Cecil Rhodes

Cecil M. "Dusty" Rhodes passed away at home on June 6, 2006. The oldest of four children, he was born in Havre on June 7, 1919, to Leroy E. and Jeanne Maris Rhodes.

A graduate of Havre High School, Northern Montana Junior College and the University of Minnesota with a bachelor's in civil engineering in 1941, he joined the U.S. Navy during World War II, serving on destroyers and submarines in the Pacific until he joined Naval Intelligence at the end of the war. He continued to serve in the reserves and eventually achieved the rank of commander. When he returned home from the war, he continued his career with Magnolia Petroleum Co. in exploration and production for 45 years.

In 1949, he married Carolyn "Carlie" Kuhr in Havre, and together they had five children.

After retiring, Dusty built a second home in Whitefish, where they and their children spent many memorable summers and holidays together. Dusty was a lifelong member of the Boy Scouts of America earning Eagle Scout and three palms, and was presented the distinguished Silver Beaver award. He was a dedicated member of Rotary, a 32nd degree Mason and a Shriner. Confirmed in the Methodist Church, he spent 50 years of Sundays there, but later in life attended the Christian Science Church with Carolyn.

Dusty is survived by his wife of 56 years; his brothers Bryce and Keith; his sister Doris (Mrs. David Wagner); his children Marian Eskridge and husband Jim, of Denver, Colo., Scott Rhodes, of Oklahoma City, Okla., Kathlyn Rhodes, of Sacramento, Calif., Janet Kelsey and husband Doug, of Langley, B.C., and Julie Sanderude and husband Scott, of Ridgefield, Conn.; and grandchildren Max and Carlie Rhodes, Mitchell, Jenna and Kathy Kelsey, and Paul and Carlie Sanderude.

Services were held June 12, 2006, at the First United Methodist Church in Casper, Wyo.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Boy Scouts of America, the Rotary Foundation or the United Methodist Church.