Mike passed away at age 98, of natural causes incident to age, in Bountiful, Utah on July 9, 1998.
Mike was born April 15, 1900 in Grape Creek, Illinois to Jefferson L. and Lulu L. Taylor Rhodes. He spent his early life in Colorado working in the coal mines and oil fields and was a veteran of World War I. He married Unity (Unetta) Call Taylor, December 16, 1939. She preceded him in death on August 21, 1992. He was also preceded in death by his grandson, Richard Steven Prows.Mike worked for the Denver and Rio Grand Railroad as a brakeman and conductor for 35 years. He enjoyed his many years of activity in the Masonic Order, being a member of Wasatch Lodge One and was a 32nd degree Knight Commander Court Of Honor Scottish Right Bodies. He was proud of having served for many years on the stage crew and as chairman. He was honored as Emeritis when he retired. He was a member of the Royal Order of Scotland and El Kalah Shrine Temple and had served as the Potentate's aid in 1975. For many years Mike and Unetta played Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus to the children at the Shriner's Hospital in Salt Lake City, arriving by helicopter to bring joy to the children on Christmas morning.
He is survived by his daughter, Geraldine T. (Richard) Prows, grandchildren, Susan Holmes, Joan (Mark) Fuhriman, Rebecca (Joe) Hoskins, and John T. (Charrise) Prows, 18 great-grandchildren and three great-great-granddaughters, niece, Billy Lou DeMeris of Bishop, California; great-nephew, Don Rhodes (Dody) of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Funeral services will be held at 12 noon on Monday, July 13 at Evans and Early Mortuary at 574 East First South in Salt Lake City. Friends may call to pay their respects one hour before the funeral. Interment will be in the Bountiful, Utah Cemetery.
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