Louie Travis Rhoden, Sr.

Reverend Louie Travis Rhoden Sr., age 87 saw the face of Jesus when he peacefully passed away surrounded by his loving family and friends in Bellingham, WA on July 11, 2019.

He was born in Charleston, Arkansas on April 1, 1932 to Nathan and Myrtle Rhoden. The family moved to Ventura, CA in 1936 where Louie spent the remainder of his childhood. He was the third of six children and is preceded in death by his parents and by four of his sisters, Christine Sadorus, Lila Ringsby, Suzzie Ross, and Dymple Stewart. He is survived by his sister Joyce Grafe (Chuck) of Glendora, CA.

Louie attended Ventura High School and excelled in sports and music. He graduated from Coulter Academy in 1951. He was a graduate of Biola College in Los Angeles, CA, where he served as Vice President of the Student Body. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1955.

Louie was passionate about sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with others. At the age of 19 he began his ministry as a youth evangelist through Youth for Christ and Tri C and a featured Camp Speaker. He influenced thousands of young people for Christ serving as a youth pastor at South Bay Baptist Church-Torrance, CA, Willow Glen Baptist Church - San Jose, CA, and First Baptist Church - Paso Robles, CA. Louie was also a featured radio personality on “Radio Kids Bible Club” as “Uncle Louie” a syndicated radio broadcast throughout the United States. Louie served as Senior Pastor at First Baptist Church-Pleasant Hill, CA, Central Baptist Church-Concord, CA, Sunnyside Baptist Church in Hanford, CA, and Heritage Ranch Community Church, Paso Robles, CA.

For almost 70 years, Louie was known as the, “Peoples Pastor.” throughout his life, Louie was faithful to his calling. As a preacher he not only talked the talk, but he walked the walk. His life verse was Philippians 1:6, “Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” His life’s motto was “I’m Prayed up, packed up, and ready to go up.” It’s not surprising that Louie was born on April 1st. There were plenty of pranks and he was known for his sense of humor, joyous laugh, warm smile and amazing way of making everyone feel loved. And that’s no joke.

Louie is survived by his loving wife of 62 years Marilee E. Rhoden of Bellingham, WA where they retired in 2003, and their children Louie Travis Rhoden Jr. (Abigail) of Laramie, WY, Rebecca E. Sparks of Bellingham, WA, Beth Henry of Bellingham, WA and six grandchildren and three great grandchildren, nieces and nephews and many other family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to OC International, PO Box 36900, Colorado Springs, CO 80936-6900. Please make checks payable to OC International and note that your gift is for the support of Edwin and Evie Martinez, in memory of Reverend Louie Rhoden.