Wayne Eugene Rhodes passed away on January 18, 2023.

Wayne Eugene Rhodes, of Cottage Grove, Oregon, survived 25 years with a traumatic brain injury and passed away at home due to complications on January 18, 2023, at the age of 74. He was surrounded by the care of family and hospice. He was born March 25, 1948, in Forks, Washington to Nell and Gene Rhodes.

Wayne was a 1966 graduate of Drain High School in Drain, Oregon. He enlisted with the Navy in 1967 and served in the Vietnam War where he achieved the rank of Aviation Electrician 2nd class. He married Margaret Cook, the love of his life, in 1969, at the First Baptist Church in Drain, Oregon. They shared 53 years together. When he completed his service to his country, he continued his career as a journeyman electrician. In 1993, he completed his Bachelor of Science from Northwest Christian College, and over the next several years, he was an energetic professor of electronics.

Wayne enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting elk (“wapiti”), deer and game birds. He also tested his luck fishing rivers and streams while camping with his family. He was devoted to serving his church and youth leadership. He was honorable and well respected as a hard-working patriarch who loved making people laugh. Wayne was a member of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, VFW, and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

Wayne leaves behind his wife, Margaret; son, Johnathan (Vicky) Rhodes of Powell, Wyoming; son, Justice (Jan) Rhodes of Loveland, Colorado; four grandchildren, Dakota (25), Ty (24), Owen (10) and Oliver (8) as well as two great-grandchildren; and his sister, Julie McKinney of Centralia, Washington. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Chrystal Nelson; and brother, Dean Rhodes.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Margaret Rhodes, c/o Calvary Baptist Church, 77873 South 6th Street, Cottage Grove, Oregon 97424. Arrangements are in the Care of Smith-Lund-Mills Funeral Chapel and Crematorium.