Frank Rhodes

William Franklin (Frank) Rhodes, born on August 13, 1940, was ushered into his heavenly home at the age of 85 on May 7, 2026. Frank passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family.

Frank began his life in humble circumstances, raised on a farm and living in a house that possessed no indoor plumbing. Born to Mike and Ruth Rhodes, Frank and his family strove to make a life for themselves through farming in the Pecos Valley just outside of Hagerman, New Mexico. Frank rose from those humble beginnings to create a very successful and fulfilled life through the hard work and the invaluable lessons he gained from a life of farming. Frank never forgot where he came from, even as he sought to overcome his humble beginnings.

Frank loved his community giving back at every chance possible. He was active in supporting the school system in Hagerman, serving as a School Board member for several years. He absolutely loved farming and the farm community of Hagerman, and served as the President of the Chaves County Farm Bureau. Frank was instrumental in bringing in other products into the Pecos Valley outside of the traditional alfalfa and cotton that was and is prevalent throughout the Valley. Frank introduced Chili farming to the valley and for a time, even grew onions on his farm. Frank wrote a delightful book about his childhood beginnings and life on the farm, “Pecos Valley Happenings”. This book gives a firsthand look into the farming life in the 1940’s and 50’s and details many funny and inspiring events in Frank’s early life.

Above everything, Frank was a man who loved his family. He and Linda were high school sweethearts and were married for 65 years. Frank always had a deep love for Linda and it was Linda who inspired and drove Frank in his accomplishments. Together, they built a life that is a true testament to the American dream of rising above your circumstances in order to make something of yourself. Frank spent an incalculable number of joyous and laugh filled hours playing card games with his family, spending many happy hours with his children, grandchildren, sister, and brother in law sitting around the table playing 31 and other games. Frank enjoyed playing poker with his poker “family” and looked forward to spending time with his Saturday morning breakfast group.

Frank’s legacy will continue to live on for many years. Frank discovered and develop a relationship with Jesus through the years and is now enjoying the benefits of that relationship in heaven. His legacy will continue through the life lessons he imparted to his family and others, with the biggest lessons being that hard work and determination will always pay off and that humble circumstances are there to overcome and are not necessarily an impediment to success. Frank was a man who had a can do personality and he gifted that trait to his family.

Frank is survived by his beautiful wife and love of his life, Linda Rhodes, two children, Layne Collis and husband John of Hunt, Texas, son Bob and his wife, Tina, of Hagerman, his very special sister, Jane Andrus and her husband Jerry of Roswell, New Mexico. Frank is also survived by his grandchildren Trey Collis, Tate Collis, Trinity Haberly, Bobby Rhodes, Kyle Rhodes, Justin Schuetz, and Brittany Schuetz, along with numerous great-grandchildren. Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Mike and Ruth Rhodes, a sister, Kathleen Harman, a brother Clifford Rhodes, and his precious daughter, Michelle Rene (Shelly) Rhodes.

A memorial service will be held on May 11, 2026, at 11 AM at First Baptist Church in Hagerman, New Mexico.

Memorial contributions can be directed to First Baptist Church, Hagerman, New Mexico.