Palmyra died unexpectedly early Friday morning November 20 at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, IL. He was born in Portales, NM on June 22, 1950, the son of the late Lavon Singleton-Rhodes and Louis Rhodes of Portales, NM. He is survived by his wife Marcia Talley-Rhodes. They were married on March 24, 1972. He is also survived by his son Chad and daughter-in-law Amber and their three girls; Makenzie, Abigail and Natalie all of Owasso, OK. Other survivors include his brother Larry and sister-in-law Debbie Rhodes of Oklahoma City, OK and several nieces and nephews. He was proceeded in death by his daughter Shawn Marie Rhodes, his mother Lavon Rhodes, and a brother Howard Rhodes. Mike was a veteran of the United States Navy and served his country during the Vietnam War. After he and Marcia married, they moved around a little before settling down in Palmyra, Illinois. Mike has worked as a welder, plumber, truck driver, and for the Illinois Department of Corrections. He retired 2010 from the Illinois Department of Corrections in Jacksonville. He had previous been a member of Illinois State Police bag pipers and traveled around the state performing. He was an active member of the local VFW and had formerly been a member of the Palmyra rescue squad. After he and Marcia retired, they began spending winters at their second home in Apache Junction, Arizona. Mike enjoyed riding his four wheeler in the deserts in Arizona, bow hunting in Illinois with his son, Chad, and nephew, Jonathan Culbertson, tinkering in his barn, and attending St Louis baseball games. He loved his family, friends, and his dog. Private graveside rites will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery. Stults-Neece Funeral Home in Palmyra is assisting the family at this time. Donations may be made to the Palmyra rescue squad in his memory. Condolences may be left online at: www.airsman-hires.com