Walter “Wally” Rhodes, 86, of Huntertown, Indiana and formerly of Ohio City, Ohio passed away Sunday afternoon, June 21, 2026, at his home.

He was born on November 19, 1939, in Van Wert, Ohio to the late Paul Profit Rhodes and Lenore Mae (Rice) Rhodes. On August 23, 1980, he married Cheryl Ann (Leonard) Rhodes in Northbrook, Illinois who survives in Huntertown, Indiana.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Cheryl; a brother, Paul M. (Anita) Rhodes of Fredricksburg, Virginia; a sister, Cynthia A. (Vincent) Belmonte of Gaithersburg, Maryland; nieces, Karen (Keith) Schmid of Ohio City, Ohio and Kelly (Rod) Cooper of Middle Point, Ohio;

and a brother-in-law John M. (Donna) Leona of Douglas, Michigan.

Wally was preceded in death by his sister, Marilyn (Ned) Scheidt of Van Wert, Ohio.

Walter was a 1957 graduate of Ohio City-Liberty High School and a 1959 graduate of International Business College. He was employed by International Harvester of Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1959 and retired from the restructured company, Navistar in Chicago, Illinois. Upon retirement he was a member of the Corporate Controller’s Staff as the Director Financial Analysis. Over many years, with integrity and hard work, Walter become a highly respected executive, with direct contact to the Chairman of the Board of Directors. His financial guidance assisted the company in the restructuring process. Today Navistar is part of International Motors LLC and continues as a member of the Volkswagon Traton Group. Wally was also a U.S. Army Veteran serving from May 20, 1962 to January 17, 1968.

Upon retirement Walter & Cheryl lived in Arkansas, Georgia and Florida before returning to the Midwest in April 2003. Wally was avid fan of many sports teams (St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Bull, Chicago Bears, Indianapolis Colts and those Ohio State Buckeyes). His life was an example of true kindness, strength, resilience and optimism.

Preferred memorials to the Ohio City United Methodist Church.

Private grave side services will be held at a later date with burial at Ohio City Woodlawn Cemetery. Funeral services are provided by Cowan & Son Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Van Wert.

Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded at cowanfuneralhome.com.