Steve Rhone

Steve "the Star" Rhone went to be with his Lord and Savior on the evening of December 31, 2024.

Steve was born in Bowie, Texas in 1945 to Charlie and Leona Rhone, and grew up in nearby Bellevue with his brother Michael and sisters Becky and Kathy. After graduating from Bellevue High School in 1963, Steve moved to the big city of Wichita Falls, where he began his career as a successful Realtor, and also served his country in the Texas National Guard (where he was the "section chief" and formed a "wedge"). Later, in partnership with his brother Michael as Mike & Steve Rhone Realtors/Builders, they were responsible for the construction of over 600 new homes in Wichita Falls. He served as president of the North Texas Home Builders Association, Wichita Falls Jaycees, and the Board of Realtors, and was also active with the Gold Coat Ambassadors.

In addition to his day job, Steve was the lead singer (and star) of the Cherry-Rhone Band with all his siblings, and entertained for a multitude of fans throughout north Texas and Oklahoma. The band's home base was the Hitchhiker nightclub, which Steve operated with his partner Phil Malone. In his later years, he used his musical talents to minister to nursing home residents.

In 1973, Steve married his wife of 51 years, Pam Watkins, and they had two children together, Stephen Jr. and Kelli. They enjoyed a wonderful life in Wichita Falls with family and many friends.

Steve was preceded in death by his grandson Jack Swank, his mother and father, Leona and Charlie Rhone, and his brother Michael and sister Becky (Wetsel). He is survived by his wife Pam, his son Stephen Jr and his wife Heather, his daughter Kelli (Swank) and her husband Tony, three granddaughters Olivia Swank, Evelyn Rhone, and Anna Rhone, and his sister Kathy (Gregory) and her husband Dennis.

Services will be at First Baptist Church, Rockwall, Texas, at 610 South Goliad St. on January 13 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation in honor of his daughter Kelli.