Just over four months after the death of his wife, Charles Vincent Rhoades Sr. went home to be with the Lord and the love of his life on Oct. 6, 2023, at the age of 88. Vinnie had a courageous multi-round battle with cancer; however, this time weakened by a broken heart, he succumbed to the disease in his home in Oakville, Washington.
Vincent was born March 26, 1935, to Charles Ray and Gracie Mary Rhoades in Dodge City, Kansas. He was raised in Centralia, Washington, living up Zenkner Valley Road with his one brother and three sisters.
When Vincent turned 16, he left with the Clyde Beatty Circus and worked as a horse trainer and assistant ringmaster for two years. During his time with the circus, he appeared in two movies, “The Ring of Fear” and “3 Ring Circus.” After his time in the circus, he returned to Centralia in late summer of 1954.
On Nov. 7, 1954, Vince married the love of his life, Shirley Anne Boeck, in Centralia. Shirley and Vincent lived in California, Humptulips and Selah early in their marriage, before settling at the family home at the top of Zenkner Valley in 1976, where they raised their five children.
Vincent spent his adult life working several jobs, including being a truck driver, laborer and heavy equipment operator. He worked for several employers during his lifetime until 1979 when he joined the International Union of Operating Engineers Local #612. Vincent spent 20 years working at WIDCO, Centralia fiMining Company and finally TransAlta. After retirement, Vince and Shirley volunteered for the Washington State Parks as campground hosts at Rainbow Falls State Park. Still feeling the need to work full-time, he returned to full-time status with Parks at Rainbow Falls.
In addition to Vincent’s volunteer service with the state, he served 11 years at Thurston County Fire District 16, Gibson Valley. Before leaving the fire department in 1993, he had served for seven years as the fire chief. Vincent served in several positions with youth sports in Centralia.
Vincent is survived by four of his children, Chris Montelongo, Centralia, Susan Morales, Centralia, Charles Rhoades Jr. (Donna), Ethel, and Carlton (Cassondra) Rhoades, Oakville; his brother, Larry (Cathy) Rhoades, of Rochester. 13 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; and eight great-great-grandchildren. Vincent was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley; his parents; three sisters; and daughter, Beverly Ramirez.
A celebration of life is being planned at Oakview Grange at 2 p.m. Nov. 4. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Washington State Parks in Vincent’s name.
