George Fred Rhodes Sr '54

Mr. Rhodes was 81 years old at the time of his death in 2007. An illustrious alum and great supporter of his alma mater, Mr. Rhodes practiced in the area of estates, wills and trusts. He officed in Port Lavaca, Tx during his lifetime.

The late George Fred Rhodes, Sr. was proud of his Czech heritage and was fluent in Czech. He graduated from Port Lavaca High School in 1942. He attended North Texas Agricultural College in Arlington (now the University of Texas at Arlington) for one year before joining the United States Army Air Corps. He was stationed at various air bases in the United States and achieved the rank of Sergeant before being honorably discharged in 1946. Following World War II he took advantage of the GI Bill and attended Texas A&I College in Kingsville Texas (now Texas A&M-Kingsville). He received his degree in 1950. He then attended South Texas College of Law and graduated in 1954. From 1972 to 1979 he served on the Board of Regents of Texas A&I University System. He later became Chairman of the Board and was named Outstanding Alumni in 1979. He was the Vice Chairman and Member of the Texas Coastal and Marine Council, 1976 – 1985, Chairman and Member of the Board of Regents of the Texas State Technical College System 1985 – 1992. He was former Chairman of the Calhoun County Historical Commission, former Chairman of the Calhoun County Salvation Army and involved in a number of other charitable and community organizations. He published a weekly column in the “Port Lavaca Wave” entitled “Historically Speaking” for a number of years. He was a dedicated member of Rotary Club and a past president. He served as Calhoun County Democratic Party Chairman, was a member of the Texas Democratic State Executive Committee and was active in Democratic party politics.