D. Stephen Rhea
Lewis & Gillum Funeral Homes
28 Harding Avenue, Jackson, OH 45640
(p) 740-286-2010 (f) 740-286-5640
D. Stephen Rhea, age 76, passed away surrounded by his family on February 9th, 2023. He was born on August 14th, 1946, in Columbus, Ohio to the late Bernard Dale Rhea and Alma Wilson Swingle.
Steve was a 1964 graduate of Jackson High School and a 1968 graduate of Morehead State University where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in education. He was famously known and nicknamed “Bingo”. He married his best friend and high school sweetheart, Jan Crothers Rhea on September 3rd, 1967. Steve worked at various jobs throughout his life including Teacher, Coach, Drivers Ed Instructor, but his greatest accomplishment was being the Administrator of Christian Life Academy (CLA) where he retired from after 25 years. He also played a huge role in the construction of the CLA facilities and Good Shepherd Wesleyan Church building. He was a faithful follower of Christ and had a servant’s heart and served many ministries of the church. The last several years he attended World Outreach Ministries.
He was an avid fan of the The Ohio State Buckeyes, Cincinnati Bengals, and the Reds. He enjoyed beach vacations, was an amazing cook, had a good sense of humor, a faithful friend, but his greatest love was his wife, children, and grandchildren, for whom he adored and devoted his life too.
Surviving are his wife of 55 years, Jan Crothers Rhea; daughter, Kelli (Bret) Meredith; pride and joy grandson, Taylor (Ariel) Rhea; special granddaughter, Jackie (Adam) Jones; great-grandchildren: Everlee, Emberly, Elsie, Nora, and Dawson; brother, Mark (Delilah) Rhea; sister, Wendy Swingle Sneed; daughter-in-law, Sarah Tobert; and his sweet aunt, Bernadine Wilson; as well as several brother and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends that he loved and cherished.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved son, Rick Rhea and niece, Marissa Rhea.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday, February 12th, 2023, from 12:30-2:30PM at the Lewis & Gillum Funeral Home of Jackson. Funeral services will immediately follow at 2:30PM with Pastor Rob Ervin officiating. Burial to follow at Fairmount Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to www.lewisgillum.com.
Comments