Mickey Gene Rhea

MICKEY GENE RHEA Mickey Gene Rhea was born on July 27, 1947, to Kenneth G. and E. Marie Rhea and passed from this life on July 4, 2025. Mickey entered into military service on March 22, 1967. He was in the 20th Regiment of the U.S. Navy. He saw the terrors of war firsthand in Vietnam, serving two tours lasting thirteen months as a CMH or Construction mechanic heavy equipment in the Sea Bees. He was honorably discharged on March 21, 1973. Mickey and his first wife were married in 1967 and on September 1, 1968, their daughter, Rebecca Lynn was born. Mickey married his forever love and "Punkin", Joan Clark, on October 14, 1972. He and Joan and her son, Chris Alan Foster, lived in Deer Creek. Later, on February 22, 1974, their family grew with twin boys, Kenneth James and Edward Gene. Brotherhood was a passion for Mickey, especially his brothers in military services and brothers in faith as a part of the Masonic Order. He served his lodge for many years, giving to his community through service and hard work. Mickey was also passionate about his brothers at work. As an employee of the Sante Fe Railroad for many years, Mickey's retirement party in 2007 was well attended by his many co-workers. Mickey loved his family deeply, and he will be missed by his sons and daughter, his nineteen grandchildren, and his sixteen great-grandchildren. Mickey is preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Marie; his son, Edward; his wife, Joan, and a great-granddaughter, Kennady Grace. Mickey is survived by his brother, Ricky Rhea; sons, Chris Foster (Jana Boyer), Kenny (Lisa) Rhea; daughter, Rebecca Day (Jerry); daughter-in-law, Deresa Rhea; grandchildren, Kendra Foster (Riker), Kaleb Foster (Claire), Kendall Foster (Randi), Kahle Rhea, Kayden Rhea, Alex Lapczenski (Jon), Abby Keltner, Aryn Hillhouse (Brandon), Ashton Howard (Kevin), Bradyn Keltner, Breckyn Butterfield, Makayla Howard, Andrea Rhea, Aerin Rhea, Abbalynn Rhea, Mickey Rhea, Aubrey Day (Cody), Telara Day (Melanie), and Zoetta Day (Jaelon), plus sixteen great-grandchildren. The memorial service for Mickey will be Monday, July 14, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Nardin Church with arrangements by Lanman Funeral Home Inc. of Medford. www.lanmanfuneralhome.com Facebook: Lanman Funeral Home Inc.