Obituaries

Thomas Nelson Rhodes, 79, of Clarksburg, passed away on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at his residence.

He was born in Phoenix, Arizona on March 1, 1945, the son of the late B.F. Rhodes and Emma Jane Mace Rhodes.

He is survived by children; Betty Sue Rhodes Brooks and husband Charlie of AZ, Gregory Lynn Talkington and wife Diane of Clarksburg, Donetta Talkington Ortenzio and husband Lou of Clarksburg and Darin Talkington and wife Heidi of OH, eight grandchildren; Connor Brooks, Kyle Brooks, Rachael Jones, Paige Paugh and husband Elijah, Adam Talkington and wife Tara, Sal Bombardiere and wife Emily, Jocelyn Bombardiere and Troy Bombardiere, three sisters; Emma Jane Rhodes Brazaell of TX, Frances Anna Rhodes Bolyard of Kingwood, WV and Velma Marcena Rhodes Cross of Kingwood, WV and several nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.

Tom was recently preceded in death by his wife of 27 years, Nina Talkington Rhodes, and also by his first wife, Glenna “Sue” Harris Black, and his second wife, Betty Jean Rhodes, as well as his brother Phillip Rhodes.

Thomas graduated from Tunnelton High School and attended Appalachian Bible College studying Theology.

Tom proudly served in the United States Navy onboard the USS Isbell (DD-869), a Destroyer, during the Vietnam War. The USS Isbell’s primary function was to serve as an escort for aircraft carriers while operating in the combat zone, providing protection against enemy threats and also provided naval gunfire support to the ground troops in Vietnam. Tom received a Citation for Bravery from the Commander of the USS Isbell and from the Commander of the Pacific Fleet for Bravery Under Fire when they rescued US Air Force personnel in the Gulf of Tonkin, South China Sea, while under enemy fire for 30 minutes. This award is given to someone who acts with bravery and courage in an emergency while jeopardizing their own life to save another.

He retired from the John Manchin Sr. Health Care Center as a nursing assistant and worked at the Weston State Hospital. He was a member of the Congregational Missionary Church where he served on the Board, sang in the choir and was an assistant Sunday School teacher.

Family and friends may call at the Congregational Missionary Church, 203 Hazelwood Ave., Stonewood, WV on Thursday, December 26, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. The funeral service will follow visitation at 12:00 noon with Pastor Sherman Goodwin, Pastor Austin Lynch and Pastor Lou Ortenzio presiding. Interment will follow at the West Virginia National Cemetery with full military honors accorded.

Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family at wwwamoscarvelli.com. A service of Amos Carvelli Funeral Home.