Andrew Rhodes Jr.

Andrew Rhodes Jr., also known as Mr. Baritone, was born March 28, 1934, to the late Andrew Rhodes Sr. and Amanda Frazier. His baritone voice was silenced Oct. 20, 2014.

He was a graduate of Webster High School and Southern University. After college, Andrew entered the work force with the Louisiana Army Ammunition Plant retiring in 1995, retiring again from the Horseshoe entertainment industry.

He joined Saint Rest Baptist Church, where he remained faithful for 64 years. He served on the deacon ministry, and was well known for his baritone voice. Andrew loved singing.

Andrew was active in community affairs; he was a member of the Christian freedom movement and secretary of Minden branch NAACP. Andrew led a lawsuit to get black representation on the Webster Parish School Board and police jury. Andrew chose to represent his community by running for the Minden City Council but was unsuccessful in his bid. The community that he loved and represented honored him by making him grand marshal of the Martin Luther King Day parade in 2006.

He leaves to cherish loving memories a loving caring wife of 48 years, Bertha Richardson Rhodes; one daughter, Vonda Benise Kemp; a son-in-law, Jarrod Kemp of Maryland; a sister, Ivory Rhodes Hill of Minden; a brother, Leavell Rhodes of Michigan; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral services for Mr. Rhodes will be held at 11 a.m., Nov. 1, 2014 at Saint Rest Baptist Church with the Rev. B. J. Martin officiating. Interment will follow in Sheppard Street Cemetery.
Services are entrusted to Miller-Pioneer Funeral Home. Visitation will be Friday, October 31, at the chapel of Miller-Pioneer Funeral Home.