Harrell DeWayne Rodebush

Early Tuesday morning, February 3rd, 2026, Harrell DeWayne Rodebush, age 84, went to be with his Lord and Savior.

Harrell was born on January 10th, 1942 in Paden, OK. He graduated from Midwest High School and attended Southern Nazarene University (class of 1964). In 1963, he married Carol Paige Sanders. They raised two sons, Paul and Philip. Harrell and Carol were in full-time ministry for 56 years and loved working together for God's kingdom. The majority of Harrell's calling was spent pastoring and leading churches in Oklahoma as well as in Arkansas and Texas. For many years, Harrell served in as a leader in various capacities at youth camps and on various district boards. He also served as a commissioned evangelist for the Church of the Nazarene for nine years.

Harrell loved to share stories of God's faithfulness and miracles in both big and small ways. However, he felt the greatest stories and miracles were seeing God save people in the various churches, deliver them from bondage and setting them free. Harrell believed God's love and the church were to have a positive effect on their neighbors and community, that God's kingdom was bigger than politics or divisions. In the 70's he was a pioneer in church outreach with an extensive bus and children's ministry; starting a teen church for unchurched youth, partnering with para-church organizations and other denominations to reach their community for Christ. He encouraged churches to think of those outside their church walls and enjoyed pastoring multicultural churches. He always considered it an honor to be one of the first white ministers to preach at the Douglas High School baccalaureate service; a privilege he had more than once in the 80's. Harrell retired from full-time ministry at age 77. In retirement, Harrell loved gardening, watching the OKC Thunder, dreaming of his next projects, telling everyone he encountered about God's faithfulness and staying up late talking to the love of his life, his wife Carol.

Harrell is survived by his wife of 62 years Carol, his son Paul, his son Philip and wife Katy, five grandchildren, Johnathan and wife Lauren, Jaydrian, Isabella, Rachel and Luke and two great grandchildren, Andrew and Madalynn, niece Belinda Voit; along with numerous extended family dear friends, neighbors and church family.

He is preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Hildred, his sister, Maxine Voit and by two grand-children Jalyssa and Jordan.

A viewing will be at the Barnes-Friederich & Pope Funeral Home (305 S. Sooner Rd. Midwest City, OK) on Sunday Feb. 8 from 2-5 PM.

A Celebration of Life service for Pastor Harrell Rodebush will be held at 2 PM on Monday, February 9 at the OKC New Life Church of the Nazarene (4001 S. Bryant Ave, OKC, OK). Burial will follow in the Arlington Memory Gardens in Midwest City. After the burial there will be a dinner and time of sharing stories at the New Life Church.