Obituary of Charles Vincent Rhoades Sr.

Just over four months after the death of his wife, Charles Vincent Rhoades, Sr. went home to be with the Lord and the love of his life on October 6, 2023, at the age of 88. Vincent had a courageous multi-round battle with Cancer; however this time, weakened by a broken heart, he succumbed to the disease in his home in Oakville, Washington.

 

Vincent was born March 26, 1935, to Charles Ray and Gracie Mary Rhoades in Dodge City, Kansas. He was raised in Centralia, Washington, living up Zenkner Valley Road with his one brother and three sisters.

 

When Vincent turned 16, he left with the Clyde Beatty Circus and worked as a horse trainer and Assistant Ring Master for two years. During his time with the circus, he appeared in two movies, “The Ring of Fear” and “3 Ring Circus.” After his time in the circus, he returned to Centralia in late summer of 1954.

 

On November 7, 1954, Vincent married the love of his life, Shirley Anne Boeck, in Centralia. Shirley and Vincent lived in California, and the Washington cities of Humptulips and Selah early in their marriage, before settling at the family home at the top of Zenkner Valley in 1976, where they raised their five children.

 

Vincent spent his adult life working several jobs, including being a truck driver, laborer, and heavy equipment operator. He worked for several employers during his lifetime until 1979, when he joined the International Union of Operating Engineers Local #612. Vincent spent 20 years working at WIDCO, Centralia Mining Company, and finally Trans-Alta. After retirement, Vince and Shirley volunteered for the Washington State Parks as campground hosts at Rainbow Falls State Park. Still feeling the need to work full-time, Vincent returned to full-time status with Parks at Rainbow Falls.

 

In addition to Vincent’s volunteer service with the State, he served 11 years at Thurston County Fire District #16 - Gibson Valley. Before leaving the Fire Department in 1993, he had served for seven years as the Fire Chief. Vincent also served in several positions with Youth Sports in Centralia.

 

Vincent is survived by four of his children, Chris Montelongo, Centralia; Susan Morales, Centralia; Charles Rhoades, Jr. (Donna), Ethel, Washington; and Carlton (Cassondra) Rhoades, Oakville, Washington; 13 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; and his brother, Larry (Cathy) Rhoades of Rochester, Washington.  Vincent was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley; his parents; his three sisters; and daughter, Beverly Ramirez.

 

A Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday, November 4, 2023, 2:00 p.m. at Oakview Grange in Centralia.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in Vincent’s name to Washington State Parks.

 

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