Donald M. Rhoads, Jr., of Smyrna, peacefully entered into the Kingdom of Heaven on February 8, 2017 surrounded by his family. He was 49 years old.

Don was a loving son, a caring brother, a proud father, and an adoring pop-pop. He was, without a doubt, a warrior with a big heart and immense love for his family and friends.

Don graduated from William Penn in 1985 as a two-sport athlete and went on to work brilliantly in the IT industry. A skilled bowler who enjoyed competing in bowling leagues, he was the proud owner of several 300 games. Don was also a loyal fan of both the Washington Redskins and Nebraska Cornhuskers football teams, as anyone could tell when entering his home office.

Don was a quiet and strong man who commanded respect in every room he entered. He was, in every sense of the phrase, a gentle giant. Don loved and defended his family with every ounce of his being, and could always be counted on for love and support. He was always good for a laugh and a smile, whether through a humorous observation or changing the name of a restaurant’s WIFI network to embarrass his daughter.

As the founding, and most handsome, member of Rhoads Warriors, Don fought harder than anyone could. He fought for his family, and his wife, Chantal, served as the loving, caring and supportive partner he deserved. Anybody who spent more than thirty seconds with Don and Chantal could see the immense depth of their love. They are soul mates, both in this world and the next.

Don was a family man. He was a devoted son and friend to both his parents and Chantal’s parents, a loving brother to his sisters, the best father that his children could imagine, and a man who could make his granddaughters’ faces light up with pure joy and elation. It was impossible to meet Don and not begin to care for him immensely. He was a person who left an imprint on your heart and forced you to love him unconditionally. His passing is felt deeply by so many. On Wednesday, Heaven gained the best that humanity has to offer.

Don will be greatly missed by his loving wife, Chantal; their four children, Josh Rhoads, Kristin Jordan (Patrick), Jon Rhoads, and Emily Rife (Jake); and his in-laws: Serge and Yolande Sabourin. Don will also be missed by his biggest fans, his darling granddaughters, Ella and Olivia. Don is also survived by his sisters, Nancy Thomas (Thomas) Candy Schwalbauch; and several nieces and nephews. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Kaylee, as well as two brothers, Garry and Henry Schwalbauch.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the service at Gracelawn Memorial Park on Tuesday, February 14 at 11:00. Friends may call at the Krienen-Griffith Funeral Home, 1400 Kirkwood Highway, Elsmere, from 6:00-8:00 pm on Monday, February 13. Interment will be in Gracelawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Colon Cancer Alliance, 1025 Vermont Ave., NW - Suite 1066, Washington, DC 20005.

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