Joe Floyd Rhodes

In Loving Memory of Joe F. Rhodes

Joe F. Rhodes, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and Senior Pastor, passed away on October 7, 2026, at the age of 69, leaving behind a legacy of faith, humble service, and love for Jesus Christ and the people he was called to serve.

Born on September 17, 1957, in Paris, Texas, to Thurman and Billie Sue Rhodes, Joe spent his early years in Wilburton, Oklahoma, before his family moved to Moore. He graduated from Moore High School and went on to attend Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU), where he studied Bible and Christian Ministry. It was at OBU that Joe met the love of his life, Carol Rhodes. The two were married on May 17, 1980, beginning a partnership rooted in love, faith, and a shared commitment to serving the Lord.

Joe devoted his entire vocational life to ministry as a pastor. In 1994, he began serving Highland Park Baptist Church in Edmond, Oklahoma, where he faithfully ministered to the congregation and cared for its people. For Joe, being a pastor was never simply a job or a title. It was a calling that shaped every part of his life. He loved the Bible, loved introducing people to Jesus, and deeply cared about the spiritual well-being of those entrusted to him.

Those who knew Joe understood that no task was too small for him. As Senior Pastor, he was just as willing to put away Christmas decorations or clean a bathroom floor as he was to prepare a special Christmas sermon. He never considered any act of service beneath him. His faith was evident not only in his words from the pulpit, but also in the quiet, ordinary moments when he chose to serve others with humility and love. Joe’s life reflected the example of Christ, who came not to be served, but to serve.

Joe also loved traveling with his family and creating memories together. Their adventures took them to beautiful and memorable places, including Lake Como, Kenya, Mexico, Disney World, and many more destinations along the way. These trips were opportunities to experience the world together, share new adventures, and build memories that his family will cherish for years to come.

Beyond his ministry, Joe had a lifelong love of sports, especially baseball. Watching baseball was a pastime he enjoyed throughout his life. In more recent years, he also enjoyed attending Oklahoma City Thunder games with his friend Philip, sharing the excitement of the game and the fellowship of friendship. These simple joys were another part of the life Joe loved living alongside the people who mattered to him.

Above all, Joe loved his family. He and Carol built a life together and raised three children: Justin, Ryan, and Caitlin. He was a devoted father who would do anything for his family, and he treasured his role as a grandfather to Max, Theo, and Nora. His love for his family was steadfast, and his greatest desire was to see those he loved know the love and grace of Jesus.

Joe’s life was marked by a singular devotion: loving God, sharing the truth of His Word, and caring for people. While he may not have pursued hobbies outside of his ministry, his calling was never merely an occupation. It was his passion, his purpose, and the way he expressed his love for others. Whether preaching from the pulpit, offering encouragement, caring for a church member, or quietly taking care of an overlooked task, Joe sought to be faithful in whatever was before him.

Joe leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured in years of service or sermons preached, but in the lives touched by his ministry, the family he loved, and the people he helped draw closer to Christ. His example reminds us that a life well lived is not defined by recognition or accomplishment, but by faithfulness, humility, and love.

Though his family, church, and friends grieve his passing, they do so with the hope promised through Jesus Christ. The faith Joe spent his life sharing now offers comfort to those who mourn him, trusting in the promise of eternal life and the day when those who belong to Christ will be reunited with Him.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:21

Joe will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his wife, Carol; his children, Justin, Ryan, and Caitlin; daughter-in-law, Lynsi; his grandchildren, Max, Theo, and Nora; and the many people whose lives were touched by his faithful ministry.

A funeral service celebrating Joe’s life will be held on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Highland Park Baptist Church in Edmond, Oklahoma.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Highland Park Baptist Church in Joe’s honor, continuing the ministry and work that meant so much to him throughout his life.