Darden Kyle Rhodes, 51, of St. Louis, MO, passed away on March 10, 2025.
Darden was born on July 18, 1973, in Boonville, MO, to Lindell (Dusty) Rhodes and Karen Ptacek. He graduated from Park Hill High School in Kansas City, MO, and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Plant Science from the University of Missouri–Columbia.
In 2008, Darden married Katina Jacquot, and together they welcomed two sons, Kolton and Drake. His family was the center of his world. He cherished watching his boys grow, coaching their teams, and cheering them on in sports and school. Darden loved family vacations, weekends on the boat, and playing games and cards with loved ones.
Those who knew Darden will remember his infectious smile and kind heart. He had a deep-rooted faith in Jesus and attended First Baptist Church of Arnold. He had a gift for making others laugh, leaving a lasting impact on everyone he met.
An entrepreneur at heart, Darden owned and operated multiple businesses, thriving in his work and building relationships with his customers. He had a passion for leadership, landscaping, construction, and project management. He also had a talent for fixing just about anything—whether it was cars, boats, or household repairs. One of his greatest joys was cruising in his 1964 Thunderbird.
Darden was an avid sports fan who enjoyed attending Mizzou football games with family and friends and cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas City Chiefs. He loved being in the water, whether on his boat at the lake, on a beach vacation, or relaxing in a pool.
Darden was preceded in death by his first wife, Julie Heilman, whom he married in 1996. They lived in Des Moines, IA. He lovingly cared for her until her passing in July 2005. He was also preceded in death by his mother, Karen Ptacek.
Darden was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend to many. He is deeply missed by his loving wife, Katina Rhodes, and their sons, Kolton Kyle Rhodes and Drake Harrison Rhodes. He is also remembered with love by his father, Lindell (Dusty) Rhodes of Boonville, MO, and his stepfather, Steve Ptacek of Parkville, MO. He is survived by his brothers, Derek Rhodes of Shelocta, PA, and Deveron Rhodes and wife Tammy of California, MO; his sister, Heather Smriga and husband Gerry of Maryland Heights, MO; and his In-laws, Ed and Marliee Jacquot, Jason Jacquot and wife Marla, and Ryan Jacquot and wife Adrienne, all of Basco, IL. His memory lives on in his cherished nieces and nephews: Alex & Joe, Austin & Danielle, Laura, Devlen & Carie, Grayson, Tariq, Yousef, Alivia, Luke, Parker, Quinn, Jensen and great nieces and nephews.
Darden’s love, laughter, kind heart and unwavering faith will never be forgotten.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a memorial fund in Darden’s name for his boys via Zelle3144771083. Alternatively, contributions may be made to Darden’s childhood church, Pisgah Baptist Church, at 501 Lawn, Tipton, MO 65081.
Visitation at KUTIS SOUTH COUNTY CHAPEL 5255 Lemay Ferry Rd on Thursday, March 20, from 4-8 p.m. Please Note: Funeral Service Saturday, March 22, 11 a.m. at Fee Fee Baptist Church 11330 St. Charles Rock Rd, Bridgeton, Mo 63044. Burial Private
Darden was always so kind when he came with his family to our little church at Pisgah. He was very dedicated to our church by remembering us with his tithes each week. We have enjoyed watching his boys grow from cute little tunes to handsome young men. May God bless his family and friends.
Dusty, Heather, Katina, Derek and Deveron,
Nancy and I send our deepest condolences. We sat in stunned silence all day when we heard the news. I feel very fortunate to have met Darden some years back at our Mizzou tailgates and enjoyed every tailgate with him. He was the most genuine and nice guy I ever met. He was a positive impact on all he met and will be missed by many.
Nancy and I send you all our love.
Tim and Nancy
Darden, you will always be one of my favorite people ever. I really thought we would all be having adventures in retirement. I was counting on it.
Your heart was genuine and your smile truly is memorable.
Katina, I remember when I first met you, when you barely even knew Heather. I knew you and Darden were going to be together. I am thankful for you, Kolton and Drake. My heart goes out to you, my family.
Dusty, Heather, Deveron and Derek, my heart breaks for you as well. When I think of one, I think of all. A piece is missing. It is absolutely not how it should be.
To the spouses of this Rhodes group, you have always had your hands full. Full of love, full of family gatherings, full of adventures, full of laughter, and maybe some headaches too. My heart goes out to each of you as well.
The list of people who truly love Darden is long. I know many will continue to love him for all their days. Who will carry his smile always. Who have a piece of their heart missing, but placed in Heaven and held by Darden Kyle Rhodes.
I was so saddened to hear of Darden’s passing. I have such fond memories of working with Darden. He was a kind and generous person who truly loved life. Unfortunately, Joe and I won’t be able to make the services, but we will continue to keep the family in our thoughts.
Darden sounds like an incredible man— kind , generous, faith-filled, innovative and so loving. The world was clearly better for his presence in it. I can’t imagine your sorrow Katina and your boys too I will be traveling this week but I’ll be with you in prayer and in spirit as Darden is laid to rest May God grant Darden eternal rest and comfort you and the boys until you are one day together again.
Darden was always such a happy little guy. Everyone loved Darden. The family will truly miss him.
Dardens dry sense of humor and his love for people of all walks of life will be truly missed! He helped me through the worst times of my life to the most difficult in adulthood. He was loved deeply and passionately by many. I will always have fond memories of him and watching him with his family and how much he cherished them❤️Katina, Colton and Drake I am so truly sorry for your tragic loss. He was loved very much and will never be forgotten😔
As I sit here reading this obituary for Darden my heart aches for all of the families involved. This is a terrible loss for all of us. I will never forget all the memories that we were able to make as we were growing up. I will cherish them always especially the ones where we all played Spoons (cards). Even the violent games where people flipped over chairs and into the trash can. Darden will be missed so much. Sending hugs and prayers to all of the family.
Sadly he left this world too soon. Prayers for comfort & healing for all who loved him. Our condolences
Tammy & Josie
Reading this beautiful tribute to Darden’s life brings to mind his warm smile and pleasant demeanor. We will always cherish the fun times we had at Darden’s and Katina’s house, particularly our games of left, right, center.
Our deepest condolences go to Katina, Drake, and Kolton. May God fill the void left by this tragedy with the memories of a life that held immense meaning and had a profound impact on many lives.
I worked with Darden on a few of his Missouri projects and always thought so highly of him. Only knowing him for a few years, he left a wonderful impression…such a hard worker, genuine in every way and good for his word. My heart goes out to all of his family.
This is an amazing tribute to Darden
Katina,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your boys. We have not had the chance to meet but you hold a special place in my heart. Darden always had the utmost respect for me when he was here in PA.
I pray that God gives you strength in the coming days. That He provides comfort to you on days you are weary and peace on the road some have yet to travel. Live for the memories you have made. Treasure each and every one. Memories are our refuge so cherish them. Hold them in your heart forever.
To Dardens family,
I pray that God grants you comfort and strength throughout the days ahead. May you one day find peace in what is now turmoil. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
He was a good man that loved his family. He was one of the nicest people who actually cared about others. Praying for his loved ones 🙏 he will be missed. Thank you so much for your help and kindness
D I hope you’re dancing with your mother and keeping an eye on the ones left behind! A piece of me died when I found out the news. Nothing will ever be the same😞prayers to your sons and wife may they remember you always and cherish the memories you made.