Donald Arthur Rudolph's Obituary
Donald A. “Rudy” Rudolph
April 8, 1935 – May 5, 2025
Donald A. “Rudy” Rudolph, age 90, took his first step in Heaven on May 5, 2025, in Lakeland, Florida. Born on April 8, 1935, in Endicott, New York, Don lived a full and faithful life marked by service, love, and a deep devotion to his family and faith.
Don married the love of his life, Evelyn Smallwood, on July 31, 1955. Together they shared nearly 71 years of marriage and raised three daughters: Linda Karnes (late husband Glen), Tina St. John, and Katrina Ehlers (husband Claude). He was a proud grandfather to Cher Jones, Audrey Houston (Kenneth), Glen Karnes (Jeannette), Lori Karnes, and Caleb Ehlers (Stephanie), and a loving great-grandfather to Olivia, Addison, and Logan. Don was preceded in death by his grandson Aaron J. Ehlers. He is also survived by his sister, Betty Lou Jorden (Dale), nephew Brian Jorden (Jennifer), and was preceded in death by his parents, brother Jerry Rudolph, sister-in-law Judy Rudolph, and nephew Patrick Jorden.
Don began his career as a tool and die maker, completing an apprenticeship before working for Remington Rand and Morse Chain in New York. Later, he transitioned into roles at Metropolitan Life Insurance and Yellow Freight Trucking. After moving to Florida in 1979, he worked as a rate auditor for Watkins Motor Lines until his retirement.
But Don’s true calling was ministry. A passionate and tireless servant of God, Don served in many capacities—from youth leader to senior pastor. He pastored churches in Van Etten, and Kingston, New York, even helping construct a new church building alongside his congregation. After relocating to Lakeland, he continued his ministry at several local churches, including Lake Wire Church of God, Trinity Life Church, and Abundant Life Church of God, where he served as a board director, Visitation Pastor, choir member, and Sunday School teacher.
Don loved the outdoors. Growing up in the countryside of New York, he cherished deer hunting with his parents and fishing trips with family—especially those in Ontario, Canada. He also had a gift for carpentry and was always building, remodeling, or fixing something—be it houses, furniture, clocks, toys, or cars. His garage was his happy place, full of tools, wood, and half-finished projects waiting to be brought to life.
Above all, Don will be remembered for his generous heart, his steadfast faith, and the joy he took in helping others, whether through a sermon, a song, or a simple act of kindness. He lived his life as a reflection of the love he so freely gave to everyone around him.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., with a funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m., at Together Church, 6725 Socrum Loop Road, Lakeland, Florida 33809.
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