Leo Baxter Rhodes

Leo Baxter Rhodes, 80, of Apex was a beloved husband for 62 years of Anna Lasater Rhodes; devoted father of daughter Kathy Rhodes Denkler and son Richard Andrew Rhodes. He was preceded in death by his parents Ada Currie Willis and Andrew "Jack" Rhodes. He is survived by his wife Anna , children Kathy and husband Mike of Pensacola, FL, Rick and wife Jennifer of Apex, grandchildren Kaitlyn and Daniel, sister Janet and husband Lee Downs of Durham and stepmother Jane Ellis Rhodes of Durham.

Leo was born in and grew up in Durham. Soon after marrying Anna and graduating from high school, he was drafted as a radioman into the Navy but soon transferred to the Air Force. Leo successfully rose through the ranks from Airman to Chief Master Sergeant during a stellar 26 year military career. With his family, his tours of duty at the height of the Cold War took him to places such as Japan, Korea, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Alaska.

Retiring from the military to Apex in 1976, Leo completed a Masters Degree in Business from NC Wesleyan College while completing a second career and retiring finally as Executive Director, Wake County Job Training. Leo is best remembered for mentoring and guiding friends and family through successful lives and careers of their own. Leo's passion for fishing, gardening and traveling was only exceeded by his love for Anna, his children and grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held 1:00 pm Saturday, March 16, 2013 at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 200 SE Maynard Rd, Cary, NC 27511. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the funeral home and at the family home from 4:30-6:00 pm.

Special thanks to Hospice of Wake County, Comfort Keepers and VA Medical Center in Durham.

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to Military Missions in Action. 919-552-1603.