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CMU s Prof Rhoads dead at 79

Editor
Posted 7/25/06

Rhoads S. Fred Rhoads, for many years a speech and theater arts instructor at Central Methodist University here, died Friday at the Fayette Caring Center after a long battle against heart disease. He …

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CMU s Prof Rhoads dead at 79

Posted
Editor
Rhoads

S. Fred Rhoads, for many years a speech and theater arts instructor at Central Methodist University here, died Friday at the Fayette Caring Center after a long battle against heart disease. He was 79.

He was remembered as one who brought insight and professionalism to his craft and ' over the years ' had influenced several generations of CMU drama students.

Judith Rethwisch, a noted high school theater arts teacher in the Afton School District in St. Louis County, recalled Prof. Rhoads as 'a mentor and friend, an excellent instructor who went beyond the classroom and helped his students professionally to achieve their goals.' She is a 1965 CMU graduate.

Born and reared in Woodward, Iowa, Mr. Rhoads had lived in Fayette for the last 15 years after a previous stint on the Central faculty.

After graduating from Simpson College, Indianola, Iowa, with a degree in speech and drama, he served two years as a member of the armed forces, stationed in Japan during the Korean War. On discharge he attended graduate school at the University of Iowa, receiving a master of arts degree. Later in 1964, Mr. Rhoads was named director of theatre and assistant professor of speech and drama at Central. During his tenure he was instrumental in establishing the Little Theatre here.

In the early 1970s, he attended the University of Missouri while continuing to teach, completing all but the dissertation toward a doctorate.

He was forced to retire in the mid-seventies due to severe health problems attendant on heart surgery. Several years thereafter he entered an order of monks associated with the Episcopal Church, withdrawing for reasons of health before completing the probationary period.

After a brief period spent in Woodward, he moved back to Fayette in 1992. In 2000, he returned to the classroom at Central Methodist as an adjunct professor of speech. He taught each semester thereafter until his health further deteriorated.

Mr. Rhoads directed and appeared in several dramatic productions at the college as well.

An avid collector of Hummel figurines and an ardent fisherman, he was a member of the American Legion, the VFW, the Elks, and the Fayette Area Community Theatre.

Nearly every year from graduation until last year, he and his fellow high school graduates held a reunion in Woodward.

Survivors include a daughter, D'Ann Wader; two grandsons, Dylan and Morgan; numerous cousins and innumerable friends.

There will be no funeral as Mr. Rhoads donated his body to medical science. A memorial service will take place in the fall.
Richard Winegard/Jim Steele

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