Ltc "Ray" Leo Rhodd

LTC Raymond "Ray" Leo Rhodd, 78, of Topeka, KS, passed away on Saturday, June 3, 2023. He was a proud member of the Thunder Clan of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation and carried the name Nahmankwet, meaning "Lead Cloud", which he fully embodied as the leader of his family.

He was born May 19, 1945 in Winfield, Kansas, the son of Maurice Leo and Avis Arlene (Hankins) Rhodd. Raymond graduated from Dexter High School in 1963 and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business from Southwestern College in Winfield, KS.

He began his military career when he entered the United States Army in 1967, retired active duty 1999, and went on to serve for the Department of the Army until he retired on July 1, 2021. Throughout his military career he received the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Vietnam Service and Campaign Medals, the Combat Infantry Badge (CIB) and numerous other awards.

He was a member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, VFW Post No. 1650, Military Officers Association of America, National Guard Associations of both Kansas and the United States and numerous other memberships. He was an active volunteer of the Kansas National Guard Museum in Topeka.

Ray met and fell in love with his life-long companion of 33 years, Sandra "Sandy" Davern. She survives in Topeka with her children, Sean (Liz) Davern of Seattle, WA and Shelley Davern of San Diego, CA. Other survivors include the following: his son, Brian (Brie) Rhodd of Mayetta, KS, and their children, Colter, Kinleigh and Kolby Rhodd, Baylie Ginter-Anderson, Brooke and Briley Ginter; his son, Bradley (Dusty) Rhodd of Lawrence, and their children, Liam and Alaina Miller; his son Steven Rhodd of Hoyt, KS and his son, Steven Rhodd, Jr.; his sister, Alice Shelton of Wichita, KS, her son, Dan (Maria) Ehmke and their daughter, Makayla.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Roy L. Rhodd; and his brother-in-law, Jack Shelton.

Ray had gone by many titles throughout his life, but his favorites were being called "Dad" from his sons and "TaTa" and "Grandpa" by his grandchildren. His favorite part of life was spending time with family. He enjoyed spending time with his beloved Sandy "Sweetie," "His Three Sons" and their kids. After retirement, Ray was extremely active in many veterans organizations. He was the embodiment of a man that loved God and lived to serve and protect his family, his friends and his country.

The family will receive friends from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m., Sunday, June 11, 2023 at Dove Cremations & Funerals, Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Rd, Topeka.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, June 12, 2023 at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery, Topeka. Ray's services will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time.

Ray's service will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. Click Here to view the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Museum of the Kansas National Guard. Donations will go towards a bronze plate emblazoned with Ray's name to be displayed at the museum. Please donate at the following website: https://kansasguardmuseum.com. Cash and check donations may be made to the museum at the following address: Museum of the Kansas National Guard, 125 SE Airport E. Drive, Topeka, KS 66619.

To leave a special message for Ray's family, please visit the guestbook below.