M. Eugene Rhodes

Myron Eugene Rhodes “Gene the Pumpkin Man,” age 88 of Kalamazoo, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, December 17, 2024. He was born on February 11, 1936, in Kalamazoo, the son of Ralph and Evelyn (Harris) Rhodes. He was a 1954 graduate of Mattawan High School. For 10 years he was a clerk at the Kalamazoo Sanitarium and for 27 years he was a driver and custodian at the Michigan Rehabilitation Center for the Blind. Since 1957, he has been Gene the Pumpkin Man to Kalamazoo and the surrounding communities, operating a pumpkin farm on the family’s centennial homestead. Gene was a longtime member of the West Oshtemo Grange #1630, where he served as president for 22 years. He was also a member of the Kalamazoo City Farm Bureau, the Almena Historical Society, Michigan Centennial Farm Association, and the Michigan Farmers Hall of Fame. He loved pumpkins, farming, and listening to music. On April 14, 2005, he married Carol the Christmas Lady, and they shared 7 wonderful years until her death in 2012.

His family includes his children: Dan (Jan) Rhodes, Diana (Dale) Curtis, and Matthew (Darlene) Rhodes; 7 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren; his sister MaryAnn (James) Evans and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Carol, and his brothers Jay, Bill, and Bruce Rhodes.

Friends may visit with his family on Friday, December 27th from 2:00-4:00 PM and 6:00-8:00 PM, at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Location, 3926 S. 9th Street Kalamazoo. A private service will be held later. Memorial gifts may be given to the “Gene the Pumpkin Man DAF” Bronson Health Foundation, which was set up by the family to honor Gene’s wishes to do more for the community. You may also visit this link to make an online gift: Gene the Pumpkin Man Memorial

Donations may also be given to the West Oshtemo Grange #1630.

Please share memories of Gene with his family at www.langelands.com

“We sell pumpkins but we give away memories” 

Thank you for the memories.