Damon Lynn Rhoades

7/6/1960 – 2/26/2025

After a long and heartbreaking battle with Young Onset Alzheimer's Disease, Damon Lynn Rhoades passed away peacefully at his home in Loveland, Colorado with his wife, Phyllis by his side.

Born July 6, 1960 to Donald and Clema Rhoades in Los Angeles, California. Damon graduated from Fair Grove high school in Fair Grove, Missouri where his family resided at that time. After graduating, Damon enlisted in the US Navy. He attended bootcamp at Great Lakes Naval Base in Illinois where he met and married his wife of 42 years, Phyllis Stoffel from Waukegan, Illinois.

During Damon's 23-year military career he served on several ships, his first as a plank owner of the navy destroyer USS Hayler DD997. His extended naval career afforded him the opportunity to visit at least 62 different countries. He and his wife, Phyllis enjoyed the final two years of his career in Sasebo, Japan where Damon retired as GSCS (SW) Craftmaster of LCAC #54, Assault Craft Unit 5, Westpac Alpha.

After retiring from the navy, Damon returned to school and obtained a bachelor's degree (with honors) in geology from the University of Central Missouri. His new career path brought Damon and his wife to Loveland, Colorado where they have resided for the past 13 years.

Since Damon's diagnosis of Young Onset Alzheimer's Disease in 2020 at age 59, his wish was to continue to travel. Many more memories were made, from Utah to Mexico to Maine and a plethora of states in between. He had a personal goal to make it to all 50 states in his lifetime. He was able to check that off of his bucket list with a family trip to Alaska in 2023.

Damon was a hard worker, good provider and loving husband. He loved animals. He loved to travel, ride his motorcycle and most of all, he loved to talk. His generous spirit, sense of humor and love of conversation fueled many warm and wonderful relationships.

Damon was preceded in death by his grandparents and father; Donald Rhoades. He is survived by his wife Phyllis, his sons; Dayne (Ashley) Rhoades and Ryan (Megan) Rhoades, his grandchildren; Quentin, Sebastian, Warren and Cecilia, mother Clema Rhoades and sisters Vindy (Bob) Couchman and Adena (Jeff) Jones as well as many nieces and nephews.

A small family service will be held at a later date.

A special thank you to family and close friends for their continued presence, support and love. And thank you as well for the tender care and support from the staff and volunteers of Hearts & Horses therapeutic riding center, The Center for People with Disabilities, Bristol Hospice and The VA healthcare system.

Please send any memorial donations to:

Hearts & Horses Therapeutic Riding Center

163 N. CO Rd 29

Loveland, CO 80537