Douglas T. Rhodes Feb. 10, 1963 – April 19, 2023

Ret. Major Douglas T. Rhodes, 60, Hollidaysburg, died peacefully at the Presbyterian Village Hollidaysburg after a heroic 17 year battle with brain cancer. Doug was born in Bellefonte, son of Robert and Linda (Duck) Rhodes. He married Margaret Gildea on June 28, 1986. Surviving are his wife Margaret (Gildea) Rhodes, his parents Bob and Linda, sons; Samuel (Rachel) of Hollidaysburg and Luke (Hannah) of Indianapolis, Indiana, a daughter; Clair (TBD) of Hollidaysburg, 3 grandchildren: Marshall Judge, Faith Elisabeth, and Ridge Douglas. Doug is also survived by his sister Lisa (John) Urban of Hollidaysburg and their children; Brian, Kate and Sarah, and too many Gildeas to count. He was preceded in death by his beloved uncles; Jim, Walt and Dave and his Aunt Judy. Diagnosed with brain cancer at the age of 43, Doug never asked “Why me?” He instead said “Why not me – I’ve done more in my 43 years than most – I am blessed!” Doug was a proud Club ‘81 graduate of Hollidaysburg High School where he earned high academic honors. He also was a talented athlete, playing center for the Golden Tigers football team and was invited to play in the Big 33 game. Upon graduation, he received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy, earning a BS in Oceanography. While at the Academy, Doug was a two year starter on the offensive line – playing in the Liberty Bowl in 1981. One of his proudest moments as a player was in 1984 –his senior season- when Navy defeated the #2 ranked South Carolina Gamecocks – crushing their Orange Bowl bid. After graduating from the Naval Academy, Doug was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. He then went on to flight school in Pensacola, Florida, earning his Wings of Gold in 1987. Doug’s dream was to fly helicopters – “Anyone can fly jets, helicopters are hard to fly- they don’t want to stay in the air!” He and Margaret next moved to North Carolina where he trained to fly the CH-46 helicopter. Doug joined his first active duty squadron, HMM-264 and completed two Mediterranean deployments - participating in Operation Provide Comfort in the first Gulf War – airlifting supplies to the Kurdish refugees. In 1993, Doug and family moved back to Hollidaysburg where he started his own business, Pro Active Sports and also flew helicopters for the Stat MedEvac. Doug retired in 2006 from the United States Marine Corps Reserves with 20 years’ service. His military honors include: the Air Medal; Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, one star; National Defense Service Medal; Southwest Asia Service Medal; Humanitarian Service Medal; Armed Forces Reserve Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. Throughout his life, Doug was an avid outdoorsman. He loved hunting, fishing, trapping and just being in the woods. He enjoyed many trips to Canada and Ole Bull fishing with his father, grandparents, uncles and children. He also loved coaching all levels of football, baseball and softball. He relished seeing the growth of his player’s character as much as their skills. Despite Doug’s many personal, military and business accomplishments, he was most proud of his marriage to Margaret and cherished the life that they built with their children and grandchildren. Regardless of the challenges he faced, Doug Rhodes possessed an unwavering moral code. He lived every aspect of his life with integrity and honor. He was a role model to many and will be sadly missed by the countless people whose lives he touched. A Gathering of Friends will be held from 4 to 8 pm Monday April 24, 2023, at Hollidaysburg Church of the Brethren, 1028 Penn Street, Hollidaysburg. A Celebration of Life will be held at 10 am Tuesday April 25, 2023 at the church. Arrangements are by Plank, Stitt & Stevens Funeral Home, 421 Montgomery Street, Hollidaysburg. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Doug’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.