Robert Cole Rhoden

Robert Cole Rhoden, at the age of 66, entered eternal rest peacefully on Thursday evening, June 8, 2023, at St. Tammany Parish Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on May 19, 1957, to William Earl Rhoden and Mary Alice Hunton Rhoden. He is survived by his loving wife Monica Breaux Rhoden of 34 years, and his adoring daughter, Andie Rhoden of Fort Worth, Texas. He was a caring sibling of Bill Rhoden (Laura) of Jacksonville, Florida. Robert is also survived by his mother and father-in law, Sandra and Emmett Meyer, and his brothers-in-law, Chuck Breaux (Carrie), and Chris Breaux (Christine). He will be dearly missed by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and wonderful lifelong friends. Robert was preceded in death by his parents William and Mary Rhoden. A native of New Orleans, and proud resident of Mandeville for over 30 years. Robert graduated from East Jefferson High School. After high school, Robert attended Louisiana State University where he was the reporter and editor at The Reveille and earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism. After his summer internships in 1978 and 1979 at The Times-Picayune, Robert began his professional career as a full-time reporter for over 40 years for The Times Picayune. The last 18 years, Robert worked at the St. Tammany Bureau as Assistant Bureau Chief. After leaving The Times-Picayune in 2019, he and his business partner Sheri Sable-Campbell, formed Sable-Rhoden Media, a communications firm. At Sable-Rhoden Media, Robert was known as “a pretty doggone good photographer”. Robert was loving, compassionate, and most of all a very caring person to all. He was well rounded, soft spoken and learned to play the accordion just by picking it up on a whim and playing it. He was talented in playing the guitar and piano as well. He loved blaring Cajun music from his car, and was a member of Les Bons Amis, a Cajun music band that had gigs throughout the area. However, his true passion was spending time with his loving family and friends. Robert was unique and irreplaceable, well respected and liked, and will be deeply and dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. His jovial spirit and tender nature will remain in the many memories of his cherished friends and family until they meet him again. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Robert Cole Rhoden may be made to The Courtney Granger Award. Donations may be either mailed to: Acadiana Center for the Arts, 101 W Vermilion Street, Lafayette, Louisiana 70501, or placed online at https://acadianacenterforthearts.org/opportunities-for-artists/courtney-granger-memorial-award. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral service at E. J. Fielding Funeral Home, 2260 W 21st Avenue, Covington Louisiana on Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at 11:00 AM with visitation beginning at 9:30 AM until service time. Interment will take place privately at a later time. E.J. Fielding Funeral Home, locally owned and operated, (985) 892-9222, has been entrusted with funeral arrangements. The Rhoden family kindly invites you to share thoughts, fondest memories, and condolences online at E. J. Fielding Funeral Home Guest Book at www.ejfieldingfh.com.

Robert Cole Rhoden

May 19, 1957 - June 8, 2023