Paul Allyn Rhoades Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Paul Allyn Rhoades of Boonville, IN passed away May 19, 2022. Born Garland Pete Shoptaugh, Jr. on November 2, 1946, to Martha Pauline Shoptaugh of Evansville. After his mother’s death his maternal grandparents adopted him. In 1964, Paul changed his name in honor and memory of his mother. Paul enlisted in the Marine Corp serving from 1967-1971 during the Vietnam Conflict. He received 13 Medals of Honor, 2 Purple Hearts with Gold Star as Presidential Unit Citation, Combat Action Ribbon, 2 Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Ribbon, Vietnamese Service Medal with 5 Stars, RBN Cross of Gallantry, Vietnamese Campaign Medal Ribbon with Devise, Rifleman Badge, and Retirement Medal. In 1971 Paul returned home to begin the most rewarding journey of his life: fatherhood. Paul often said that he never wanted to be remembered as a Marine, but as a father. He lived for his children, and to Gil, John, and Kim he was their true hero and role model. Once his children were grown, he took on a new role as Grandfather which gave him more joy and a new burst of life. Paul found his best friend and love later in life, Lynda Rhoades and has been happily married 23 years. With his marriage, he gained Lynda’s beautiful daughters, as well as additional grandchildren. Paul had a passion for animals especially for horses, dogs, and parakeets. Paul leaves this Earth in body but will live on in the hearts of his family and friends. He was a life member of American Legion, V.F.W. 1114, Disabled American Veterans, AmVets, Brotherhood of American Veterans, and many other clubs. Surviving Paul are his children Gil (Leah) Rhoades, John (Jennifer) Rhoades, and Kim (Ryan) Alvey; his wife, Lynda Rhoades; stepdaughters, Terri (James) Peters, Debbie Cooper, Dawn Cooper, and Carla (Chris) Matthews; grandchildren Braiden and Breanna Rhoades, Harper Alvey, Hayden Rhoades, Kaya (Jake) Duckworth, Ainsely, Lundon, Moses, Bella, Titus, and Elias Matthews; cousin, Martha Stocker; brothers, Ray (Ruth) Rhoades, Dusty (Sally) Rhoades and many cousins. Paul was preceded in death by his mother, Martha Pauline Shoptaugh; grandparents, Clarence and Marie Rhoades; many aunts and uncles. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 25, 2022 at Ziemer Funeral Home East Chapel, 800 S. Hebron Avenue. Visitation will continue from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Thursday, May 26, 2022 at the funeral home. A funeral service will begin at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home with Reverend Bill Tennyson officiating. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery where military rites will be conducted at the graveside. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516. Condolences may be made online at www.ziemerfuneralhome.com.

Paul Allyn Rhoades

November 2, 1946 - May 19, 2022