Edwin “Pete” Rhodes, a graduate of Esther High School, died on Wednesday.
Pete was born on February 6, 1933, at home in Farmington to Ollie Dayton and Beulah Pearl Downs Rhodes.
In 1953, he entered the U.S. Army and proudly served his country until his honorable discharge in 1955.
Pete’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to own and operate Plaza Tire Service with his brother, Peewee, for more than 20 years.
Under their leadership, the business grew to 16 locations across three states before Pete retired in 1986.
He was a longtime member of the Elks Lodge and served as a trustee for over six years.
He also held membership in the American Legion Post No. 63 for more than two decades, the Eagles Lodge, and the National Republican Convention, and, most notably, served as the canteen manager of VFW Post No. 3838 for an impressive 33 years, until Monday, September 22.
A lifetime sports enthusiast, Pete’s passion for athletics left a legacy in Cape Girardeau.
In 1970, he helped establish the original Cape Travelers Baseball Team and went on to coach youth baseball for more than 15 years.
Edwin “Pete” Rhodes Passed Away, Leaving Everyone Devastated
As per the sources, baseball coach Edwin “Pete” Rhodes, 92, tragically died on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at his home.
The cause of death has not been revealed.
Joe McLemore, an audit manager at Kohlfeld Distributing, took to his official Facebook handle and mourned the loss of Pete. He wrote,
Rest in peace, Pete Rhodes you will be missed
Joe McLemore
Scott B. Smith, a resident of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, also took to his Facebook handle and wrote,
Edwin “Pete” Rhodes. Has passed away😔 My friend, and co-worker; I will miss his humor, knowledge, and dedication.
Scott B. Smith
A non-profit organization named VFW Post 3838 – Cape Girardeau, MO, also took to their official Facebook page and wrote,
It’s with a heavy heart that we share the passing of our dear friend Pete Rhodes. Pete was more than the bar manager at VFW Post 3838. He was a proud father, grandfather, and a beloved part of our family here at the Post.
VFW Post 3838
Other close relatives and family members have also extended their heartfelt condolences and sent prayers to Pete’s family, encouraging them to stay strong during this challenging time.
Please join the family at Ford and Sons Funeral Home, located at 1001 N. Mount Auburn Rd. in Cape Girardeau, for visitation on October 7, 2025, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM, and the funeral service at 11:00 AM on October 8, 2025.
Interment will follow at the Cape County Memorial Park Mausoleum. After interment, a luncheon will be hosted at VFW Post 3838, 1049 N. Kingshighway, in Cape.
In place of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Pete Rhodes to the Cape Girardeau, Missouri Veterans Home Foundation.
Rest in Peace, Edwin “Pete” Rhodes.
Pete Married Carol After His First Wife, Almaretta, Passed Away In 2009
Coach Pete Rhodes was married to Almaretta Hanson in 1956. They were blessed with two children, Debbie Lynn and Eddie Ray.
Their married life ended after 53 years following the tragic death of Almaretta in 2009.
In 2012, Pete met Carol Dewees Daniel and got married.
Carol has kept a low profile on social media, so little is known about her personal life.
