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The Oklahoma Insurance Department is mourning the loss of former Deputy Insurance Commissioner Horace Rhodes. Rhodes, 86, died Jan. 1 after a long illness, the department announced.

“I am deeply saddened to hear about the loss of Horace Rhodes,” said Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John D. Doak. “Horace was a dedicated public servant whose contributions to the state of Oklahoma are still being felt decades later. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family in this difficult time.”

Rhodes graduated from the University of Oklahoma with degrees in law and finance and served his country during World War II and the Korean War. He was appointed deputy insurance commissioner in 1955.

Two years later, he drafted Oklahoma’s first comprehensive insurance code, which is still the basis of the current law. The code stiffens financial regulations for insurance companies, which protects Oklahoma consumers.

The change was made after a wave of insurance company failures left Oklahoma victims with major losses, including baseball legend Mickey Mantle who paid $3,500 for worthless stock in a life insurance company.

Rhodes left the insurance department for United Founders Life Insurance Co., where he became president. Later, he oversaw the construction of United Founders Tower, a northwest Oklahoma City landmark.

He spent the remainder of his professional career at the law offices of Kerr, Irvine, Rhodes and Ables where he was chairman of the board. Rhodes also served as executive vice president and senior counsel to the Oklahoma Life and Health Guaranty Association.

Funeral services will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at St. Paul’s Cathedral, 127 N.W. 7th St., Oklahoma City.

Source: Oklahoma Insurance Department

Topics Profit Loss Oklahoma