Rev. Orion T. Rhodes passed away peacefully at home December 22, 2006 surrounded by his loving family. As a minister for 57 years he served faithfully and with unwavering commitment as a pastor, evangelist, missionary and leader at the local, state, and national levels of the Southern Baptist Convention. He is remembered by the members of his congregations as a dynamic speaker and compassionate counselor with a vision for God's work.

He was a graduate of East Texas Baptist University and of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Throughout his career he pastored churches in Louisiana, Texas, Washington, and Pennsylvania. He traveled extensively, carrying the message of God's word throughout India, the Middle East, and Europe. He honorably served his country as an officer in the United States Air Force during WWII.

He will be remembered most for his deep devotion to his family including his wife of 57 years, Mary Touchstone Rhodes, his daughter, Cynthia Rhodes-Wallis, his son, Charles Daniel Rhodes, his brother, Charles D. Rhodes, and his three grandchildren, Nathan Wallis, Ryan Rhodes, and Meaghan Rhodes.

A memorial service will be held to honor his life of service on Wednesday, December 27, 2006 at 11:00AM at Bethel Baptist Church, 572 Lebanon Road off of Route 72 North in Manheim, Pennsylvania. The service will be preceded by a viewing at the church at 10:00AM. He will be laid to rest at the Millersville Mennonite Cemetery, 435 Manor Avenue in Millersville, Pennsylvania. Flowers or memorial gifts in his memory may be sent to Bethel Baptist Church.