Murl Leroy Rhoads passed from this world into heavens gates June 14, 2014 at his home in Agra, Oklahoma. Murl was the first born child to Thomas Lafayette (Lafe) and Lela E. (Taylor) Rhoads on July 22, 1921 in Canadian, TX.
He was a member of the US Army during World War II. While in the war he was in North Africa, and then took part in the invasion of Italy at Anzio Landing. He was awarded a Silver Star and a Purple Heart for his actions in taking out a machine gun nest while putting himself in the direct line of fire, which saved several of his fellow soldiers.
Murl had several jobs in his younger years such as a car salesman and police officer until he moved to Arizona, where he was a driver for the local public transportation department. In Arizona he met and married Margi Laughlin, who had a son Danny whom Murl adopted. To this marriage were born two daughters Ladena and Marla Bea. The family then moved to San Francisco, California where he worked for the transit system for the Oakland/San Francisco area from which he retired. After retirement Murl moved back to Oklahoma settling near Agra. He drove the school bus for the Agra Public School for 15 years.
Murl was a member of Tryon Assembly of God and also had membership with the senior citizens of Agra. He loved his Lord and Savior and loved to study and teach about the Word of God. Murl also enjoyed preaching when given the opportunity. He loved to listen to, play and sing, gospel music. He was a talented musician. Murl attended all the singings in the Agra area.
Murl was preceded in death by his parents, one brother Edward, and brother-in-law Bill Godfrey.
He is survived by his 3 children Danny Thompson, Ladena Rhoads, and Marla Rhoads-Pease and nine grand children. Also 2 brothers Eldon and wife Lela of Kingman, Arizona, Russell and wife Norma of Woodward, OK., one sister Wanda Godfrey of Lawton, OK and sister-in-law Lilly Rhoads of Sacramento, Ca. and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
His funeral will be at Tryon Assembly of God, Tryon, OK on June 18, 2014 at 10:00 A.M. Interment will be in Sunset Memorial Gardens, Lawton, Ok at 3:00 P.M. Arrangements are entrusted to Palmer Marler Funeral Home, Cushing, Ok.
Condolences and online guest book are available at www.palmermarlerfh.com.
