Edsel E. Rhodes

edsel rhodes

July 28, 1934 ~ February 26, 2012


Resided in: Pueblo, CO

Edsel E. Rhodes, 77, passed away Feb. 26, 2012. Beloved husband, father, grand'pops', brother, friend, mentor and most of all cowboy. Survived by his wife of 50 years, Jane Rhodes; sons, Neal Rhodes of Elizabeth, Colo. and A.J. Rhodes of West Hollywood, Calif.; daughter-in-law, Vicki Carlton-Rhodes; siblings, Aloha (George) Lile, Aletta (Al) Benko, Edison (Janice) Rhodes and Otto (Gail) Rhodes; brother-in-law, Frank (Etta) Masciantonio; grandchildren, Jordan Brooke Rhodes and Jake Rhodes; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Preceded in death by his son, Eddie Rhodes. Edsel was born July 28, 1934, in Puxico, Mo., to Otto and Esther Rhodes. He and Jane Masciantonio (Mass) were married Jan. 19, 1962, in Pueblo. Edsel continued to work part time at Cliff Brice after 48 years of service as the warehouse manager. Rodeo and calf roping were in his blood, after teaching himself to ride at a young age, he went on to become a championship calf roper for over 57 years. He won many of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) biggest rodeos including Houston, Cheyenne, Denver Stock Show, Colorado and New Mexico State Fairs. In 1985 and again in '88 he was calf roping's world champion in the National Senior Pro Rodeo Association (NSPRA) He was a four-time world-champion in the U.S. Calf Roping Association (USCRA) and in 2003, for the Rocky Mountain Roping Association. Edsel also teamed up with his wife Jane in the NSPRA ribbon roping and they took home a world-champion title for that event in '88. Edsel was a lifetime, gold card member of the PRCA and a member of the Colorado Rodeo Association. Over his remarkable career he won seven saddles, over 100 buckles, along with numerous jackets, horse tack and more. He was the go-to mentor for many calf ropers in all levels of rodeo from Little Britches to PRCA champions. Beyond his accomplishments in rodeo, he was also a skilled horse trainer. Most importantly, Edsel was a devoted family man and Christian. He would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. To use words he commonly spoke of for others but never himself, he was an all around good-hand. Viewing from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday in the Montgomery & Steward Chapel. Service, 10 a.m. Thursday, March 1, 2012, at Pueblo Christian Center, 1605 S. Pueblo Blvd., with Pastor Josh Richardson & Pastor Vernon Dillon officiating. Interment, Imperial Memorial Gardens. In lieu of food and flowers, the family has established the Edsel Rhodes scholarship fund to support young calf ropers. Donations can be made through Montgomery & Steward Funeral Directors, 1317 N. Main St., Pueblo, CO 81003. Online condolences, www.montgomerysteward.com

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  1. Dear Jane and Family,
    Edsel was a gentleman and a teacher. I did not find out about his passing until long after his service, but wanted to extend my sympathies and respects to his family. One of my favorite motivational sayings I remember Ed telling me was “When your from the school of hard knocks, your use to adversity!” He was a great guy and helped me a lot with my horse, my horsemanship and my roping. I will miss him. Please accept my sincere condolences.
    Warm Regards, M.C. Seward and Family

  2. Rhodes Family,
    Ed was the go to guy if you needed to know something about petro-products. I had spent many afternoons drilling him about which products to use for the best service. The one thing about Ed after picking his brain he would always ask me how I was doing and how it was a tough old world out there! God Bless you Ed and family! Mark Uhernik

  3. Mrs. Rhodes,
    We were very sorry to hear of Mr. Rhodes passing. We always looked forward to visiting with him at the ropings in Pueblo. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family…

  4. Jane, so sorry to hear of Edsel’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time.

  5. My Dear AJ,
    I am so sorry for the loss of your Dad
    He was so very special. My heart hurts for you and your family. I am thinking of you and Praying you will find comfort in all the Memories. Judy Patti

  6. Jane and Family
    So very sorry for your loss.
    Edsel was a great person and he will be greatly missed by all of us at Patti’s Our Prayers and Sympathy are with you all. Sincerely Judy & Family, Aaron, Chris & Family.

  7. Jane & Family-

    I was saddened to hear of Edsel’s passing. I remember him letting me come over to ride and rope with him. Also seeing him when I would come over to play with AJ when we were just little kids. He was a great man and cowboy. He will be greatly missed. Your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

  8. Dear Jane and family: What a kind and gentle man Edsel was! We were so saddened to hear of his death but so thankful we will see him again one day….you are on our hearts and in our prayers.

  9. To Jane and family: Heartfelt condolences for you all. Know the love of God is shining upon you and gives you peace.

  10. Dear Jane and family,

    I was saddened to read of Edsel’s passing this morning. He was a great man and cowboy. Sending prayers and thinking of you.

    With deepest sympathy,
    Sudzy

  11. Jane and Family, We are so sorry to hear about Edsel. You are in our prayers. I am out of town and will not be home until Monday, March 5, 2012, I will contact you Jane when I get home. Just wanted you to know I am thinking about you.


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