Larry Gene Rhoads

Larry Gene Rhoads, 75, of Muncie, IN passed away on Monday, February 20, 2023, after a battle with cancer. His family was beside him until the end. 

Preceded in death by his father John Solomon Rhoads, mother Illa May (VanMatre) Rhoads, his half-brothers John Rhoades and Jack Rhoades and half-sisters Joyce (Rhoades) Bradbury and Erma June (Rhoades) Wilson.  

He leaves behind his wife, Patricia Ann Rhoads of Muncie, IN; his daughter, Stephanie Ann (Rhoads) Reeves of Granger, IN; and his granddaughter Kaitlyn Ann Reeves of Austin, TX. Extended family includes his brother-in-law Bruce Holding of Muncie, IN, and several nieces and nephews. 

Larry was born in Muncie, IN, and attended Central High School. Larry was known as the man who could fix anything.  Not only was he a trusted mechanic, but he could fix anything in the house from plumbing to electrical work to drywall and more. In 1981, Larry built the house that he and his wife Patricia lived in for the last 42 years of his life. 

His career as a mechanic and a skilled handyman started when he attended trade school, specializing in sheet metal and welding. He trained for 1 year at Manpower and installed signs for Boxwell Signs. He also worked installing kitchen cabinets and countertops at Perfection Kitchens and painted trucks. Larry’s work ethic was unmatched, and you could always find him in the garage repairing cars with his friends. He worked long days and broke in several pairs of work boots throughout his life. Larry was always fixing something - he liked to stay busy and was always tinkering with his tools.  

He had two large gardens filled with vegetables and was always giving away tomatoes to his friends.  He was a dependable friend who was always there to help his many close friends when they needed it. If you were ever in trouble or broken down on the side of the road, Larry would show up to help you no matter what. He was a man of his word. If he said he was going to do something, he did it every time. 

Larry liked to watch John Wayne movies and The Godfather.  He had a wealth of knowledge on how things worked and events in history. He was always trying to teach you something about the world in every conversation. Larry liked to tell jokes even if he was the only one laughing. He looked forward to the James Dean festival to see all the old cars and drive around with his family in his golf cart. He liked racing and participated in the demolition derby. 

Larry was very proud of his daughter Stephanie and granddaughter Kaitlyn.  Being a mechanic, he was involved in fixing up both of their first vehicles which was a point of pride for him. He was a smart, dependable man, and a loyal friend, and he worked hard to provide for his family. He will be truly missed.

Services will be held at East 16th Street Church of God, 2605 E. 16th Street, Muncie, IN 47302 on Friday, February 24, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. officiated by Pastor Doug Lucy. Family and friends may call from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at East 16th Street Church of God. 

Parson Mortuary and Cremation Center will be arranging the cremation. 

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the National Rifle Association at https://donate.nra.org/donate. Condolences may be posted online at www.Parsonmortuary.com.

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