3 September 1947 – 6 April 2022
Wayne passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 6, 2022.
Although born in Detroit, Wayne lived in several states and made an impact on the lives of the congregants of the Methodist and Presbyterian churches he pastored in Michigan, Ohio, Nebraska, Indiana, and particularly Texas.
A member of the Western High School (Parma, Michigan) Class of 1965, Wayne continued on a life-long journey of seeking knowledge and skills by first obtaining a BA in History and Psychology from Northern Michigan University followed by a MDiv from Iliff School of Theology as well as a MA in Clinical Psychology from Sam Houston State University. He later received a PhD in Psychology from Saybrook University with three concentration areas: Clinical Inquiry, Psychology of Consciousness/Spirituality, and Organizational Psychology. In addition to his ministry, Wayne retired as a reserve Commander in the United Navy Chaplain Corp after serving for twenty-two years. He was on active duty in 2003 during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Wayne was also Adjunct Faculty at Grand Canyon University (Dept. of Pastoral Psychology) and American Public University (Dept. of Religion).
Wayne is survived by his wife Jeannie Wooten, and his five children: Chad Rhodes of Lawrenceville, VA; Shannon Rhodes-Maric of Lawrenceville, VA; Danielle (Alex) Maldonado of Palestine, TX; Colette (Nathan Loudin) of Austin, TX; Gabrielle (Kendal) Stoltzfus of Marietta, PA as well as eleven grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Larry Rhodes of Albuquerque, NM and his sister Cynthia (Robert) Livingston of Saranac, MI. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents Erksel and Sophie Rhodes as well as his brother Alan Rhodes.
Wayne sadly leaves behind other family members and dear friends in those states in which he lived and pastored.
Wayne’s Celebration of Life will be held Friday, April 29, 2022, at 10:00 am at the Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 4955 Pine Street, Beaumont, TX, 77703. A military funeral will be conducted and his cremains inurned in a National Cemetery at a later date once arrangements have been finalized.
Wayne’s family request donations be made to a charity of your choice in his honor.
