Intelligencer Journal/Lancaster New Era

Clarence D. "Bud" Rhoads

Clarence D.

"Bud" RhoadsClarence D. "Bud" Rhoads, 87, of Owl Hill Road, Lititz, PA, passed away on Sunday, February 10, 2013, at Luther Acres after a brief illness.Born in Warwick Township, Clarence and his wife, Norma Elaine Grube Rhoads, celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary on January 25th. Clarence and Norma met when he was 17 years old at a local swimming hole and were life partners. He was the son of the late Clarence H. and Ella Dittman Rhoads. Clarence retired in 1989 as the Shift Supervisor from the Armstrong Floor Plant after working 43 years. Years prior, he took up the hobby of carving when he worked for Sensenig?s Brothers in Lititz and at one time was in farming with Christian Hess and drove a coal truck for the ­former Kline?s.He proudly served his country with the United States Army Air Force during World War II, returning to marry Norma in 1947.A member of the Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church, he served as the former superintendent of the Sunday School and sang in the choir. Growing up, he listened to hymns, played on the organ by his father, with his eight siblings and learned to love music, including gospel and country music. He picked up various hobbies including repairing radios and televisions for family and became the "jack of all trades" and a master carver of peach seeds. He will be remembered by many for receiving one of his carvings as he loved to leave them at favorite restaurants. He also enjoyed the family cabin in Clinton County, which he helped to build, vacationing at Atlantic City, and collecting coins.He will be remembered by his loving wife, Norma, and four children: Dennis L., husband of Carol Rhoads, Ephrata, PA; Randall D. Rhoads, Mountville, PA; Rodney E., husband of Natalie, Lititz, PA, and Bonnie S. Votano, Manheim, PA; 11 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren; and three sisters, Anna Mae, wife of Robert Kulp, Manheim, PA; Stella Mary Steffy, Delaware, and Ruth Ditzler, Hershey, PA. He was preceded in death by four sisters, Mabel Gochenour, Arlene Andrew, Kathryn Dubbs, and Hilda Douple and a brother, Paul Rhoads.Relatives and friends are invited to attend "Bud?s" Life Celebration Funeral Service from the Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church, 36 Church Street, Rothsville, PA on Thursday, February 14, 2013 at 11:00 A.M. with the Rev. David A.B. Rike officiating. Interment at the Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church Cemetery. Friends may call at the Church on Thursday from 10:00 A.M. until time of service. Memorial contributions may be sent in his memory to the church. To share a fond memory of Bud, please visit our website at: www.lifecelebration.comSpacht Funeral HomeA Life Celebration Home127 S. Broad St. Lititz, PA 17543717-626-2317