Paul Joseph Rhodes of Sellersburg, IN passed away at the age of 77 on July 23, 2026 in Louisville, KY with his loving wife of 54 years, Phyllis by his side.

Paul was born on November 9, 1948 in New Albany, IN to Paul Alexander Rhodes and Geneva Mary (Ringle) Rhodes.

“Paul Joe” grew up in Lanesville, IN. His father passed away when Paul was two and he was raised by his mother and grandfather (Dominic Ringle). He attended Saint Mary’s School in Lanesville, then Providence High School for two years. He completed high school at Saint Meinrad Theological Seminary, then continued there with four years of college receiving a bachelor’s degree in history followed by three semesters at the School of Theology.

Paul’s early work life included auto supply, service station attendant, quarry work, laying asphalt, and construction, until joining the United States Air Force in 1972.

Paul's career began with training at Lackland AFB in TX, then Mather AFB in CA, and Castle AFB in CA. He was then stationed at Wurtsmith AFB in MI, where he achieved the rank of captain and was a navigator bombardier in the B-52. In 1976, Paul transitioned to continued service with the USAF at the Kentucky Air National Guard in Louisville, KY. During this period, Paul taught at Our Lady of Providence High School in Clarksville, IN from 1977-1981 when he accepted a full time position at the Kentucky Air National Guard.

Paul served with the Kentucky Air National Guard from 1976 - 2004; first as a Weapons Systems Operator in the RF-4 and then as navigator in the C-130. He was deployed all over the world in wartime and on humanitarian missions receiving numerous awards and honors. He served in many operational and command roles at the 123rd Airlift Wing including Vice Wing Commander. He retired as a Lt. Colonel with over 4500 flying hours.

On April 15, 1972 before leaving for basic training, Paul married Phyllis Janet Lockhart of New Albany, IN. Their military life took them from New Albany to California, then to Michigan where the family grew with the birth of Jessica Sue in 1974 and Joshua Paul in 1976. Soon after Joshua’s birth, Paul’s career shift to the Kentucky Air National Guard brought the family back to IN where they settled in Sellersburg. In 1983, their third child, Jenna Daisy, was born.

After Paul retired from the military, he served his community for 15 years as a member of the Sellersburg Town Council, with eight of those years as President.

Above all, Paul served God as a devout Christian. He was a very active member of Saint Paul/Saint John Paul II Catholic Church beginning in 1976 and served in various roles. He instilled his love of God and salvation through Jesus Christ in his family and shared it with friends and neighbors.

Paul enjoyed spending time with his family, hunting, fishing, exploring the outdoors, watching baseball and IU basketball, tolerating Phyllis’ love of UK.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents Alexander and Geneva (Ringle) Rhodes. He is survived by his wife Phyllis Janet (Lockhart) Rhodes, children Jessica (Fred) Rexroat, Joshua (Leslie) Rhodes, Jenna (Bryon) Shrock, grandchildren Valerie (Matt) Johnson, Luke Rexroat, Mac Rhodes, Maddie Rhodes, Darcy Shrock, great grandchildren Piper Johnson and Norah Johnson.

A mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at St. John Paul II Catholic Church (2253 West St. Joe Road, Sellersburg, Indiana 47172). Visitation will be held at the Garr Funeral Home (7806 Highway 311, Sellersburg, Indiana 47172) on Friday, July 31, 2026 from 3:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. A celebration of life service will be held on Friday at the funeral home at 7:00 P.M.