Raymond Henry Rhode Sr.

Beloved husband of the late Ruth Toepfer Rhode after 69 years of marriage.

Loving father of Raymond Rhode, Jr. (and wife, Nancy), Richard Rhode (and wife, Colleen), Keith Rhode (and wife, Cindy), Barbara Faucheux (and husband, Marille) and Kathleen Desselle (and husband, John).

Devoted grandfather of Chriss Rhode (and wife, Yvette), Kari Antalek (and husband, Eric), Melissa and Brian Rhode, and Amanda and Lindsey Desselle.

Proud great-grandfather of Morgan and Madison Rhode and Ryan and Benjamin Antalek.

Son of the late Henry Rhode and Ernestine Yeager Rhode.

Brother of the late Albert Rhode.

Also survived by other relatives and many friends.

Mr. Rhode was a veteran of WWII. His military career included service in the Louisiana Air National Guard and the United States Air Force, retiring at the rank of Major. He also retired after 28 years of service as a commercial airline pilot with Taca International Airlines.

He was a long time parishioner of St. Ann Catholic Church and will be loved and missed by all who knew him.

The family would like to express a special “Thank You” to the staff of Colonial Oaks Nursing Facility and Canon Hospice for the love, care and support that they provided.

Aged 91 years, a native of New Orleans, Louisiana and most current resident of Metairie, Louisiana.

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Funeral Mass from St. Ann Catholic Church (corner of Transcontinental Dr. and Loveland St.) in Metairie, on Friday March 30, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be in Garden of Memories Cemetery.

Friends may visit from 10:00 a.m. until time of services. Per the family’s request, the traditional party at Aunt Ruth’s will take place after the interment. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Mr. Rhode’s name, to Akula Foundation c/o Canon Hospice 1221 S. Clearview Pkwy. Jefferson, Louisiana 70121.“To fly west, my friend, is a flight we all must take for a final check.” (author unknown) Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Online guest registry available at www.leitzeaganfuneralhome.com.