Joseph F. Rhodus

In Loving Memory of Joseph "Joe" Rhodus

Joseph F. Rhodus, age 73, of Dayton, Ohio, passed away on Thursday, July 9, 2026.

Joe was born in Middletown, Ohio, in 1953. He dedicated his working career to law enforcement, working at Miami Valley Hospital for 42 years and retiring as a Sergeant in June of 2019. Throughout his career of public service, he also worked at the Miami Township and Monroe Police Departments. To everyone he worked alongside, Sergeant Rhodus was the kind of man who genuinely cared about his work and people.

At home, Joe was a man of deep devotion to his loving wife and family. For decades, he was a constant, protective presence who took great care of his wife, Shawn, and always put his family first. He was a sweet, kind, selfless, and loving human and didn't know what it was like to have a bad day - you could count on him to cheer you up, make you laugh, and be there to support. Joe loved watching football and was a Wayne High School season ticket holder for almost 20 years. We rarely missed a home game. He also loved the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Cincinnati Bengals, and you could always hear him yelling at the TV during a good game. He also enjoyed going to the local YMCA every Monday - Thursday every week getting in his workouts and chatting with everyone there. He was a proud father, a "PaPa Joe" to his beloved grandchildren, and he was loved so deeply by every single one of us in return. We are incredibly grateful, lucky, and proud of the life he built and the protection he gave us.

He is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Shawn R. Rhodus; his son, Tony, and his wife Amber Skiles; his daughters, Cheryl Pulliam and her husband Jermal, Raquel Spangler and her husband William, and Randi Jo Hammond and her husband Scott; his beloved grandchildren, Myles Pulliam, Wyatt and Willow Hammond, Zinnia and Zephyr Spangler, and Vaughn Skiles; and a community of friends, neighbors, and fellow officers who will deeply miss his charm and easygoing nature.

A visitation will be held from 11-12pm on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Routsong Funeral Home, 2100 E. Stroop Rd., Kettering, with a memorial service to follow at 12pm. The family appreciates all flowers sent in memory of Joe.