David Wallace Rhodes, age 90, passed away July 11th, 2024, in Richland Washington. David and his wife Alice J. Rhodes (formerly Montagnino) tragically lost their lives to prolonged heat exposure on that evening. 

“Mr. Rhodes” worked for thirty plus years as a public-school educator and coach in the Yakima Valley and in Welpinit WA. David (Dave) coached school sports including football, baseball and golf. Dave also coached ice hockey for his son’s teams and was the Yakima Amateur Hockey Association President for a season.

Dave was born on January 30, 1934, in the old Yakima County Hospital to Charles Henry Rhodes and Ruth Fontana Rhodes (later Beauvais, nee Old). Dave attended numerous High schools during his teen years including Columbia High (now Richland High), Stevenson High, Toppenish and graduated from Renton High School in 1952. In December of 1962 Dave graduated from Central Washington College with a Bachelor of Arts in Education Degree and Provisional Teaching Certificate. In June 1981 Dave earned a State of Washington Professional Educational Certificate for a Provisional Elementary Principal.

Dave married Jean Lafortune in July 1961. The couple had two sons David Charles Rhodes and Mark Allen Rhodes. The marriage ended in the summer of 1980. Dave was fortunate to have a second chance at love and married Alice Montagnino on February 11th, 1995. Alice had a son, Marc Montagnino from her previous marriage. All three sons were grown and married when Dave and Alice were wed.

Dave was very proud to have served in the Air Force, earning the rank of Staff Sargent and later served in Armed Forces reserves. Dave was schooled at Harlingen TX Air Force base as a communications and navigations electronics technician. This training and experience led him to a lifelong love of Ham radios. Dave was a licensed Ham operator with the call letters K7YDZ until he passed. He enjoyed speaking with people all over the world on his various transceivers throughout most of his adult life. Prior to the military Dave worked for the railroad lines in Wishram, WA and competed in rodeos.

Dave was preceded in death by his father Charles Rhodes, brother Roger Rhodes, Mother Ruth & Stepfather Al Beauvais, sister Charlene & husband Ray Banks and his sister Maryal Beauvais.

Dave survived by his brother Scott Beauvais. By his first son David, daughter-in-law Lisa and grandson Chris Rhodes. By his second son Mark and granddaughters Caitlyn Kimsey (Jon) and Carlee Rhodes. By his stepson Marc Montagnino and daughter-in-law Eileen. Dave is also survived by many nephews and nieces.

An Inurnment for Dave and Alice will be held on June 2nd, 2025, at 12pm at Sunset Gardens Veteran’s Memorial Garden.

A Celebration of Life for the couple will follow at Einans Events Center (Events at Sunset) starting at 1pm followed by a reception

Flowers may be sent to Events at Sunset, 915 Bypass Hwy, Richland WA 99352, or a donation to any of the following may be made in David W. Rhodes name: Disabled American Veterans, American Legion, Special Olympics or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.