South China, Maine-Dean E. Rhoades, 65, of South China, Maine, passed away on Thursday, April 3, 2014, at Maine Medical Center in Portland, Maine. Dean was born on June 8, 1948, in Calais, Maine, the son of the late Ellery Rhoades and Doris (Hamilton) Skidgel. He lived in various towns during his youth. Dean was a fun loving, and spirited boy. He loved doing farm chores with his grampie and Uncle Blake. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his brothers at the boathouse in Topsfield, Maine. His brother Dana remembers him running down the road to Uncle Byrons for the homemade doughnuts his Aunt Vivian made every day. Dean married Lorraine Potter on September 16, 1972. Dean was a self-employed woodsman for many years until 1985 when he and his wife began dairy farming the following 22 years after which he retired. Dean was a kind generous member of the community, and was loved by all who knew him. He was a loving, devoted husband and father. He enjoyed the farm life, and spending time with his family and friends. Dean served during the Vietnam War from 1970 to 1971. He is survived by his wife Lorraine; his son, Kevin and wife Jerry, and daughter, Kelly all of China, Maine; his mother-in-law, Evelyn (Haskell) Potter; brother-in-law, David T. Potter; nephew, Shawn Potter and girlfriend Racheal; Lorraine’s cousin Sandra Campbell and her husband Albert; friend Joyce Parker; sisters Judy Redd, Bonnie Symonds, Susan Esselman and her husband Mark; brothers Dana Rhoades and his wife Bernice, Barry Rhoades and his wife Rose, Paul Rhoades and his wife Gloria, and Clay Skidgel and his fiancé Racheal Burk; and many other nieces, nephews, cousins, and several close friends. Dean will be missed by his family, friends, especially close friends, Winston and Becky Higgins; and his pets. He was predeceased by his father-in-law David E. Potter. A gathering for family and friends will be held at 11 a.m. at 24 Alder Park Road, South China, Maine (The Rhoade’s Residence) on Sunday, April 13, 2014. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to: Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675.