Tecumseh man adopts wife's 30-year-old son

BY JAMES S. TYREE Comments 0
Published: November 27, 2008

Carol Rhoads puts her head against the chest of her husband, Stan Rhoads, while her son, Lester, sits at the dining room table in their home west of Tecumseh. PHOTO BY JIM BECKEL, THE OKLAHOMAN

TECUMSEH — Two weeks after being told he could die at any time, Stan Rhoads happily welcomed his first son.

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"For my money,” he said, "I have a lot to be congratulated for.”

Rhoads, 63, adopted his wife’s 30-year-old son Monday in Cleveland County District Court. Lester Aubrey Rhoads took his new father’s middle and last name.

"After it got said and done, I told the judge, ‘I want to congratulate my husband and my son,’” Carol Rhoads said.

"‘My husband is now the dad of a 7-foot, 200-pound baby boy.’”

Stan Rhoads has battled chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and emphysema for years, but his wife said he is getting worse. Earlier this month, a hospice worker told the family he could die before the end of the year.

"Things have been pretty glum around the Rhoads house,” Carol Rhoads said, adding that this could be "the best Thanks-giving ever.”

"This has been a little touch of happiness,” she said.

The family was already dealing with living in a home with no furnace or working water heater. The wheelchair lift on their van also was broken.

Yet, the couple maintain a positive attitude.

"We just never worried about anything,” Carol Rhoads said. "We try to keep things tight, keep things happy, and then two weeks ago they say he’s dying.”

He came home

Things changed in May when Lester, who is mentally disabled but highly functioning, moved into the couple’s home. Lester’s marriage was ending, but he found support with his mother and Stan.

Carol Rhoads said Lester helps around the house while she cares for Stan around the clock. Meanwhile, the relationship between Lester and Stan grew strong.

Lester, who rarely sees his biological father, approached Stan about being adopted.

"He’s been my inspiration ever since I’ve known him,” Lester said. "He has a strong heart and strong mind, and he’s got God in his heart.”

Stan Rhoads said his decision to adopt Lester was easy, even in his condition.

"I think it’s important for a son who has a father who just loves him,” Stan Rhoads said. "That’s the primary reason: I love Lester; I appreciate Lester. If I didn’t have Carol and Lester, I’d be sitting out here in the country with absolutely nothing.”