January 15, 1970 – May 31, 2024
Robert Franklin “Frank” Rhode, 54, passed away at his mother’s home in Kirklin, Ind., on Friday morning, May 31, 2024. Born January 15, 1970, in Lafayette, Ind., he was the son of Kenneth Eugene Rhode and Carolyn Lynn (Lewis) Rhode-Kercheval.
After graduating from McCutcheon High School in Lafayette, Frank continued his education at Purdue University, where he earned his Associate Degree in Business. He worked as a welder with Wabash National in Lafayette for several years and later hired on as a forklift operator with Subaru.
He was currently attending Apostolic House of Prayer.
Frank was the family “wild child.” He lived life on his terms and faced every adventure head on at 100 mph. He had a love for music and was always up for a concert. He also had a great appreciation for outdoor adventures, be it camping, hunting, fishing, or just hanging out on the boat all day. Another of his favorite things was watching the Indianapolis Colts play. Win or lose, they were his team, season after season, without fail.
Family was the most important thing in Frank’s life. Any occasion for family and friends to get together was his perfect recipe for happiness, especially if good food was involved.
Frank is survived by his parents, Kenneth Eugene Rhode and Carolyn Lynn (Lewis) Rhode-Kercheval; son, Justin Kai Rhode of Lafayette; three granddaughters, Aubrie Elliott, Mia Rhode, and Kaylin Rhode; two brothers, Shannon E. Rhode of Frankfort and Joseph N. Rhode (Breanna) of Kirklin; half-brother, Michael Shane Houston of Kirklin; sister, Patricia L. Rhode (Steve) of Lafayette; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Alicia Marie Elliott-Rhode; maternal grandparents, Robert and Zell Lewis; paternal grandparents, William and Leona Rhode; and by his stepfather, Larry James Kercheval.
Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at Tippecanoe Memory Gardens, 1718 W. 350 N., West Lafayette, Ind.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be presented to the American Cancer Society.
Condolences: kerchevalfuneralhome.com