Jeffrey G. Rhoads

Jeffrey Gayle Rhoads, 58, of Smithton, passed away Tuesday, March 31, 2026, as the result of an auto accident.

He was born May 27, 1967, in Clinton, the son of Leon Mack Rhoads and Carolyn Joan (Lysinger) Rhoads. Jeff deeply loved his dad, whom he lost when he was just eight years old, and his mother, who recently passed last year.

On December 10, 1988, in Sedalia, he was united in marriage to Laura B. Lyle.

Jeff was a 1985 graduate of Smith-Cotton High School. He worked at Cargill for 19 years and most recently at Jostens.

He was a member and former deacon of Smithton Baptist Church. Jeff had a passion for Harley-Davidson motorcycles, and his grandchildren were the center of his world. “PaPa” was his favorite name. He enjoyed fishing, camping, family trips, watching the Cowboys, Royals, NASCAR, and wrestling, and listening to classic rock and country music. As a young boy, he owned and showed horses. He enjoyed raising different types of chickens.

Jeff will be remembered for his big heart, his honesty, and the way he always put others before himself. He was generous, caring, and always willing to help others.

Survivors include his wife, Laura, of the home; three children, Krista Rhoads, of Smithton, Jeffrey C. Rhoads (Ashely), of Sedalia, and Kimi Snapp (Colby), of Smithton; seven grandchildren, Karaline, Weston, Daxton, Jameson, Axle, Payton, and Stetson; a brother, Marty Rhoads; and his mother-in-law, Dee Lyle.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his father-in-law, Jimmy Lyle.

The family will receive friends beginning at 4:00 p.m. Monday, April 6, 2026, at Heckart Funeral Home, where a funeral service will be held at 6:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the family.