Rev. Mark Alan Rhodes

Sept 18, 1952 – Nov 22, 2021

Rev. Mark Alan Rhodes, 69, recently of Sykesville, Maryland, and long-time resident of Lakemont, Pennsylvania, went home to heaven in the early hours of Monday, November 22.

Mark was a kindhearted, gentle, and humorous man who loved Jesus, his family, his friends, reading, watching Penn State football, and sharing the Gospel.

Mark served the Lord as a pastor at five churches in Pennsylvania and Georgia over a span of 42 years and as a hospital chaplain at Altoona UPMC for 25 years. Health concerns forced him into retirement in 2019.

Mark was born September 18, 1952 in Derry, Pennsylvania, to his late parents Rev. Wayne Sr. and Edith. As a child he formed a backyard Bible club with his friends and knew from a young age that he was called to serve as a minister.

Mark studied and earned his masters and doctorate of divinity degrees at Manahath Christian College, but he never stopped learning. His personal library of books—always labeled “Property of Mark A. Rhodes” on the first page—was immense and he found great joy in reading throughout his entire life.

Mark shared the love of Jesus with others through the way he lived his life every day. He was a true Disciple of Jesus. His patience and kindness was unrivaled. He listened, offered wise advice, and prayed with those in need. Mark provided comfort and counseling to many throughout his life. He spent time daily in devotion and prayer and had a heart for missions.

Mark created deep friendships that spanned many decades, which he supported with regular phone calls, cards, and messages. The reach of his friendships knew no bounds and he will be missed greatly by friends young and old, near and far.

Mark moved to Maryland in May 2020, which allowed him to spend more quality time with his children and grandchildren, who affectionately called him “Pap Pap.” His grandkids will cherish their memories of special meals with him, reading with him, and his stellar example of loving God. His family was truly blessed to have had him as such a wonderful spiritual and relational role model.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents Rev. Wayne Sr. and Edith and his in-laws Charles and Gloria. Mark is lovingly remembered by his three children: Laura (Jeffrey), Valerie (Kyle), and Justin (Kellie); five adoring grandchildren: Elizabeth, Nathan, Penelope, Theodore, and Genevieve; former wife Sandy; five siblings: Cheryl (Jack), Wayne Jr. (Ruby), Lorraine (John), Carol (Paul), and David (Karen); sister-in-law Karen (Kenny); and many dear friends, including his best friend Ken Smith.

Mark’s favorite scripture was Galatians 2:20, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”

Friends will be received from 1-3pm on Saturday, Nov 27, 2021, at Sorge Funeral Home & Crematory Inc., Hollidaysburg, where a funeral service will immediately follow at 3pm.  Pastors Ken Smith and Wayne Rhodes officiating.  Interment at Hopewell Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to Wycliffe Bible Translators: www.wycliffe.org. Mark was passionate about sharing the Bible with everyone and believed in the Wycliffe mission to translate the Bible in all languages around the world so that everyone can come to know Jesus.

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