(Listed alphabetically)
Paul J. Banta, 80, of Holiday, FL, died Sept 7, 2008. He had Parkinson”s disease. He is survived by his widow, Jean; three children; Philip of Indianapolis, IN, Paula Hoelle of Ormond Beach, FL, and Rebecca Engel of Sylvania, OH; eight grandchildren; two stepgrandsons; four step-great-grandchildren; and one sister, Margie Fleenor of Washington, IN. He was a 1950 graduate of Cincinnati (OH) Christian University. He was ordained at First Christian Church, Washington, IN, in 1948 and retired in 1988. He served full-time ministries in Centerville, Scottsburg, and Indianapolis, IN; Lincoln Park, MI; Clearwater, FL; and with the Christian Church Evangelizing Association in Indianapolis. He was active in a number of church-related organizations, including the Sunshine Christian Home, Holiday, FL; he served on Sunshine”s board of directors almost from its beginning, and he and his wife lived there the last 11 years. The couple would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary Nov. 25. A memorial service was conducted in the chapel at Sunshine Christian Home.
Henrietta Gambill (nee Dawson) Beitler, of Cincinnati, OH, the wife of Richard S. “Sam” Beitler, died March 28, 2008, at Hospice of Cincinnati after a brief acute illness. She was born in Ashland, KY, and spent her early years there. She graduated from high school at Mountain Mission School in Grundy, VA, and was class valedictorian. She continued her education in the Greater Cincinnati area, earning a degree at Cincinnati Bible College, a teaching certificate atMiami University, an M.Ed. at the University of Cincinnati, and an Educational Media Certificate from Xavier University. She taught fifth grade in the Forest Park School District in a suburb of Cincinnati for 13 years, and worked a number of years at Standard Publishing as an editor of teachers” helps and children”s books. She also wrote more than 15 books for children. She was a faithful and active member of several churches during her years in the Cincinnati area, including Forest Dale Church of Christ, Lakota Christian Church, and most recently Christ”s Church at Mason. She also enjoyed dancing and was an active participant in various senior citizens dance groups. In addition to her widower, she is also survived by two sons, Mark and Philip; four grandchildren; and a former husband, Frank Gambill. She was preceded in death by one sister, Judy Sparks. Services were conducted April 1 at Christ”s Church at Mason. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Cincinnati, Blue Ash (c/o Bethesda Foundation Inc., P.O. Box 633597, Cincinnati, OH 45263-3597) or the Alzheimer”s Association (644 Linn St., Suite 1026, Cincinnati, OH 45203).
Donald N. Black, 90, died April 29, 2008, at Shady Rest Nursing Home in Fort Myers, FL. He was born Nov. 17, 1918, in Waynesburg, OH. He was a graduate of Cincinnati (OH) Bible Seminary. During a life of vocational ministry, he served as preaching minister with churches in Ohio, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana, and as an associate minister with First Christian Church of Fort Myers. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Marie Taylor Black; two sons, Byron of Fort Myers and Gary of Clayton, IN; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two stepgreat-grandchildren; one brother, Nathan; and two sisters, Martha Miller and Rose Johanning. He was preceded in death by one sister, Kathleen Close. A celebration of his life and ministry was conducted May 6 in Fort Myers, with Darryl Swearingen, John Meredith, and Mark Petrie of First Christian Church leading the service.
Charles “Wayne” Crum, 84, of Palmyra, IL, died April 22, 2008, at his home after a lengthy bout with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (a disease of the lungs). He was born Jan. 6, 1924, to Glenn P. Crum and Lola (Peters) Crum. He was active in sports at Modesto (IL) High School. He farmed and took care of his parents until their death. His home was on his family”s farm. Survivors include two brothers, Col. Glenn Crum of Girard, IL, and Melvin Crum of Greenwood, IN; and one sister, Geraldine Turner of Modesto. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Lucille and Marilyn Crum. He worked in Peoria, IL, and St. Louis, MO, during World War II, then returned to the family farm and settled there as an adult. He became a Christian after attending a revival in Palmyra. He placed his membership in the Modesto Christian Church where his family attended. He became a deacon and taught a Sunday school class for many years until he could no longer stand””six months before he died. He also preached when asked. He was president of the Silver Strands Senior Organization and a member of the Macoupin County Farm Bureau. He served on the board of the Mac Gomery Christian Service Camp. He helped build the camp in 1958. Both he and his brother Glenn were pilots. Services were conducted by Jeff Smith and Charles Richison at Modesto Christian Church.
Albert H. Delbridge, 80, of Carmel, IN, died Nov. 12, 2008. He served in ministry with congregations in Burwell, NE; Cherokee, IA; Missouri Valley, IA; Parsons, KS; and Edinburgh, IN. He was a member of the East 91st Street Christian Church in Indianapolis. His memorial service was conducted Nov. 15, with John Samples officiating. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Ethel; two daughters, Phyllis Brown of Jacksonville, FL, and Nancy Wallis of Des Moines, IA; two sons, Kenneth of Knightstown, IN, and Mark of Hudson, WI; 12 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
Phillip Tatman Durham, 96, of Portland, IN, died Sept 16, 2008. He was born in Bethel, OH, to Charles and Effie Durham. He graduated from Cincinnati (OH) Bible Seminary in 1936 and received his MA in 1939. Over the years he served churches in Mowrystown, Jamestown, and Custer, OH; Brookville, KY; Lamas, CO; Colville and Deer Park, WA; West Covina, CA; Council Bluffs, IA; Panama City, FL; and the Wall End Church at Kirby in Furness, England. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving as a chaplain 1942-45 during World War II, and also in the Reserves; he reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. In the late 1960s and early 1970s he was director of Christian services at Cincinnati Bible College. He was preceded in death by his wife, Gretchen, on Sept. 16, 2006, after 71 years of marriage. He is survived by three sons, Rogers of Portland, IN, David of Pacific City, OR, and Chuck of Long Beach, CA; seven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Services were conducted in Portland with Paul Strouse officiating. Burial was in Bethel, OH, with his three sons officiating.
James W. Dyer Jr., 80, minister emeritus of Southwest Christian Church, East Point, GA, died Oct. 1, 2008, at the hospice facility of Southwest Christian Care, Union City, GA. He was born in the family home in southeast Atlanta on May 7, 1928, the son of James W. Dyer Sr. and Pauline East Dyer. He attended Capitol View Christian Church, graduated from Boy”s High School in 1945, and graduated from Cincinnati (OH) Bible Seminary in 1949. While a student, he was full-time pastor at Anderson Ferry Church of Christ, Cincinnati. Later, he was minister for eight years with Le Grande Avenue Church of Christ, Anniston, AL. He married Dura Aldridge of Carrollton, GA, in 1950. He returned to Atlanta in 1956 to become the first full-time minister at Southwest Christian Church, which he led for 37 years. During his time there, the church relocated from Lynhurst Drive in southwest Atlanta to Washington Road in East Point. Jim and other church members were instrumental in establishing Christian City and Southwest Christian Care. He served on the boards of Atlanta (GA) Christian College, the Bedford School, and as a member of the Publishing Committee at Standard Publishing. He led alcohol and drug recovery groups for SCC and MARR South for more than 25 years. His preaching was powerful, and he had a phenomenal memory and a servant”s heart. He was known as Friar Dyer or Brother Jim by young and old. Among his many awards: Honorary Doctorate of Divinity from Atlanta Christian College (1969); The James A. Garfield Award from Emmanuel School of Religion, Johnson City, TN (1993); the Servant Leadership Award from Southwest Christian Hospice (now Southwest Christian Care, 1993); and, with Dura, the Lifetime Achievement Award from Christian City (1998). After Dura”s death in 2002, he married Wilma Schumacher and continued to teach the Philothean and Welcome Sunday school classes, volunteer at Southwest Christian Care, and lead recovery meetings until complications from Alzheimer”s disease led to his decline. Survivors include his widow, Wilma of Union City; three daughters, Kathy Every of Macau, China, Peggy McNash of Smyrna, GA, and Paula Crawford of Peachtree City, GA; two stepdaughters, Beth Harper of Fayetteville, GA, and Grace Sisk of Tyrone, GA; seven grandchildren; six stepgrandchildren; and one brother, Gene of Union City. Burial was at Westview Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Southwest Christian Church 50/50 Fund, or to Southwest Christian Care, Atlanta Christian College (Dyer Scholarship), the Bedford School, Christian City, to a Christian Campus Fellowship (Georgia Tech, University of Georgia, Emory University, or West Georgia), Grace for All Ethiopian Ministry, or to Christian Missionary Fellowship (the Globalscope Coleman-Germany Fund).
Leo C. Epperson of Oregon City, OR, died April 8, 2008. He was born Nov. 4, 1923, to Loretta and Cecil Epperson in Missouri Valley, IA. After graduating from Cincinnati (OH) Bible Seminary in 1946, he married Rachel Rockwell on Oct. 12, 1946. He loved God, family, friends, the outdoors, and athletics. He is remembered for his quick wit and humor. He served in ministry in the Midwest from 1946 until 1961, when he moved with his family to Oregon, where he pastored with the Oregon City Christian Church until his retirement in 1988. After retiring, he served in interim ministries until near the time of his death. Community activities included Friends of Mountain View Cemetery; the Lions Club; Kiwanis Club; Hilltop Boosters; serving as past-president of the Optimist Club; and serving as chaplain at Willamette Falls Hospital and with the Oregon City Fire Department. He officiated regularly at Oregon City grade-school athletics. He was preceded in death by two brothers and three sisters. In addition to Rachel, his wife of 63 years, he is survived by three children, Mark, Regena, and Julie; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Services were conducted April 13 at Gladstone (OR) Christian Church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Oregon City Christian Church Building Fund, 275 Beavercreek Road, #104, Oregon City, OR 97045. Hillside Chapel in Oregon City handled the arrangements.
Daniel Wayne Gault, 77, of Walhonding, OH, died Dec. 20, 2008, at the Aultman Hospital in Canton, OH. He was born March 18, 1931, in Nashport, OH, to Harry E. and Helen F. (Vroom). He married Iva Belle (Underwood) on Aug. 31, 1954. He was a painter, author, carpenter, and storyteller. He was the owner-operator of God”s Rolling Acres Christian Camp, and pastored at the following churches in Ohio: Frazeysburg Church of Christ, Pulaskiville Church of Christ, Milford Church of Christ in Centerburg (serving there when the church”s team won the first Bible Bowl National Championship in 1965), Central Church of Christ in Mount Vernon, Walhonding Church of Christ, Greenwich Church of Christ, Fredericksburg Church of Christ, and the Welcome Church of Christ in Killbuck, where he was a member. He also was a member of the Tiverton (OH) Grange. In addition to his widow, Iva Belle, he is survived by four daughters, Mary Cannon of Alexandria, KY, Ruth E. Gault of Wooster, OH, Martha Stutzman of Holmesville, OH, and Leah Hart of Warsaw, OH; one son, David C. of Sanford, FL; nine grandchildren; two sisters, Catherine Eddleblute of Frazeysburg and Ruth Moreland of Markle, IN; and one brother, Ralph Hanby of Nashport. He was preceeded in death by one brother, David. Services were conducted Dec. 23 with burial at Tiverton Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Welcome Church of Christ, P.O. Box 698, Killbuck, OH 44637 or to Round Lake Christian Assembly, 114 SR 3, Lakeville, OH 44638.
William H. Griffin, known by many as “Brother Bill,” died Nov. 29, 2008. He was born July 7, 1933, and graduated from Memphis (TN) Christian College (now Mid-South Christian College) in 1964. He served churches in Memphis, Caruthersville, MO, and Southaven, MS. From 1988 to 1997 he served as president of Mid-South Christian College. In addition, he was known for his evangelistic efforts, conducting meetings throughout the Mid-South area as well as in Australia, Zimbabwe, India, China, and the Dominican Republic. He is survived by his widow, Dorothy Cooper of Weiner, AR; two sons, Gerald, a professor at Ozark Christian College, Joplin, MO, and Larry, president of Mid-South Christian College; four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Memorial services were conducted Dec. 2 at Jonesboro, AR, with Steve Shepherd, Jim Adkins, Ted Avant, and Mitch Ford officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the Bill and Dorothy Griffin Endowment Fund at Mid-South Christian College, P.O. Box 181056, Memphis, TN 38181.
Shirleen M. Hanze, 71, of Toronto, OH, died Nov. 17, 2008, at Valley Hospice Care Center in Steubenville, OH. She was born Nov. 29, 1936, in Miami, FL, the daughter of Carl and Sarah Baughman. She was an alumnus of Johnson Bible College, Knoxville, TN, and a member of the North River Avenue Christian Church in Toronto, OH. She and her husband of 53 years, Robert, served faithfully together in local church ministry for 52 years in Ohio and Indiana. She was a member of the North River Avenue church for 23 years and was active in the music program, taught Sunday school, and was in the JOY Fellowship Class and the missionary society of the church. In addition to her widower, Robert, she is survived by two children, Timothy of Westlake, OH, and Sherry Branam of Carmel, IN; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Funeral services were conducted Nov. 20 at the North River Avenue church, with Arthur and Richard Hanze officiating. Memorial gifts may be made to the North River Avenue Christian Church, or to the Robert and Shirleen Hanze Preaching Scholarship Fund at Johnson Bible College.
Florence Howard, 92, died April 27, 2008, at Mason (OH) Christian Village, where she has lived the last 12 years. She was born Oct. 30, 1915, in Owsley County, KY, to Robert and Emma York, and they later moved to Kings Mills, OH. On April 11, 1936, she married John Howard. They lived in and were active with churches in Madison, IN, West Chester, OH, Senatobia, MS, Greencastle, IN, Lebanon, OH, and Albuquerque, NM. They worked at Mid South Christian College, Senatobia, MS, when Jerry Gibson was president, and also Clairmont Christian Service Camp in Ohio. She was preceded in death by her husband, John, on March 3, 1997; one daughter, Carolyn Elcook Chenowith; one granddaughter; and three brothers, Everett, Dorsey, and Mendal York. She is survived by two sons, Jack of Petersburg, IN, and Richard of Champaign, IL; one daughter, Lynn Edwards of Hanover, IN; 14 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Irene Irwin and Alberta Amburgy. Services were conducted at Mason Christian Village. She was buried beside her husband at Brookside Cemetery, West Chester, OH.
James Monroe Irby Jr., 91, of Holiday, FL, died June 14, 2008. He was born Sept. 19, 1916, to James and Margaret Irby. He followed in is father”s footsteps by serving more than 50 years as a Christian church minister. He was an honor graduate of Cincinnati (OH) Bible College. He and his late wife, Jeanette (Wilder), ministered in Kentucky; Berkley, MI; Fairfield, IL; Honobia, OK; Escondido, CA; Cincinnati, OH; Charlotte, NC; Houston, TX; and Merritt Island, FL. The couple retired to Holiday, FL, where Jeanette preceded him in death. Jim met and married Joyce Register in 1998. In addition to his widow, survivors include two sisters, Byrnece “Bea” Schrader and Joyce Irby; two sons, James M. III and Jary I.; four stepchildren; eight grandchildren; 12 stepgrandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and seven step-great-grandchildren. A memorial service was conducted at Sunshine Christian Home, Athens, GA, where he served as chaplain for many years. Burial was at Trinity Memorial Gardens, New Port Richey, FL. Memorials may be made to Hernando-Pasco Hospice, 12107 Majestic Blvd., Hudson, FL 34667, or to Family Ministries of Florida, 131 New Legacy Drive, Seffner, FL 35584.
Dr. Jess W. Johnson, 90, of Jonesborough, TN, who served the Christian church for nearly 70 years, died April 10, 2008, at his residence. The Kansas City, MO, native was a son of the late Walter Owen and Vada Vanemburg Johnson. He attended graduate school at Butler University, Indianapolis, IN. While attending school, he served as a full-time minister with Fleming Garden Christian Church, Indianapolis. He ministered with several churches in Oregon before moving to Johnson City, TN, to become minister with First Christian Church in 1959. He was a former president of Milligan College (starting in 1968), cofounder of Appalachian Christian Village, and was instrumental in founding Emmanuel School of Religion. After retiring from Milligan College in 1982, he returned to Oregon and ministered with Sweet Home Church of Christ and did fund raising for Turner Christian Home. He was instrumental in the work of Willamette Evangelistic Association in Oregon and also was involved with Christian Missionary Fellowship. He returned to Johnson City in 1991 and served as a minister of calling with Downtown Christian Church. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and painting with watercolors. He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Kathleen Ann; one son, Cecil W.; and an infant brother, Ralph. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Mary Sargent Johnson; two daughters, Rose Mary Russell of Huntsville, AR, and Susan Markland of Johnson City; one son, Kevin Johnson of Jonesborough; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and one brother, Don of Tampa, FL. A Celebration of Life Service was conducted April 14 at Downtown Christian Church, Johnson City, with E. LeRoy Lawson, Robert Wetzel, and Eddie Fine officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Downtown Christian Church, 335 E. Main Street, Johnson City, TN 37601; or Emmanuel School of Religion, 1 Walker Drive, Johnson City, TN 37604.
John K. Jones Sr., 83, of Cincinnati, OH, died Oct. 15, 2008. He was born Nov. 22, 1924, in Pawnee, IL, the son of Ira K. and Beryl King Jones. He served in the Army Air Corps during World War II, and was a holder of the Prisoner of War Medal and Purple Heart. He was valedictorian of his graduating class at Ball High School, cum laude graduate of Lincoln (IL) Bible Institute, and also attended Brown”s Business College, Butler University, University of Cincinnati, and Xavier University. He served churches in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. He was a member of LifeSpring Christian Church, Cincinnati, at the time of his death. He is survived by his widow, Betty (Beaty); six children, Kathleen, Jane, Julia, J.K. Jr., Ashley S., and Mark; four grandchildren; and three siblings, Betty Sprouse, and Charles and Ray Jones. He was preceded in death by one sister, Margaret Fortner. Remembrances may be made to LifeSpring Christian Church, Cincinnati.
Carol Marie (McFarland) Kelley, 70, died Oct. 13, 2008, in Sullivan, IN. She had Parkinson”s disease. She was born Aug. 1, 1938, in Taft, CA, to Harrold and Adele McFarland. She graduated from high school in Joliet, IL, and then graduated summa cum laude from Lincoln (IL) Christian College. She married Chuck Kelly on Oct. 25, 1957, in Joliet, IL. In 1965 the couple and their two children went to Zimbabwe (then called Rhodesia), Africa, as missionaries to the remote Chidamoyo Mission. There she gave birth to two more children””the first white babies born in that area. In 1972 the Kelleys returned to the United States because of health issues. She worked alongside her husband as secretary of three different church camps and was a member of the First Christian Church of Sullivan. In addition to her widower, she is survived by her mother; two sons, Carson of Ossian, IN, and Curtis of West Plains, MO; two daughters, Christine Vijil of Sullivan and Adele Russell of Fairbanks, IN; nine grandchildren; three sisters; and two brothers. Memorial services were conducted at First Christian Church in Sullivan. Memorial contributions may be made to Mission Services, Knoxville, TN.
David R. Kester, 50, pastor for 20 years with the Church of Christ, Cleveland, MN, died of natural causes July 22, 2008, at his Cleveland home. He was born in Ladysmith, WI, on Oct. 1, 1957, to Roger and Velma (Churchill) Kester. He attended Flambeau High School, Tony, WI, Minnesota Bible College (now named Crossroads College), Rochester, MN, and Lincoln (IL) Christian Seminary. He ministered with churches in Highbanks and Jump River, WI, and Brookings, SD. He began pastoring in Cleveland in November 1987. He was a gifted preacher and writer, and a published author. His passion for missions included serving on short-term mission trips to Alaska, New Orleans, Israel, Zimbabwe, and India. He was active in parachurch ministries, including the boards of both Christian Student Fellowship and Pine Haven Christian Camp, Crossroads College, jail ministry, and the local food pantry. Community activities included serving on committees, coaching junior high football, working with developmentally disabled adults, and serving as an on-call counselor for the school district. He was an avid reader, fisherman, sports enthusiast, trivia buff, and Scrabble player. He is survived by his mother, Velma; three sisters, Ruth Picker, Mary Howells, and Lois Kester; and one brother, John. The funeral was conducted July 26 at the church. Burial was at the Marion (MN) Cemetery.
Roy Frank Lincoln, 73, of Webb City, MO, died April 3, 2008. He was born Aug. 17, 1934, on a farm near Bedford, IA, the son of Orlo S. and Flossie Neal Lincoln. He was a resident of Joplin, MO, for more than 30 years and was a member of the College Heights Christian Church, where he had served as an elder and Sunday school teacher. He married Patricia Mae Kempf of Fayette, MO, on Dec. 6, 1952, while attending Lincoln (IL) Christian College. After working in Fayette for several years, he and his wife owned Lincoln Motor Company in Centralia, MO. After selling the dealership in 1973, the couple moved to Joplin where Mr. Lincoln became president of Goodman Church Builders. In 1979, the Lincolns purchased Church Funding Corp., a securities bond company, assisting churches, colleges, and retirement centers in raising capital funds. The couple were instrumental in establishing Spring River ChristianVillage in Joplin. He served on the board of directors of Central Christian College of the Bible, Moberly, MO, for 34 years. In addition to his church responsibilities, he was very active in civic organizations wherever he lived. In 2005 he was honored for special attention given to veterans during the annual Joplin Airfest, of which he was chairman. He also was honored as “Business Associate of the Year” by the Ozark Gateway Chapter of the American Business Women”s Association in 2006. In addition to Patricia, his wife of 55 years, he is survived by two daughters, Susan Warden and Sylvia Klor; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; four sisters, Opal Gee of Louisville, KY; Doris Dancy of Emden, IL, Lois Benjamin of Alexandria, VA, and Helen Osbourne of Durango, CO; and one brother, Jim of Novelty, MO. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Ruth Andrews and Florence Olmstead.
Dr. William Howard Mackey, 81, of Leesburg, FL, died July 29, 2008. He was born Aug. 11, 1926, in Newport, KY, the son of Howard Thomas and Goldie (Slack) Mackey. After graduation from Hillsboro (OH) High School in 1944, he earned ministerial and divinity degrees from Cincinnati (OH) Bible Seminary (now Cincinnati Christian University) and Butler University School of Religion in Indianapolis, IN. He was ordained into the Christian ministry in 1947 and remained active until illness confined him to his home early this year. He served pulpit ministries with churches in Kentucky, Indiana, and Alabama, and interim ministries in Arizona, California, and Florida. In 1958, he organized and began directing New Christian Churches Evangelism Inc. Over the next 13 years, he helped establish six congregations in Indiana and Alabama. He earned a doctor of chiropractic degree from Bebout Chiropractic College in Indianapolis in 1959 and worked part-time in that capacity to help support his family during that period of his ministry. He was a gifted musician, and after his preaching ministry was hindered by illness several years ago, he and his wife, Dorothy, founded Song and Word Ministries and provided musical programs for churches across the country for several years. He received a private pilot”s license in 1952 and later earned a commercial rating and became a certified flight instructor and an instrument rating instructor in multi-engine aircraft. In 1966, he organized Christian Men”s Flying Club Inc., and in 1981 he founded a Mission Flight Training Program to train pilots in the use of aircraft in missionary endeavors throughout the world; he continued in that ministry until very recently. In addition to his wife of 60 years, Dorothy Stebbins Mackey, he is survived by three daughters, Martha Jane Mackey of Glendale, CA, Kathleen King of Natchez, MS, and Virginia Graham of Orlando, FL; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; one sister, Christine Cook of Hillsboro, Ohio; and two brothers, Charles of Danville, CA, and Thomas of Newark, OH. Memorial contributions may be made to Cincinnati Christian University, 2700 Glenway Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45204.
Ronald Ray McMillan, 70, of Wyandotte, OK, died Aug. 1, 2008, in Joplin, MO, after 50 years of ministry. He was born Nov. 13, 1937, in Bushnell, SD. He attended Ozark Bible College, Joplin, MO, and Lincoln (IL) Christian College. In addition to his wife, Pat, survivors include one son, Timothy of Clinton, OK; two daughters, Kimberly Camp of Joplin, MO, and Beverly McMillan of Carl Junction, MO; four grandchildren; two brothers, Merwyn of Joplin, MO, and Allan of Jacksonville, FL; and one sister, Lorraine Pierce of Rogers, AR. He was preceded in death by one brother, Lloyd. Services were conducted Aug. 5 at Blendville Christian Church, Joplin, with Tim McMillan and Virgil Eubanks officiating. Ferry Funeral Home, 301 S. Washington, Nevada, MO 64772, handled the arrangements.
Thelma Naomi Mayfield, 97, of Johnson City, TN, died March 11, 2008, at the Christian Care Center of Johnson City. She was a native of Weir City, KS, and a daughter of the late Stephen Robert and Mabel Rose Underwood Briggs. She lived in Johnson City for the past 20 years. She graduated from high school and earned a scholarship to attend Oklahoma College for Women; later she graduated from Oklahoma A&M College. She married Guy W. Mayfield in 1935 and served with him in several churches in Oklahoma, Texas, and Louisiana prior to World War II. After he completed his service as a military chaplain, they served as missionaries to Italy and other European countries for 40 years. After Mr. Mayfield died in 1987, she settled in Johnson City and continued her mission work through publishing newsletters and writing letters of encouragement. When she became blind, she dictated her words to others. She was a 20-year member of Grandview Christian Church. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by one sister, Edith Irene Lane. She is survived by one daughter, Mignon Holben of Johnson City; one son, Stephen Mayfield of Sumter, SC; six grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. A service was conducted March 13 at Morris-Baker Funeral Home, with Gioele Settembrini, Aaron Wymer, and David Holben (her grandson) officiating. Burial was March 14 at Washington County Memory Gardens. Memorial contributions may be made to the Guy and Thelma Mayfield Missionary Fund, c/o Milligan College, P.O. Box 750, Milligan College, TN 37682. The scholarship fund benefits the children of missionaries. Online condolences may be made throughwww.morrisbaker.com [1].
Prentice Meador, 70, a preacher, scholar, and Christian education leader died after a sudden illness on Nov. 21, 2008, in Nashville, TN. At the time of his death, he was a professor at Lipscomb University, where he held the Batsell Barrett Baxter Chair of Preaching, a position created by Nashville”s Hillsboro church where Meador grew up. Before moving to Tennessee in 2007, he had served as senior minister for 19 years at the Prestoncrest church in Dallas, TX. He was a main session speaker at the 2006 North American Christian Convention in Louisville, KY. He previously served other churches and taught at other universities. He graduated from Lipscomb in 1960, and later earned a MA and PhD from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He served on the boards of trustees at Lipscomb and Abilene (TX) Christian University and was a member of the Chancellor”s Council of Pepperdine University, Malibu, CA. Among his other contributions, he served as editor of 21st Century Christian magazine.
Philip Craig Miller, 46, of Moorhead, MN, died Nov. 10, 2008. He was born Oct. 13, 1962, in Indianapolis, IN, the son of Calvin and Jean (Cachiaras) Miller. He grew up in Worthington, MN, and later Coon Rapids, MN, where he graduated from high school in 1981. He graduated from Minnesota Bible College (now Crossroads College) in 1985. He served as youth minister with New Brighton (MN) Christian Church and Coon Rapids (MN) Christian Church. After mission work in Brazil, he studied medicine at Milligan College (TN) and the University of Minnesota”“Duluth. He also studied at Bethel Seminary, St. Paul, MN. He married Lori Knick in Springfield, OH, on July 16, 1988. In 1990 they moved from Duluth, MN, to the Fargo-Moorhead area, where Phil was called to be pastor of Valley Christian Church, Moorhead. He was active in ministerial associations in the Fargo-Moorhead area and in Detroit Lakes, MN. He served as president of the Minnesota State Convention of Christian Churches. He also was actively involved in the ministry of Pine Haven Christian Assembly, Park Rapids, MN. In addition to his widow, Lori, and his parents, Jean and Calvin Miller of Minneapolis, he is survived by four children, Kathryn, Jamie, Nathanael, and Alexander; four siblings, Connie Pease of Roseville, MN; Jim of Hickory Hills, IL, David of Coon Rapids, MN, and Brett of Little Canada, MN. He was preceded in death by an infant brother, Stephen. Memorial gifts may be made to the Philip Miller Children Education Fund, Bremer Bank, 1444 45th St. South, P.O. Box 10998, Fargo, ND 58106.
Dr. Harold Noe, 77, minister and Bible translator for deaf people, died Dec. 18, 2008, of Parkinson”s disease. He was best known for his more than 20 years of dedication to the Omega Project, a translation of the New Testament from the original languages into American Sign Language (ASL). He was born Dec. 23, 1931, in Lebanon, NE. He was a graduate of Johnson Bible College, Knoxville, TN (BA 1953; MTh 1958) and Drew University, Madison, NJ (DMin, 1981), and wrote numerous books, taught classes, and conducted more than 230 revival meetings in 30 states. He traveled to 28 countries and conducted 36 tours to the Middle East and Europe. He was instrumental in leading efforts at Deaf Missions to complete translation of the entire New Testament and one-third of the Old Testament into ASL. He was involved in ministry with deaf people for more than 40 years. The Omega Project began in 1981; scholars, translators, and ASL specialists who worked as teams through the years accomplished their huge task in 2004. A memorial service was conducted Dec. 22 at First Christian Church in Council Bluffs, IA.
Talmage A. Pace, 79, died Feb 12, 2008, at his home in Littleton, CO. He was born and raised on his family”s cotton farm near Lake, MS. At age 17, Talmage, having been influenced by his parent and a local preacher, headed to Cincinnati, OH, where he simultaneously completed his senior year of high school at night and his freshman year at Cincinnati Bible Seminary by day. He met Irene Turner of Des Moines, IA, also a student at CBS, and on Dec. 25, 1947, they were married; the couple remained together 60-plus years. As a seminary student, he preached for churches in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, and West Virginia. After graduation, the couple began full-time ministry with churches in Albion and Clay City, IL. They were curious about the West, so in the summer of 1951 they traveled there and were captivated by the beauty of the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Initially, Mr. Pace wanted to plant a new church there, but in February 1954, he began serving as interim minister with First Christian Church, Longmont, CO. He was soon hired as senior minister and the couple stayed there 10 years. In 1964, he planted Northwest Christian Church in Phoenix, AZ, but health concerns led the family to return to Colorado in 1966, where he led in planting Bear Valley Christian Church. In 1982, he accepted a ministry position with The Christian Church Extension Foundation. For 20 years, the couple traveled coast to coast, mostly in their cars””which were affectionately named “green-bean” and “blue-bird”””helping churches embarking on building and expansion programs. In 2003, when CCEF was acquired by Church Development Fund, Mr. Pace retired from full-time vocational ministry. Mr. Pace was an active supporter of area ministries, serving many terms as director and dean of Colorado Christian Service Camp and being actively involved in new church planting efforts throughout the state. He served on the boards of several mission organizations, was vice president of the North American Christian Convention in 1976, and for years was a trustee at Cincinnati Bible Seminary. He was an active fisherman and camper, and led many backpacking trips for church and college groups. The couple celebrated their 60th anniversary on Dec. 25, 2007, with a family reunion at a resort in Winter Park, CO. In addition to his widow, Irene, he is survived by two sons, David and Don (who officiated at his memorial service); three daughters, Nancy, Linda, and June; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Ina Pace Johnson and Jean Linton. Memorial contributions may be made to Colorado Christian Service Camp, Como, CO, or Overseas Outreach, Nampa, ID.
Marvin E. Platt, 71, and Lola E. Platt, 67, were killed when their automobile and a pickup truck crashed Jan. 21, 2008, on a county road just west ofClarksville, IA. The Platts were on their way to visit friends for coffee. The Platts were married and served in ministry together for 50 years. They served churches in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Louisiana, Ohio, and Iowa””most recently with Bristow (IA) Church of Christ. They are survived by four children, Bill of Nevada, MO, Tim of Clarion, IA, Dennis of Cedar Falls, IA, and Kimberly Collins of Knoxville, IA; 12 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Mr. Platt attended Allen County Community College, Iola, KS, and Ozark Bible College, Joplin, MO. Mrs. Platt was a homemaker and the “wind beneath his wings.”Funeral services were conducted at Cedar Falls, IA, and LaHarpe, KS. All four of their children officiated. The Platts were buried at LaHarpe Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be made to Rapha House, P.O. Box 1627, Joplin, MO 64801-1627.
Roy Eugene Reiswig, 61, of Glendale, AZ, died Nov. 7, 2008, at Banner Alzheimer”s Residence after a lengthy struggle with Alzheimer”s disease. He was born Feb. 11, 1947, in Beaver, OK, the son of Ralph and Ester Reiswig. He graduated in 1969 from Midwest Christian College in Oklahoma City with a degree in Christian education and music. After ordination, he ministered with churches in Dewey and Oklahoma City, OK, Bloomington, IL, and Phoenix, AZ.He served in the areas of youth, adult, and music ministry. He also organized Christian conventions and teaching seminars, led summer youth camps, directed a variety of musical productions, and participated in several mission trips. He married Georgia Maddox of Clovis, NM, on June 14, 1968, and they recently celebrated their 40th anniversary. In addition to his widow, he is survived by three children, Melissa Reiswig of Flagstaff, AZ, Melinda Huff of Kathmandu, Nepal, and Mark of Pasadena, CA; four grandchildren; one sister, Elsa Ferne Martin of Fowler, KS; and one brother, Lawrence of Greeley, CO. A memorial service was conducted Nov. 22 at Christ”s Church of the Valley, Peoria, AZ. Memorial contributions may be made to OM (Operation Mobilization), Nepal Ministry, P.O. Box 444, Tyrone, GA 30290.
Christie E. Roberts, 89, of Weston, OH, died May 25, 2008. She worked for Dana Corp. in Toledo for more than 30 years until retiring in 1983. She was a member of the Weston Church of Christ for 80 years and was active with the children”s programs and the Ladies Missionary Society for more than 50 years. She was a life member of the Weston Chapter of Eastern Star. She deeply loved the Lord, family, and friends. She was born in Woodville, OH, to William Merrill Williams and Annette Couture Williams on Sept. 4, 1918. She is survived by one son, Howard E. Jr. of Bowling Green, OH; three daughters, Patricia A. Baker of Bowling Green, Mariellen Ward of Steeles Tavern, VA, and Deborah L. Reynal of West Melbourne, FL; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Cameron E. Williams of Tavares, FL, and George M. Williams of Bowling Green. A memorial and praise service was conducted May 28 at the Weston Church of Christ. Memorial gifts may be made to the Weston Church of Christ Ladies Missionary Society, 13355 Center St., Weston, OH 43569.
Fay (Johnson) Rogers of Zionsville, IN, 96, died April 29, 2008. She was born June 2, 1911, near Liberty, IN, to Albert and Bessie Johnson. She attended Salem Grade School, Short High School, and Cincinnati (OH) Bible Seminary. She married Murhl Rogers in June 1931. The couple adopted a baby girl, Carol, in 1940. Mrs. Rogers served with her husband in ministries in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Indiana. She helped start the Eastern Pennsylvania Christian Service Camp in 1935. In 1999 she moved to Zionsville Meadows in Zionsville, IN. She was preceded in death by her husband. She is survived by her daughter, Carol Griffin; four grandsons; and 11 great-grandchildren. Services were conducted at New Hope Christian Church in Whitestown, IN. Burial was at West Point Cemetery, Liberty, IN.
J. David Rose, 83, of Sun City Center, FL, died May 4, 2008. Born in Pennsylvania, he served his country in the Italian theater during World War II. He graduated from Milligan College in 1950; as a student he ministered with the Foscoe and Heaton churches in North Carolina. He began his full-time ministry with the Linden (TN) Christian Church, then entered new church evangelism by serving as founding minister of the Owensboro (KY) Christian Church, before joining the Northeastern Ohio Association of Helpers to establish the Lynkirk Christian Church, Youngstown. For 25 years he was Indiana branch manager for Transamerica-Occidental Insurance Co., working in estate planning. He returned to Milligan in 1986 as interim director of development and served as a trustee of the college until retiring to Florida in 1993. He is survived by his widow, Dottie; five children, David, Jack, Jim, Becky, and Judy; 11 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. Services were conducted at Horizon Christian Church, Valrico, FL. Memorial contributions may be made to Milligan College and Horizon Christian Church.
Dr. Norma Sneed Small, 80, of Checotah, OK, a longtime physician, pilot, and medical missionary, died Dec. 17, 2008. Services were conducted Dec. 20 at the First Christian Church in Eufaula, OK. She was born Feb. 11, 1928, in Checotah to Ernest R. and Jennie Lee Case Sneed. She graduated from Checotah High School and attended Ozark Christian College in Joplin, MO. She then received her nursing degree at Muskogee General Hospital School of Nursing in 1952. She worked at Hastings Indian Hospital in Tahlequah, OK, while completing a BS degree at Northeastern State College. She graduated from the University of Oklahoma School of Medicine in 1960. Her internship and first year of residency were at Queen”s Hospital in Honolulu. She completed her residency at Hillcrest Medical Center in Tulsa, OK. In 1962, she obtained her pilot”s license, enabling her to fly to women”s retreats, workshops, and conferences to lecture on biblical and character-building programs. She returned to Checotah to establish a family medicine practice in 1963, and in 1968 married Bob Small, a minister. Together, the couple traveled the world, even pursuing her passion for archeology by taking part in a dig near Mount Arafat in search of Noah”s Ark. As a medical missionary, she traveled to Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Hawaii. She taught medical mission classes at Ozark Christian College for 22 years, commuting by plane. She also worked for the Oklahoma Department of Corrections for several years, until 2007, while continuing her Checotah practice. She was a member of the First Christian Church of Eufaula, where she taught classes and played the piano and organ. In 1983, she was honored as one of the top family physicians in the nation by the American Academy of Family Physicians. She is survived by two sisters, Anna Curtis of Tulsa and Ellen Sneed of Vinita, OK; three stepdaughters, Carol Gamel of Depew, OK, Terry Gump of Carterville, IL, and Lora McGowan of Harvest, AL.; and one stepson, Richard Small of Fort Supply, OK.
S. John Smelser, 85, of Worthington (OH) Christian Village, died April 6, 2008. He graduated from high school in Dayton, OH, and then graduated from Cincinnati (OH) Bible Seminary with the BSL degree in 1953. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corps, serving for three years during World War II. He served as a minister in Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, and as a missionary in the Buffalo, NY, area. He also was a district manager with World Book Encyclopedia. He did volunteer work with seniors in several places. In addition to his wife of 60 years, Mary, he is also survived by three sons, Gary, Randy, and Philip; one daughter, Marcia Stacy; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lee and Lydia; three brothers, Wilbur, Robert, and Charles; and one sister, Frances Fox. A memorial service was conducted April 9 at Worthington Christian Village. Burial was at Oxford (OH) Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Worthington Christian Village Benevolent Fund, 165 Highbluffs Blvd., Columbus, OH 43235. Condolences may be made through www.rutherfordfuneralhome.com [2].
Lewis Leroy “Lee” Snyder, 58, of Kearney, NE, died Thursday, March 27, 2008, in Omaha. He was born June 16, 1949, in Columbus, OH, to Clarence and Georgia (Holton) Snyder. He married Vicki Truitt on May 9, 1970, in Louisa, KY. In addition to his widow, survivors include one sister, Sharon Hubbard of Springfield, OH. He was preceded in death by one brother. He graduated from Kentucky Christian University, Missouri State University, and Ohio State University. He ministered with Christian churches in Kentucky, Ohio, Missouri, and Nebraska. He also served churches as an elder and a Sunday school teacher. He began teaching at the University of Nebraska at Kearney in 1986, and was serving as a professor in the Department of Communication at the time of his death. In addition to being a scholar, he was a writer who had many articles published in journals and magazines. He also wrote the three-volume work, The Book of Acts According to Alexander Campbell: An Historical and Rhetorical Commentary. He was the subject of the April 27, 2008, “CHRISTIAN STANDARD Interview,” in part for his service as faculty sponsor for Christian Student Fellowship at UN”“Kearney; CCF is a campus ministry supported by the Christian churches and churches of Christ of Nebraska. (“Campus ministry” was the theme for that issue of CHRISTIAN STANDARD. Services were conducted at Shaw-Davis Funeral Home, Columbus, OH, with John Wilson officiating. Burial was at Sunset Cemetery in Columbus.
Ellen Maria Stevens, 40, of Queens Village, NY, died Dec. 29, 2008, after a lengthy illness. She was born Feb. 16, 1968, and lived most of her life in New York. She attended Cincinnati (OH) Bible College, 1986-88. She was active in mission work, first with Love Mission in Manhattan and for the last 23 years with the Church of Christ at Greenpoint in Brooklyn. She is survived by her husband, Robert Stevens; two teenage sons, Bradley and Russell; her parents, Bob and Gloria Bernhardt; one brother, Bob; and one sister, Angie. David Dooley gave the memorial message at the Greenpoint church on Jan. 2. Donations in her memory may be made to the Catskill Christian Assembly, 185 Falke Road, Prattsville, NY 12468.
Earl R. Stuckenbruck, a minister, missionary, and educator, died Oct. 13, 2008. He was born in 1916 at Lake City, IA, a son of Carroll Orin and Olivia May Stuckenbruck, and brother of Harry, all ordained ministers who served Christian churches in the Midwest and Massachusetts. He earned his BA in psychology and philosophy from the University of Kansas in Lawrence, and an MDiv in classical honors from Butler University School of Religion in Indianapolis, IN, where he was an assistant in the Missions Department. Additional postgraduate work was at Birmingham University in England, Basel University in Switzerland, and Eberhard Karls University in Tübingen, Germany. He served as youth minister with First Christian Church, Columbus, IN, and minister with First Christian Church, Montpelier, IN. In 1944 he married Ottie Mearl Lawrence and two years later they were commissioned by the European Evangelistic Society to search out a university base for an academic and evangelistic center in Europe. He started the Institut zur Erforschung des Urchristentums (Institute for Research in Christian Origins) and a church, Christliche Gemeinde, in Tübingen. In 1968, the family returned to the United States and he taught Bible, Greek, and German at Milligan College (TN) until his retirement. He was recipient of the Fide et Amore Distinguished Service Citation from Milligan College. At Emmanuel School of Religion, Johnson City, TN, he received the James A. Garfield Award, the seminary”s highest honor. Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis honored him with a Doctor of Divinity degree. Faith in Practice: Studies in the Book of Acts, A Festschrift in Honor of Earl and Ottie Mearl Stuckenbruck, edited by David Fiensy and William Howden, was published by the European Evangelistic Society. In particular, his interest in Christian origins expressed itself in over four decades of teaching, study, and research on Jewish traditions that shaped the New Testament. He was an advocate for Christian unity and included the three streams of the Restoration Movement in his ministry overseas. He loved music and was known locally for his renditions on the musical saw and the glass harp (musical goblets) at church and community programs. He loved the church and was elder emeritus at First Christian church in Johnson City. In addition to his wife of 64 years, survivors include four children; Earl Lee Stuckenbruck and Jane Perry, both of Johnson City, Dr. Dale Stuckenbruck of New York City, and Dr. Loren Stuckenbruck of Durham, England; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brother and one granddaughter. A memorial service was conducted Oct. 19 at First Christian Church, Johnson City. Burial was at Washington County Memory Gardens. Memorials may be made to the European Evangelistic Society, P.O. Drawer 90150, East Point, GA 30364.
Robert Steven “Steve” Szoke Jr., 32, of Crown Point, IN, died May 27, 2008. He was a 1993 graduate of Thornton Fractional North of Calumet City, IL, and a 1998 graduate of Lincoln (IL) Christian College. He formerly served on staff with Cross Point Christian Church, Sugar Grove, IL; and was a former youth minister with Town & Country Christian Church in Crown Point, IN, Maple Lawn Christian Church in Joliet, IL, and Christian Church of LaHarpe, IL. He was founding pastor and minister of Impact Christian Church, Merrillville, IN, and trustee and dean of high school week at Lake Region Christian Assembly. He was the founder, professional wrestler, and promoter of FirePro Wrestling of Merrillville, IN, and was a fixture in professional wrestling circles””wrestling for many different federations””throughout Indiana and Illinois. He was an avid and creative artist and had a deep and passionate love for the Impact Christian Church family and for developing a safe place for people to learn about God. ICC has played host to many different functions, including pro wrestling shows, Tae Kwon Do, and Sunday Night Ignite, a worship service for teens. Steve is survived by his widow, Candy (Mullens) Szoke of Crown Point, IN; one daughter, Jada, 7; his parents, Robert and Lorraine Szoke of Crown Point; one sister, Sarah Lowery of South Elgin, IL; and two grandmothers, Katherine Brooker of Elmhurst, IL, and Merle Szoke of Riverton, IL. Services were conducted May 31 at Burns Funeral Home, Crown Point, IN, with Lance Hurley officiating. Interment was at Maplewood Cemetery in Crown Point. Contributions, if desired, may be made to the family, Impact Christian Church, or Camp LRCA (Lake Region Christian Assembly).
Marjorie Evelyn (Bolin) Van Dyke, 86, a former missionary to Zimbabwe (then known as Rhodesia), died Aug. 4, 2008, in Milwaukie, OR. She had been living near her daughter, Jocelyn Lay, since moving from Mesa, AZ, in 2003. She was born to Harold and Minnie Bolin on Feb. 19, 1922, in St. John, WA. She graduated from high school, attended Washington State University, and received her RN diploma from St. Luke”s School of Nursing, Spokane, WA, in 1944. She served in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps during World War II and attained the rank of first lieutenant while serving in the U.S. and Guam. She married Lester Myers Van Dyke on Nov. 1, 1946, in San Francisco, CA. She served as a nurse and as the first woman elected to the board of commissioners in Garfield County, WA, before preparing for missionary service with her husband at Puget Sound Christian College, Seattle, WA. She moved with her family to Rhodesia to serve with Central Africa Mission in 1964. She helped pioneer the first medical services in Hippo Valley, near Chiredzi, as well as living and working as a nurse at the Mashoko Christian Hospital and as a nursing instructor at Mashoko Nursing School. Her later years in Rhodesia were spent in the rural areas around Fort Victoria (now Masvingo), where she and her husband served churches in leadership development and helped establish medical clinics, well-baby clinics, women”s clubs, and provided training in hygiene, nutrition, sanitation, cooking, sewing, and Bible. The war in Rhodesia delayed their return to the field in 1979, and her husband”s illness and death in 1982 required her to retire from mission work and return to nursing in Mesa, AZ. She returned to Zimbabwe in 1993, volunteering for seven months working with AIDS patients. She was an active member of Central Christian Church, Mesa, AZ, and was a frequent speaker and writer on missions and mental health issues. She is survived by two sons, Larry of Chicago, IL, and Gregory of Islamorada, FL; one daughter, Jocelyn Lay of Milwaukie, OR; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and one sister, Barbara Albrich. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by one son, Stephen; and one grandson, Seth. A memorial service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Oct. 11 at Milwaukie (OR) Christian Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Lester, Marjorie, and Stephen Van Dyke Scholarship Fund, Emmanuel School of Religion, One Walker Drive, Johnson City TN 37601.
David Scott Walker, 50, of Fort Myers, FL, died May 18, 2008, after a year-long battle with cancer. He was born in Albuquerque, NM; graduated from East Jefferson High School in Metairie, LA, in 1976; attended Northeast Louisiana University in Monroe, LA, 1976-78; graduated as valedictorian of Dallas (TX) Christian College in 1986, earning a BA; and received an MDiv from Lincoln (IL) Christian Seminary in 1995. He married Sharon Covington on June 7, 1986, in Arlington, TX, and they had two children, Sarah Elizabeth (1990) and David Aaron (1993). He was ordained by the elders and congregation of Arlington (TX) Christian Church in 1986. He ministered with the Richmond (MO) Christian Chapel, Walnut Corner Church of Christ in Bismarck, IL, and Milton (IL) Christian Church. He told his story of dealing with a diagnosis of cancer from a perspective of faith and hope, which can be heard atwww.fccfm.org/sermons/scottsstory/ [3]. His online journal is at www.caringbridge.com/visit/scottwalker [4]. In addition to his wife and children, he is survived by his father, Gaylord Thompson Walker II (spouse: Nancy); mother, Donna Sennett (Ralph); and three siblings, Jim Ireland, Cathy Bell, and Carolyn Schimmel.
Roby Allen Weichal, 83, of Germanton, NC, died Sept. 23, 2008. He was born Nov. 29, 1924, to George and Lillie Weichal in Bakersfield, CA. His lifelong love of the Word was enhanced by his studies at Pacific Bible Seminary, now Hope International University, Fullerton, CA. While there he met and married Marjorie Chapel. He worked 32 years for the Little Lake School District in Santa Fe Springs, CA, and 74 years as a layman in Christian service. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Francis, Reed, and Gerald; and one daughter, Christine Nelson. In addition to his wife of 59 years, Marjorie, he is survived by five children, Vicky Telfer, Laureen Young, Darla Minor, and Joseph and Anthony Baumeisters; 16 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren. In addition to family, he also leaves many friends at Eastside Christian Church in Fullerton, CA, and Capella Church of Christ in King, NC, where he served many decades as youth leader, elder, teacher, and Bible scholar.
Cletabell Wineinger, 74, of High Hill, MO, died June 25, 2008. She was born Feb. 8, 1934, in Chamois, MO, the daughter of Edgar Christ and Mary Allene Willis Wenger. She was baptized June 11, 1944. She graduated from Alton (IL) High School in 1951 and then attended Louisville (KY) Bible College, where she met Ivan Dale Wineinger, whom she married Aug. 30, 1952, in Cuzco, IN. At the time of her death, she and Ivan had celebrated more than 55 years of marriage. The Wineingers spent most of their married life in West Alton, MO, moving to Warrenton, MO, in 1991, and then to High Hill, MO, in 2005. She was a housewife and homemaker throughout her married life. She was a member of Christian churches wherever she lived. At the time of her death, she was a member at Middletown (MO) Christian Church. She was active in missions programs, was president of a women”s group, directed Vacation Bible Schoolprograms, and also served as pianist with several churches. She also taught VBS and Sunday school classes for many years, and was honored by Standard Publishing as “Teacher of the Week” in April 1987. She read through the entire Bible each of the past 20 years. She also volunteered at a Warrenton, MO, nursing home for 12 years, was a member of the High Hill Lioness Club, and loved to crochet. In addition to her widower, Ivan, she is survived by two sons, Dale Edgar Wineinger of Overland, MO, and Mark Eugene Wineinger of Oak Grove, MO; one daughter, Rebecca Jean Wineinger of Montgomery City, MO; two brothers, Lee Edward Wenger of Louisiana, MO, and William Frederick Wenger of St. Louis, MO; two sisters, Bulah May Kaegi of Wood River, IL, and Carol Louise Bacus of Wood River, IL; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one daughter, Barbara Ruth Wineinger.