Donald “Dusty” William Rhodes, 83, of Marco Island, passed away June 4, 2024. He was born in Orange, New Jersey to Nellie Van Vlaanderen Rhodes Titus and William Rhodes.
At the age of 13, Dusty moved to Upper Montclair, New Jersey, where he attended College High at Montclair State College. At the age of 17, he received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. He was the youngest “plebe” in his incoming freshman class at the academy. He graduated in 1962 from the Naval Academy with a degree in engineering and entered training to be a naval aviator.
Right after graduation, he married his childhood neighbor, Nancy Crook Rhodes. After their wedding, they headed to Pensacola, Florida to attend his aviation flight training. Not specifically deployed to Vietnam, Dusty flew missions as commander of an Orion P3 anti-submarine aircraft into the country while stationed in Alaska. At the age of 23, he gained the distinction of being the youngest captain of his own aircraft.
After his time with the Navy, Dusty moved his family to Miami and signed on with National Airlines. In the 70s the airline industry was unstable and was on strike quite often. This required Dusty to find alternate work to support his family. He and a few pilot friends formed a little company Dick-Tap-O-Dust where they paved driveways, painted houses and tarred roofs.
Knowing this would not support his growing family, he went back to school at the University of Miami and obtained his law degree. After graduation in 1974, the family moved to Marco Island, Florida to be closer to his mother and step-father. It was here that he met Glenn Tucker and together they created the Rhodes & Tucker Law Offices on Marco Island.
He still continued to fly with National Airlines, which was then acquired by Pan Am and then finally with Delta Airlines. He and his co-captain buddy Bennett Shelfer helped to negotiate the terms of the acquisition of Pan Am to Delta.
Along with Bennett Shelfer, Dusty piloted the press plane for Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, W. George Bush, and once for Bill Clinton. Dusty was present for many historical summits and decisions made by President George H.W. Bush and developed a very special friendship with the former president. He, Ben and President Bush were known to play practical jokes on each other each trip. It was almost a “who can outdo who” when they were together. Dusty was also blessed to develop very special relationships with both President W. George Bush and Governor Jeb Bush. Governor Bush appointed Dusty to serve as an Election Commissioner for the state of Florida and was eventually Chairman of that board.
In between his travel schedule and time in the law firm, Dusty still found time to coach the Marco Island Swim Team. Here he developed many special friendships with his children’s friends, which continued throughout his life.
Dusty had three very special places that he called home: Marco Island, Harbour Island, the Bahamas and Bolton Landing, New York. Having homes in each of these places, he also had very close, lifelong friendships with many special people in his life.
Dusty is survived by his wife of 62 years, Nancy Crook Rhodes, daughter Paige Rhodes, daughter Cameron Rhodes Tucker (Jamey) and son Donny Rhodes (Stacey). Grandchildren Connor, Lauren, Maddie, Allie, Delaney and Trey, sister Carol Rhodes, step-sisters Lynn Cruz and Jean Titus. He was predeceased by his mother Nellie Van Vlaanderen Rhodes Titus, Father William Rhodes, stepfather Franklyn Titus and grandson Clayton Rhodes Burroughs.
Dusty was larger than life and the best father anyone could have asked for. He loved largely and deeply and was a friend to many. He will be missed beyond measure and loved forever.
A Celebration of Life will be held in October.
6/13/2024 Coastal Breeze News
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