Raymond Gene Rhoden

Surrounded by family and lifted in prayer and love, Raymond Gene Rhoden, 73, went to be with our Lord on May 20, 2023. He was born on October 4, 1949, in Muskogee, Oklahoma to Raymond May Rhoden and Norma Jean (Totty) Rhoden. Raymond grew up in Muskogee, attending Longfellow Elementary, West Junior High, and then, graduating from Muskogee High in 1967. Raymond had a love for motorcycles and classic cars. He gained the ability to fine tune motors at an early age with his first job working in maintenance for Ed Kuykendal’s Marine Shop. Because his parents worked differing hours at the Muskogee Veteran’s Hospital, he was able to “experiment” with food in his home kitchen. Through many uneatable mistakes, he taught himself how to cook. Later in life, Raymond opened Charcoal Charlies on York Steet in Muskogee. It was a successful endeavor, but it proved too costly on family life. His greatest passion was to cook and share food with his co-workers, friends, and family. Sharing food equaled love to Raymond, and man, were we all so very loved! Music was always a significant part of Raymond’s life. He grew up listening to his dad, “Pop”, pick his guitar and sing country songs. Hank Williams was a favorite! Raymond and Patty were introduced to each other by a mutual friend (Mike Simpson) in the halls of Muskogee Central High Annex. On that day, Raymond went home and told his mother that he had met the girl that he was going to marry. From there, under the tutelage of Mr. Tom Yadon, they chose chorus as their elective classes, studied music theory, sang in Choral Club, Community Choir, and Church Choirs together. Back in the day, Raymond greatly enjoyed singing bass in the men’s gospel quartet and solos in special choral offerings at Muskogee’s First Assembly of God church. Raymond and Patty were married on July 25, 1968. Their wedding ceremony was the last to be officiated by the late Reverend Stanley Phillips at Muskogee’s Memorial Christian Church. They were blessed with two beloved children, Jeramy Gene Rhoden (1970), Amy Luanne Rhoden Sizer (1973), and many, many adored fur babies. Raymond was loved and admired by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He was a 6’4” giant teddy bear. His calm manner and sweet disposition made him an excellent teacher and mentor. He was a gifted technology expert who could fix any computer issue. Raymond’s career in IT began at Connecting Point Computers in Muskogee and culminated with him developing the IT department for WW Hastings Hospital in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. His professional career at WWH spanned three decades until his retirement in 2015. His voice is still the one heard when a call is sent to voicemail after hours. Besides his wife, Patty, of nearly 55 years, Raymond is survived by their son, Jeramy Gene Rhoden and wife Marsha, their daughter, Amy Luanne Sizer and husband Joel. He was known as “Poppa” to his grandchildren, Lindsay Wilkey and husband Matt, Aaron DuPriest and wife Kayla, Dalton Rhoden and wife Ally, Shane Sallee, Sydni Sallee, Lelan Sizer, and Austin Sizer, and his great-grandchildren, Jackson, Posey, Landri, and Ellisyn Wilkey, Keaton, Asher, and Holden DuPriest, and Stella Rhoden. Also left to cherish his memory are his sister and brother-in-law, Mickey and Donnie Madewell, nephews, Nick Madewell and wife Amber, Austin Madewell and wife Alyson, niece, Lauren Moffett and husband Tommy, and 6 great nephews and nieces, Hudson, Madden, and Mabrey Madewell and Kyson, Lennox, and Lakyn Scott, stepsister Judy Milligan and her family, his Aunt Jo Benton of DeQueen, Arkansas, first son-in-law, Shannon Sallee and wife Jill, several dear cousins, and many, many friends. With Shannon Sallee presiding, a celebration of life service will be held at 2:30 PM on Friday, June 30, 2023, at Clifford D. Garrett Family Funeral Home and Crematory Chapel located at 1020 West Okmulgee in Muskogee, OK. If attending, casual attire is appropriate. Condolences can be made to the family at www.clifforddgarrettfamilyfh.com. In lieu of flowers, and because of Raymond’s love for his fur babies, the family requests memorial donations be made to your local animal shelters. Or, in honor of their great-grandson, Jackson Wilkey: The Little Light House 5120 E. 36th St., Tulsa, OK 74135 Or to: TSC Alliance 8737 Coleville Rd., Suite 400 Silver Springs, MD 20910

Raymond Gene Rhoden

October 4, 1949 - May 20, 2023