Danny E. Rhodes

Danny (Dan) E. Rhodes, beloved father of Danielle and Ryan (Indy), was born July 20, 1948 in Shawnee, OK. On May 23, 2025, Dan died in his Tucson, Arizona home with wife, Margi, at his side. His early years included working with his father in the family lumber yard and retail store. After his father's death when Dan was 14, he helped his mother continue to run the lumber yard until he left for grad school.

Dan graduated valedictorian of the Meeker, OK High School; magna cum laude with a B.A. from Oklahoma Christian College; and an M.A. from Abilene Christian University. After post-graduate studies at Drew University and Temple University, he received the Doctor of Ministry degree from The Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Through the years, colleagues, friends, and family knew and respected Dan as a professor, minister, church leader, humanitarian, and counselor—all enhanced by the Christian values which guided his belief in social justice for all; women's equality in all things; and an acceptance of anyone regardless of background, education, station in life, or abilities. Dan always emphasized Jesus' teaching that the greatest commandments were to love God and love one's neighbor.

As a husband, father, son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, Dan was humorous, a singer, a sympathetic and empathetic listener, strong-willed but kind, and sometimes loud! He enjoyed sports ("THAT's not a touchdown!"); cards ("I'll see you and raise!"); board games ("Monopoly is Atlantic City, you know."); and, above all, 42! ("Danny, just bid!")

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Erwin Rhodes and Doris Rhodes; his sister, Virginia, and brother-in-law, Jim Lovett; and sister-in-law, Anita McCracken. Dan is survived by his sister, Josie, and her husband, Wendell Ford; brother-in-law, David McCracken; and sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Beth and Norman Voss. Nieces and nephews have all been fond of Uncle Danny as they grew up. In various ways, these cousins are each surrounding Danielle and Indy during this sad time at the loss of their dad.

Dan's family is blessed with friends here in Tucson, and from many congregations and cities from coast to coast who have lovingly reached out to support and encourage them during the last few years of Dan's declining health. Margi, Danielle, and Indy all thank them and thank Dan's PCP, Dr. Michael Duperret and his staff; Bayada Home Health Care; Emerald Care; Anthem Hospice; and now friends and former colleagues at Bring's Broadway Chapel, including Pastor Mark Bickerton.

Dan's Memorial Service will be held at Bring's Broadway Chapel on Friday, August 1, at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Interfaith Community Services, www.icstucson.org.