Delbert Lee Rhodes

Delbert Lee Rhodes born April 16, 1933 in Verden, OK to Elmer Charles and Ruby D (Craddock) Rhodes. He went to school at Rocky Point and graduated from Alex High School, where he played football and was a member of the FFA. After graduation, he farmed and cared for a head of cattle of his own. 

In April 1954, he was admitted to Saint Anthony’s Hospital for a spinal cord injury. Little did he know that he would meet his future bride who was a nurse caring for him, Varetta Sain. She cared for him for the month that he was in the hospital. Two weeks later, he returned for appendicitis, and by chance, Varetta ended up on his floor again. After a brief courtship, they got married on October 16, 1954. 

He worked for Rylie Rose Fence and Awning Company, Continental Banking Company, and Tinker Air Force Base. After retirement, he worked with Dr. Marvin Ellis. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, Joshua and Megan, going to Branson, and messing with his livestock. He had registered Limosins, a Shetland pony for his grandkids, adopted donkeys from the Arizona government, and many, many goats. He loved going to the Chandler goat sale and surprising Tonya with more goats to care for. He loved going to his grandkids' activities and was very proud of them. He was the kindest man and never met a stranger. Before moving to Bethel Acres, he raised registered beagles and would take them across Texas and Oklahoma to field trials. His beagles were prized and sold across the US. He proudly belonged to the Oklahoma Beagle Club. He was a long-time member of Blackburn Chapel Baptist Church. He loved the Lord and was ready to go home and be reunited with his bride. 

Delbert is preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Ruby Rhodes, wife, Varetta Rhodes, brother Gilbert, three sisters, Margaret Gordon, Scharlene Bowen, and Beatrice Marie. 

He is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Tonya and Elroy Lane of Bethel Acres; grandson, Joshua Dutton of Long Island City, NY; granddaughter and grandson-in-law, Megan and Jason Witt of Fayetteville, NC; as well as many nieces and nephews, family members and friends. 

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Alzheimer’s Association 225 N. Michigan Ave, Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or Blackburn Chapel Baptist Church, 36305 Lake Rd, Shawnee, OK 74801.

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at Walker Funeral & Cremation Service on Sunday, June 29th from 1-5 pm and on Monday, June 30th from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm with family present to greet friends from 4-6 pm. A funeral ceremony for Delbert will be held at Blackburn Chapel Baptist Church on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at 2:00 pm with Larry Sparks officiating. Following the ceremony, he will be laid to rest next to his wife at Resthaven Memorial Park in Shawnee.

The honorary pallbearer will be Dr. Marvin Ellis.