Earl Rhue Obituary, Death; – Earl Rhue embraced life with enthusiasm, consistently living it to the fullest. Currently, his close family friends, Maria Rosa Keys and her daughter, Maria Martens, are mourning his passing. The two shared with KTVU that the 75-year-old was at their residence in East Oakland on Wednesday evening, enjoying a Warriors game from his preferred chair.
At approximately 7:30 p.m., he stepped outside for a smoke in his vehicle, located in the 2700 block of 9th Avenue. “We heard a gunshot,” Keys recounted. “However, the television was quite loud.”
Shortly thereafter, she heard someone cry out for help. Within moments, they noticed police lights illuminating the area. It was at that moment Keys realized Rhue had been shot. Authorities reported that he was transported to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
“I was shocked to learn what had transpired,” Martens expressed. “And how swiftly it all occurred.” Just six months prior, Rhue had spoken at the celebration of life for Keys’ husband, Calvin, with whom he shared a close bond. Keys characterized Rhue as a “Renaissance man,” who obtained a master’s degree from Cal.
He had a diverse career as a NASA engineer and a puppeteer for Children’s Fairyland. Most recently, he worked as a food delivery driver. Keys suspects that an attempt was made to carjack Rhue while he was in his vehicle. She noted that Rhue was a pillar of strength and comfort for her family.
“In addition to his brilliant intellect, he genuinely loved people,” Keys remarked. “The events of last night were so tragic that we are still processing it, and we will continue to do so for a long time.”
