A memorial service for Ken Rhoads, 82, of Purcell will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at Union Hill Baptist Church in Purcell. Services will be under the direction of the Wilson-Little Funeral Home in Purcell.
Mr. Rhoads passed away on June 19, 2026 at his home.
George Kenneth Rhoads Jr. was born on December 14, 1943 in Holdenville, Okla., to George Kenneth Rhoads Sr. and Francis Virginia Rhoads (Turner).
He grew up in Ada, attended school there, graduating with the Cougar class of 1961. He studied at ECU for a time before joining the workforce. Ken spent his career with the American Fidelity Assurance company. For over thirty-five years he worked along side schools, providing them with policies for salary protection, and annuities for financial security.
As a young man he was blessed with his children Jonathan, Jeremy, and Michelle, all of whom he cherished deeply.
He proudly served in the National Guard for seven years, leaving as a Staff Sergeant. While working in Wanette, a lady in the teacher’s lounge caught his eye. Sue Slatten agreed to go out with him, and they were soon married on March 11, 1995. They made their home in Ada, until moving to Purcell in 2016.
Ken loved golf, and was a skilled player on the course. Throughout all his years of playing, Ken made 11 holes in one. Ken enjoyed traveling to many places over the years, some of the most memorable trips were to Vienna, Austria, Vancouver, Canada, and Israel.
As a man of great faith, Ken served as Deacon and a Sunday school teacher at Union Valley Baptist Church in Ada, and he served as Elder and bible study teacher at Union Hill Baptist Church. Ken was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother who will be dearly missed by all those who knew and loved him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Francis Rhoads.
Ken is survived by his wife, Sue Rhoads of the home; his sons, Jonathan Rhoads of Oklahoma City and Jeremy Rhoads and wife, Lauren, of Norman; daughter, Michelle Rhoads of Oklahoma City; stepson, Clayton Russell; his brothers, Darrell Rhoads and wife, Becky, of Ada, Farrell Rhoads and wife, Debi, of Ada, Karroll Rhoads of Little Rock, Ark., Harroll Rhoads and wife, Susan, of Ada and Kevin Rhoads and wife, Carla, of Purcell. He also leaves behind seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends on the golf course.
Online condolences may be made at www.wilsonlittle.com.