Haskell E Rhodes

Haskell Eugene Rhodes, 94, of Ada, OK, formerly of Crowder, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, November 21, the evening of his 94th birthday.

He was born on November 21, 1932 in Hanna, OK, the only son of Roy E. and Lillie Belle (Crabtree) Rhodes. He graduated from Hanna High School at the age of 16 and then went on to graduate from Northeastern Oklahoma State University with a degree in Business Education. Haskell began teaching at the age of 18, before his college graduation.

On August 4, 1951, he married Betty Jo Perguson. Together they had two children, Freddie Eugene and Shauna Marie, and they gave their children a wonderful life.

Haskell’s teaching / coaching career took them to various schools in Kansas and Oklahoma before they settled in Crowder, Oklahoma in 1960. After many years as a teacher and basketball coach, he changed his career path and became a counselor. In 1990 he retired from the Department of Rehabilitation Services and was ready to completely enjoy his role as a grandparent. To say Haskell enjoyed his role as a full-time grandfather would be a huge understatement. He was born to be a Papa / Granddad!

He moved to Ada in 2020. It was the first time Freddie and Shauna lived in the same town and he couldn’t pass up the opportunity to be near both of them. Haskell loved his church and his church family. He was waiting for the doors to open every Sunday so he could get those bulletins folded. He even got a laptop so he could continue to watch Crowder First Baptist services online along with watching his beloved Crowder Demons basketball.

Haskell is survived by son Freddie Rhodes and Judy of Ada; daughter Shauna Burson and Donny of Ada; grandchildren Duane Rhodes, Dawn Calcaterra and Justin, Kayla Handy and Nathan, and Brad Bowden; great grandchildren Caleb Shaw, Lucy Shaw, Griffin Handy, and Nolan Handy; sister Agatha King; numerous nieces and nephews, and close family friend Bruce Smith. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Betty Rhodes; and sisters UnaDee, Lavern, Gladys, and Emma.