Gregory Charles Rhodes, 51, of Ozark, Mo, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on September 12, 2022. He was born on October 16, 1970 in St. Louis, MO to the late Lucy Rhodes. Gregory grew up in St. Louis, MO and graduated from Lindbergh High School in 1989. While in high school, he ran cross country, track and was involved in theater. He also began working his summers for St Louis ARC at Camp Lion’s Den. He went on to college to pursue a degree in recreational therapy, starting at University of Central Missouri and then transferring to Southwest Missouri State University. During his time in college, he joined a program through SMSU and became an au pair for a family in Connecticut. In 1995, he met and fell head-over-heals for Kristina Roberts and they were married on May 16, 1998. They had three amazing children who he loved and cherished more than anything. In 2000 he was accepted into the Springfield Fire Academy beginning his 18 year career as a firefighter. In 2008, Gregory’s love for his country called him to enlist and serve in the United States Army National Guard. He attended OCS and ended his nearly 10 year military career as a 1LT. Gregory was a man of faith with a true servant’s heart. He served his church, family, community and country, always giving each 110% of himself. Gregory was a mentor and inspiration to so many. He was an active member of the Boy Scouts, with roles in Pack 75 and Troop 201 in Ozark with his boys. He was also a member of the Order or the Arrow and achieved his brotherhood. He was an assistant scout master, a committee member and role model. He was an active member of Ozark United Methodist Church, volunteering in many areas, working with the youth, or anywhere he was needed. He was also an active member of the Emmaus community and a Master Mason with the Friend Lodge # 352 in Ozark. Gregory’s most important role was husband and father. Growing up without a father in his own home, he made sure he played an active role in his children’s lives. His family was everything to him and his children were his world. Gregory took part in everything they did, whether it was school, sports, church, or just growing pains. He didn’t want to miss a thing. In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by his father-in-law, James Roberts; godfather, Kenneth Berryman; god sister Dornice Westfall. Gregory is survived by his soul mate and one true love, Kristina Rhodes; children, Declan Rhodes, McKenna Rhodes and Aiden Rhodes; brothers, Dale Rhodes and Walter Rhodes; sisters, Caroline Nelson, Rita Rhodes, and Betty Rhodes; brother from another mother, James Dennis (Pam); godmother Princella Berryman; god brother, Oscar Berryman; god sister Karen Harvey (Cornell); mother-in-law, Katie Roberts; sister-in-law, Julie Dockweiler (Jeff). He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, family and friends that he loved with his whole heart. The family would like to thank all those who showed so much love and compassion for him over the years, especially these last few months during the hardest part. We love that you loved him as much as we do. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Gregory’s name to UMCOR. Gregory’s favorite color was purple. We would like to ask people to honor Gregory by wearing something purple to the visitation or service. If cannot attend, please think of wearing purple on that day.

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