Courtesy photo/ Evans Acres Family Farm
By Paul Garrod
Staff Writer
news4garrod@gmail.com.
In a recent social media post, a great-nephew of Gene (The Pumpkin Man) Rhodes, who passed away last December, announced that he and his wife had purchased the family farm that Gene operated from 1957 to 2024.
Steele and Sadie Evans, Gene’s great-nephew and niece-in-law, purchased the farm which has been in the family since 1885.
“We are honored to be able to continue the incredibly orange tradition Gene poured his life into,” said the post.
It continued, “After much prayer and reflection, we have decided to take on a new name for the business, Evans Acres Family Farm. We chose a new name because we have plans for the future – to see the farm grow, to welcome animals back to the land, and restore it as a true family farm once again.”
It further stated, “While the name on the mailbox may be changing, the name on the barn doors is not. This farm holds so many memories for our family and for the community, and we can’t wait to welcome you back.”
The Evans said that the farm will not open to the public this fall, citing not enough time and “to simply throw something together.” It continued, “Gene would not approve of that, and we won’t either.”
The post concluded, “Thank you for your patience, your support and your prayers as we prepare for this next chapter. We cannot wait to share all that’s ahead with all of you along the way.”
Myron Eugene Rhodes, more commonly known as “Gene the Pumpkin Man” to area residents, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024.
Rhodes, 88, of Kalamazoo, was born Feb. 11, 1936, in Kalamazoo, the son of Ralph and Evelyn (Harris) Rhodes. He was a 1954 graduate of Mattawan High School.
According to his obituary, Rhodes was a clerk for 10 years at the Kalamazoo Sanitarium and a driver and custodian for 27 years at the Michigan Rehabilitation Center for the Blind.
In 1957, Myron Eugene was known as “Gene the Pumpkin Man,” where he operated 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.
