Dean Erin Rhoads was born August 10, 1965, in Phoenix, Arizona but lived most of his life growing up in Chickasha, Oklahoma. He attended the College Heights Baptist Church with his family and professed Christ as his Savior at a young age. He participated in many Boy Scout camping trips with his dad and found a love for the outdoors. He held several leadership roles in the Youth Group at church and his love for the outdoors transferred to the glorious greens of the game of golf with anyone that could go. In High School he found his talent for music which
landed him a position as a charter member of “Phase IV”, Chickasha High’s show choir. This led to lead roles in several musicals which gave him a confidence that never failed. His musical talent took him to East Central University with a music scholarship and a member of the ECU Performance Choir “The Oklahomans.” ECU is where he discovered the fraternity life and a brotherhood he would always love.

Dean was the 281st person initiated in the Fall of 1983 into Phi Kappa Tau, Gamma Xi Chapter. His pledge class had 16 pledge brothers: Joseph Bishop, Bobby Boydston, Robert Coleman, David Daniel, Jimmy Dunham, Jimmy Eppler, Doug Hill, Larry Kelley, Mike Linahan, Timothy Null, Mike Ross, David Servais, Mike Stokes, Richard Sullivan, Brad Thompson and Jack Wiley. He found friends, brothers and confidants in The Men of Phi Kappa Tau. The Phi Taus were always a group that held him up when he was at a low point or cheered with him when life was good.
Dean loved to laugh and make others laugh as well with his dry-witted Monty Python sense of humor. From carrying the coffin in the homecoming parade to skiing down Biscuit Hill, he was always up for the challenge if it involved his Phi Tau brothers.

In March of 1987, Dean married his Alpha Gam sweetheart Pamella Harris. Dean then began his career in the management program at Western Sizzlin’ Steakhouse. He quickly advanced in the program and was transferred to Duncanville, TX, Chickasha, OK (hometown) and finally to Jonesboro, AR. He later took a management position with CiCi’s Pizza in Jonesboro. In April 1994, Branston Michael Rhoads was born. Dean spent all his free time taking Branston to the mall and showing him off. Thankfully Branston started walking at 8 months, and it gave Dean the chance to enjoy this part of his life as a proud daddy.

On December 14, 1995, on Highway 14, just south of Jonesboro, AR, Dean lost his life in a car wreck. As all car wrecks, it was abrupt and unexpected. The outpouring of love for Dean and his family, easily proved the reason behind why Dean loved The Men of Phi Kappa Tau. He is still greatly missed.