Obituary for Darel “Rod” Shupe

Ponca City Now - June 30, 2022 4:37 pm

D. Rodney Shupe

September 8, 1945 ~ June 29, 2022 (age 76)

D. Rodney Shupe, 76, passed away at Hillcrest Manor Nursing Home in Blackwell, Oklahoma on June 29, 2022, after a battle with lung cancer.

He was born on September 8, 1945, in Blackwell to A.W. and Clara (Fisher) Shupe. He attended Blackwell Public Schools and graduated with the class of 1963.

Rod was drafted for the Army in 1966 and served in the Vietnam War in Long Bien from 1967-1968. Upon his return, he attended Rose State College in Midwest City. He received a job with the City of Blackwell in the Wastewater Treatment Division as a Lab Technician and worked there until his retirement in 2002.

On January 30th, Rodney became a father when his daughter, Becky Jo, was born.

In his spare time, Rod enjoyed music and played the guitar and sang. He was an excellent singer and was in a band and even recorded music. He also enjoyed photography and took many pictures and video of his family. Rodney also enjoyed golf and would play whenever he could, he even made his own golf clubs. In his later years, he would often be seen at the Blackwell Golf Course playing in the Tuesday night scrambles. Eventually, he taught Becky to play and the two would often play together. He also passed his love for music down to her. Rod joined the Elks Lodge in Blackwell in 1999 and served as treasurer for some years, he loved the karaoke nights at the Lodge.

In 2001, he married Pamela (Pedigo) Stevens and the two remained married until her passing in 2015.

Rodney always tried to be kind to everyone and loved to laugh. He and Becky would often watch comedies together.

Those left behind to remember Rodney are his daughter, Becky Shupe; grandson Rylan Gabriel Shupe. Bonus children Cindi and husband Jeff Colvin, Jeff and wife Angela, and Jolena Stevens. Bonus grandchildren Sheylee, Bryce, and Kaedin; his sister Twila; many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews who he was close to.

He was preceded in death by his wife Pam, daughter Christina, his parents Clara and A.W., his brother Leroy, one sister Clarcie Ann, as well as many aunts and uncles.

A viewing will be held on Wednesday, July 6th, from 2 to 7pm at Grace Memorial Chapel in Ponca City. Funeral services will take place on Thursday, July 7th, 10am, at Grace Memorial Chapel with Pastor Bill Kalfas officiating. Burial will follow immediately after at Blackwell Cemetery.