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Rodney Winston Nephew, age 77, resident of Burbank, OK passed away on Saturday, September 25, 2021 at AllianceHealth Hospital in Ponca City, OK.
Rodney was born on April 28, 1944 to Ervin Harold and Lois Verdell (Austin) Nephew in Deland, Florida. Raised in Southern California, he graduated High School from Shafter High School in 1962. In 1961, while attending church, Ron met the love of his life, Pasty Irene Jones. They were wed on November 9, 1963 sharing 57 years of marriage. On August 17, 1964, they welcomed their first son, Steven Lloyd Nephew. Soon after on July 20, 1966, their second son, David William Nephew, was born. Followed by their youngest, Michael Edward Nephew, born on June 24, 1969.
Ron got his first taste for cooking straight out of high school with his first job at Slip's Steakhouse. Over the years, he honed his cooking skills at a few different restaurants, and later opened his own buffet style restaurant called the King's Gourmet.
In the spring of 1976, the family moved to Patsy's birthplace of Fairfax, OK. Later in summer of 1985, the family established their forever home in Burbank, OK.
Rodney's Oklahoma career path started at Buffy's Buffet in Ponca City until he decided he wanted to try something new and found himself interested in construction. OG&E was being built, and the construction company was looking for workers. So, after some persistence on Ron's part, the company took a chance on a guy who had zero experience but had the willingness to learn. From there, Ron went to work for Evans Throop Construction, that later became Evans & Associates.
In 1989, Rodney received an Associate's Degree from Northern Oklahoma College in Computer Science. He used that knowledge to advance his career with Evans & Associates retiring in 2006 as an Asphalt Foreman.
Rodney's hobbies included hunting, fishing, and cooking. His favorite time of the year was hunting season. Anytime his brother Marshal would show up to go fishing was a good day. Grandpa Rodney put his cooking skills to work often for all the grandkids as well as nieces and nephews. Homemade waffles or biscuits and gravy were always a family favorite, and if Grandpa was cooking, no one ever complained about getting up early.
Although his towering size may have looked intimidating, Rodney was a soft giant. With a teacher's heart, he loved to show others the art of hunting, fishing, and any outdoor activity you could find. That was his happy place. Ornery as ever, his dry wit and goofy grin would make anyone smile. Ron also had a mentor spirit. He took many kids under his wings to help guide them out of trouble, whether it be through motivation or fear, it worked....and you all know you are better because of what Grandpa or Uncle Rodney did to help you!
Rodney was preceded in death by his parents, Ervin & Lois Nephew and his sister Sandra (Nephew) Beyrodt.
Survivors include his beloved wife Patsy of the home; sons: Steven Nephew and wife Diane of Buffalo, WY, David Nephew and wife Rita of Burbank, OK, Michael Nephew and wife Julie of Ponca City, OK; brother: Marshal Nephew and wife Bobbie of Ponca City, OK; brother-in-law: Gary Jones and wife Cindi of Ponca City, OK; grandchildren: Robin King, Kimberly Wienke, Rodney Nephew, Micheal Nephew, Erica Burns, Shelby Kaup, Austin Nephew, and Kennedy Nephew; along with 8 great grandchildren and numerous nephews, nieces, and extended family that he loved dearly.
A memorial service will be held at on Saturday, October 2 at 11:00 A.M. at 1st Baptist Church in Burbank, OK located at 109 1st St, Burbank, OK.
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