When a child is born, a race begins. It is the race from the cradle to the Heavenly Father. And in between, be it short or long, comes life and so was with Rodney Gene Escoe.

Rodney began his race when he was born on February 10, 1973 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, from the loving union of John and Juanita Escoe. Rodney accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and joined Cornerstone Baptist Church in South Haven and later joined Harvest Time Outreach Ministries in Tulsa, where he remained a faithful member. He loved his church and his church family.

He was a dedicated son, father, brother and friend to all he met. He worked for the Tulsa Public School's Bus Service.

Rodney surrendered his soul to Jesus on January 20, 2006. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, General and Elvira Escoe, and Alton and Opal Guess.

He leaves to cherish his loving memory; his parents, John and Juanita Escoe; his children, Katrina, Carlton, Keseona and Elijah; a sister and brother-in-law, Tonya and Donald Caldwell; a sister, Mylanda Gilkey; 2 brothers, John Escoe, Jr., Bryant Escoe, Zack Escoe and Roderick Shaw; along with a host of nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, other relatives and friends.

The farewell tribute will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. in the Harvest Time Outreach Ministries, 2333 East 48th Street North in Tulsa. Pastor Randy Markham will officiate. Burial will follow in Booker T. Washington Cemetery in Muskogee. You may visit Rodney, as he slumbers at the funeral home in Tulsa on Friday from 10 AM until 7 PM.