John Cecil Rhodes

John Cecil Rhodes was born on October 9th, 1929 in Kansas City, Missouri and passed away peacefully in Midland, Texas on December 30th, 2020 at the age of 91.  He was known for his gentle way and lived with the love of his life for 63 years.

Cecil was born an only child to Carrie Lee and Gordon Rhodes. He was raised in Fort Worth, Texas, went to Arlington Heights High School before attending The University of Texas at Austin and graduating with a B.S. in Geology. Cecil met his wife, Joan White Rhodes, while attending U.T. and married after graduating in 1952. They moved to Midland, where Cecil worked as a geologist and had three children, Celia Rhodes Wilson, Lisa Rhodes and William Jay “Dusty” Rhodes. Cecil and Joan made Midland their home and traveled frequently around the world.

His first job was with Ashland Oil company in 1952 which later became Texas Pacific where he remained until 1963 when he became an independent oil man. During his 60-year career in oil and gas, Cecil drilled over 700 wells throughout nine states mostly through Horseshoe Operating Company which he formed in 1986.  He was responsible for the discovery of the Damer, Bradshaw and Byerly Fields in Kansas. He tried his hand in many ventures outside of the oil and gas industry, but always returned to oil and gas and his love of geology. He loved to teach geology to anyone who had an interest, but especially to his grandchildren.

He is survived by his daughters, Celia Rhodes Wilson (Word B), and Lisa Rhodes and grandchildren, Toffee Wilson McAlister (Jake), Chelsea Wilson Sheppard (B. Blaine) and Dusty Rhodes Olson (Travis). He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Rhodes Healy McAlister, English Marie McAlister, Word B Sheppard, Vie Marie Sheppard, Joan Rhodes Olson and Lisa Rhodes Olson and predeceased by his wife, Joan White Rhodes, son, William Jay “Dusty” Rhodes, and great granddaughter, Michele Glover “Love” Sheppard. Honorary pallbearers are Word B Wilson, Jake McAlister, Blaine Sheppard and Travis Olson.

Cecil will be buried next to his wife, Joan Rhodes, and son, Dusty Rhodes at a private service at Resthaven Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Midland Memorial Foundation, R. Joan Rhodes Endowment Fund, the Midland College Foundation, First Presbyterian Church of Midland or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com.