Obituary for John Rhyne

John Rhyne

April 22, 1949 – October 17, 2024

John Thomas Rhyne, 75, died peacefully, surrounded by his family at his home on Thursday, October 17, 2024. A Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held Friday, October 25, 2024 at 2:00 PM, at the Renfro Center in Ponca City, OK. John’s ‘Final Alarm and Ringing of the Bell’ will be at the Ponca City Fire Department #1 at 1:30 PM, followed by a precession to the Carolyn Renfro Center. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home & Crematory, 505 W. Grand Ave, Ponca City, OK, 74601. Those unable to attend the Funeral Ceremony, may attend virtually on the Trout Funeral Home website, www.troutfuneralhome.com and click on the live-stream or toolbar icon on the top right corner after 1:45 PM.

John was born on April 22, 1949, in Amarillo, TX, to Allie Gayle Ante and Dahlia Ellen (Wright) Rhyne. He graduated from Coalgate, OK, High School in 1968, and received a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Oklahoma in 1991. John served in the United States Marines from 1970-1979, and retired from military service with the Army Reserves in 1991. John joined the Ponca City Fire Department in 1984, and promoted throughout his career to the rank of EMS Division Chief, prior to retiring in 2010. John married Mary Lou Bonaros on December 10, 1983, and they settled in Ponca City, OK.

John enjoyed his family & friends, traveling and volunteering. One of John’s most proud accomplishments was being an actor in the 1996, film Twister. He gave much of his time to volunteering in many different roles. John had sobriety for nearly 47 years, and was active in AA for the duration of his sobriety where he sponsored and supported many through their own sobriety journey. As a Shriner, he drove children and their parents from Ponca City to Galveston, TX, or Shreveport, LA, for doctors appointments. After retirement he volunteered with the Pink Heals Tour for years, where he traveled around the country bringing hope and love to those affected by cancer. John had a big heart and saw his purpose in life was to love and serve others and make them smile. He was a strong Christian and strived to honor the Lord. John did all this while always being a present loving member of his family.

John is survived by: his wife of nearly 47 years, Mary; son, Tom Rhyne & wife, Krystal, of Enid, OK; granddaughters, Brailyn, Karsyn & Parker; John’s siblings, Marki Mask & husband, David of Ada, OK; Ruth Rhyne-Wagnon of Stillwater, OK; Allie “Rocky” & wife, Cathy Rhyne, of Stillwater, OK; Becky Orsini & husband, Tony of Sachse, TX; Steve Rhyne and wife, Brigid ‘Briggie’, of Stillwater, OK; as well as many nieces, nephews & extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant son, Nicholas David Rhyne.

John will forever be in Memory and Hearts of all who knew him. For any memorial donations, consider making a donation to Alcoholics Anonymous, 212 S 3rd St, Ponca City, OK 74601, Pink Heals Inc., 3145 E Chandler Blvd., Suite 110, Box 533, Phoenix, AZ, 85048, Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607, or any non-profit of your choice. If you prefer, an educational fund has been established in John’s name for his granddaughter’s at RCB Bank of Stillwater, OK.

Source: Trout Funeral Home