Rodney David Eugene Derksen, age 66 of Harrah, Oklahoma stepped into Heaven to see his Sweet Saviour on January 9, 2021. He was born the eighth child of fourteen to Isaac and Annie Derksen on January 19, 1954 in Huron, South Dakota.
On March 9, 1974 Rodney married his sweetheart Beverly Jean Hays. For the last forty-six years she has been by his side in all of life’s adventures. Together they had four children and nine grandchildren. Rodney’s life was full of love, laughter and service to his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
On the last Friday night of September 1976, Rodney came to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. Since then, his life has been dedicated to “never give the Devil another day” and to delight himself also in the Lord. Since that night, Rodney spend his life seeking to honor and glorify the Lord Jesus. His life illustrated a quote from his favorite author and preacher of the past, “The more we become like Him, the more our fellowship with Him takes on the reality that Jesus Christ desires in all of us.” — A. W. Tozer
Because of his love for Jesus, Rodney moved his family from Gillette, Wyoming to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma in 1980 with the purpose of attending Bible College. He graduated from Oklahoma Baptist College and Institute with a BA in Pastoral Theology. In 2013 he received an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity.
Rodney did appliance repair service and HVAC work for over 40 years in the greater Oklahoma City area. He could repair anything and often helped churches and those in need. Through his repair work Rodney was able to met many friends and be an influence in the community.
One of his greatest joys, outside his family, was Pastoring the Trinity Bible Baptist Church in Choctaw, Oklahoma. He tirelessly served his church without concern for himself for over 21 years. Each Saturday morning would start with him fixing a big breakfast at the church before visitation. Many Saturdays they would not get done visiting until after supper time. Then he would stay up and work on his sermons and praying for his people. The church family will greatly miss him as he and his wife were there to care for them anytime they had a need.
Rodney enjoyed music and it was rare to find him far from his guitar. It was very common for him to sing and play while making hospital visits or seeing church members. He enjoyed playing blue grass and gospel music with his family and friends. Many times he was able to play for various church events.
Rodney is survived by his loving wife, Beverly Derksen; children, Jason Derksen and wife Jennifer, Caleb Derksen and wife Amy, Andrea Derksen, Heidi Powell and husband Steven; 8 grandchildren, Gabriel, Isaac, Megan, Isaiah, Aliya, Abigail, Esther and Malka; siblings, Ross Derksen and wife Nancy, Reginald Derksen and wife Betty, Ronald Derksen and wife Norma, Roger Derksen and wife Debra, Ralph Derksen and wife Jane, Raymond Derksen and wife Nancy, Ruth Lott and her husband Jerrie, Roland Derksen and wife Mary, Rhoda Greene and husband Rex, Ramsey Derksen and wife Cheryl, Roxy Hoffman and Rowen Derksen as well as many other loving family members.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Isaac and Annie Derksen; brother Rockford Derksen and one granddaughter.
Funeral services will be held Friday, January 15, 2021 at 10:00 AM at South West Baptist Church in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Internment to follow at Elmwood Cemetery, Choctaw, Oklahoma. Services are under the direction of John M. Ireland Funeral Home Chapel, Moore, Oklahoma. The service can be viewed via live-stream for those unable to attend at Live.SWBaptist.org.
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