Clayton Harris Rhodes, 62 years old, died on Sunday June 23, 2024 after a short but valiant battle with cancer. Throughout his life he embraced the philosophy of “what’s hard is good.”
Born on August 28, 1961 Clayton never saw a car he didn’t love or a mechanical device he couldn’t repair. Endlessly searching for the perfect hot rod, he ultimately built his own, spending hours in the garage and online calculating the exact ratios needed to make his SER a reaper. He loved the Park Avenue strip and his family is happy that he got to enjoy cruising during its heyday.
An artist, a tinkerer, a music lover and the quintessential “cat dad,” Clayton lived his life according to the philosophy of his hero Eugene V. Debs, “intelligent discontent is the mainspring of civilization.” Never one for small talk, Clayton was always prepared to debate any topic and made frequent calls to NPR’s Sound of Ideas radio show. He could spend hours combing through items at the thrift store and was most content spending the day at the junkyard. He saw value in almost everything and constantly strived to reuse and repurpose everything he touched.
Clayton possessed a fierce love for his family and celebrated his immense fortune at being part of such a kind, witty and intelligent crew. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Anne Curran Rhodes, and his children, Taylor Rhodes, Curran (Holly) Rhodes,PhD. Evan Rhodes and Will Rhodes. He is also survived by his parents, EC Henley and Edwin Rhodes, sister and brother in law Elizabeth and David Eck, sister in law and brother in law, Lynne and Fred Leach and nephews Camden and Owen Eck and Connor and Brendan (Josie) Leach.
Clayton’s wife and children consider themselves tremendously fortunate to have been loved and treasured by such a unique and unusual soul. They would like to thank all of the dedicated employees of Ohio Health Mansfield who provided exemplary and compassionate care as he also did during his 10 year career as a registered nurse.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Forgotten Felines of Richland County or the NAACP #3190 3 N. Main St, Suite 409, Mansfield, OH 44902.
To assist in the education of future medical personnel, Clayton chose to donate his body to Ohio State University. The family is planning a memorial service at a later date.