First United Methodist Church in Van Wert recently installed a new outside LED sign on its corner of Jefferson and Central Avenue. Funds for this sign were given by the family of Jon Rhoades in his honor. Jon was a member of First Church and respected leader in the Van Wert community. At First Church, he chaired the finance committee, co-chaired the most recent re-modeling project, and served in many other leadership roles.
Jon retired from Central Insurance after 43 years of service as Vice-President of Underwriting. He served as president of the Van Wert Community Improvement Corporation, member and past president of the Van Wert Rotary Club, past president of the Van Wert Y.M.C.A. Board of Directors, past president of the Van Wert County Hospital Board of Directors, past president of the Starr Commonwealth Board of Directors and past president of the former Van Wert Jaycees.
Jon’s wife, Nancy and two sons, Craig and Chris generously donated funds to spur on the sign project. The trustees recently completed landscaping on the corner lot around the sign. The new sign, visible from Fountain Park, will reveal current information to the public about activities in the life of First UM Church.
