(listed alphabetically)
Gary W. Baker, 70, of Jefferson City, MO, died Dec. 25, 2010, at St. Mary”™s Health Center in Jefferson City. He was born Aug. 24, 1940, in Linn, MO, the son of Charley F. and Ida Mae Phillips Baker. He married Joan P. Ellsworth on Nov. 23, 1961, in Edwardsville, IL. He graduated from Saint Louis Christian College, Florissant, MO, and received an MDiv from Lincoln (IL) Christian Seminary. He served as senior minister with Sailor Springs (IL) Christian Church prior to becoming senior minister with Capital City Christian Church, Jefferson City, MO, in 1966; he served there for 40 years until his retirement in 2006. During those years, he helped start many forms of outreach, including Capital City Christian Church Child Care and the Journey to Bethlehem. After retirement, he served as interim minister with Eugene (MO) Christian Church and the New Bloomfield (MO) Christian Church. He was a member of Capital City Christian Church; past chairman and member of the board of trustees of Saint Louis Christian College; past chairman and member of the board of directors of the Missouri Christian Convention; and a member of the Missouri Operation for Vigorous Evangelism. He was founder of Christian Prison Ministry in Missouri. In addition to his wife of 49 years, Joan, he is survived by one daughter, Jill Findley of Jefferson City; and two grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one son, Scott, in 2003. Visitation was at Capital City Christian Church on Dec. 29, with a funeral service Dec. 30 at the church. Interment was at the Oklahoma Church of Christ Cemetery near Linn, MO. Memorial contributions may be made to Capital City Christian Church Building Fund, 1512 Swifts Highway, Jefferson City, MO 65109.
L. Nathan Black, 95, died Feb. 15, 2010, at his home in Westerville, OH. He was born June 21, 1914, the eldest son of Martin and Nellie Black, and grew up in Magnolia and East Sparta, OH. He graduated from Cincinnati (OH) Bible College in 1938, and ministered to churches in Virginia, Ohio, and Kentucky during his more than 50 years of Christian ministry. While ministering in Clinton, OH, he met Doris Dusenberry and they married in 1943; she died in 1990. He is survived by two daughters, Linda Strayer and Randi Crego; two sons, David and Roger; eight grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. His funeral was conducted at North Park Church of Christ, Columbus, OH, with Roger Crego and Steve Petty officiating.
Stuart Dale Cook, 76, a missionary to South Africa, was killed in a head-on collision near Vaalwater, South Africa, on May 5, 2010. His wife, Marilyn, sustained severe injuries but is recovering. He was born in Wheatland, WY, on Sept. 11, 1933, to Helen Mills and Vernon Cook. After graduating from Wheatland High School in 1951, he enrolled in Platte Valley Bible College, Scottsbluff, NE. He graduated in 1956 with a bachelor”™s degree in ministerial arts. During his years at the college, he served as minister with Lyman (NE) Christian Church. In June 1955 he married Marilyn Seger in Gering, NE. The Cooks moved to Casper, WY, in 1957 where they established Eastside Christian Church (now known as Richard Street Christian Church). In 1966, the Cooks traveled to Johannesburg, South Africa, where they began a Christian mission work in their home. Later, they secured an old hotel and for many years used it to house homeless people and those seeking spiritual counseling. During a furlough in the United States, Cook attended Fort Hays University in Kansas, receiving a MA in 1986. Later, in South Africa, he earned a PhD in anthropology from the University of the North in Johannesburg. He authored several books, including Universe Lost, which has been translated into several languages. He finished his latest book, The Warlord, the day before his death. He also developed a high-powered seminar called Insight Seminar. In recent years, the Cooks”™ primary focus has been working with African children and young adults. He was preceded in death by one sister, Janet Henderson; and one grandson. In addition to his widow, Marilyn, he is survived by three daughters, Connie, Cathie, and Kathleen, all of South Africa; one brother, Ron of Kansas; and eight grandchildren. A memorial service was conducted at First Christian Church in Wheatland, WY, on May 16. Funeral services were June 12 at St. John”™s Community Church located in the community of 24 Rivers in theWaterburg Mountains of Limpopo Province, South Africa. Burial was at the church graveyard.
Sherrill Jay Fritts, 78, died July 8, 2010, at his home in Shippensburg, PA. He was born in Indianapolis, IN, on Jan. 21, 1932, the only child to Wayne and Thelma Fritts. He began his studies at Lincoln (IL) Bible Institute and later transferred to Dallas (TX) Christian College. While at Dallas he held student ministries at Bartlett and Farmer”™s Branch, TX. Between the two ministries he served four years as a Marine with the occupational forces in Japan. In 1951, he was ordained by the Fleming Garden Christian Church, Indianapolis. He married Jaranell Segroves in 1960 and together they served Augusta (WV) Church of Christ, Colfax (IN) Christian Church (where he had an active Boys Club), Christian Church of Waterford (PA), and New Manchester (WV) Christian Church (where he was active in prison ministry). He served as both professor and director of evangelism for Eastern Christian College in 1975-76. He served as an elder at the Cornerstone Church of Christ, Chambersburg, PA, during his retirement. He was known for his in-depth study of the Bible, humble spirit, and quick wit. In addition to his wife of 50 years, Jaranell, he is survived by one daughter, Sheri Nunez, a missionary to Mexico City; one son, Daniel R. of Shippensburg, PA; and four grandchildren. Memorial services were conducted July 13 at the Christian Church in Waterford, PA, with Thomas Arehart officiating; Jerry Timbrook, Joshua and Jenny Nunez, Amy Driscoll, and J.D. Segroves also participated. Committal services were conducted by Sam Battan at Monoher Memorial Park in Waterford.
Ray Giles, 75, died May 16, 2010, at his home in Johnson City, TN. He had battled pancreatic cancer for more than a year. Ray and Effie, his wife of 55 years, served as Christian Missionary Fellowship (CMF) missionaries to Ethiopia for 32 years in pioneer evangelism among the Oromo and Gumuz tribes. (CHRISTIAN STANDARD profiled the couple”™s missionary work in its Nov. 29, 2009, issue.) He also served on the CMF home staff in Indianapolis, IN, as the field director for more than 13 years. Although retired in Tennessee, he remained involved in global missions and mentoring, as well as serving as an elder and Sunday school teacher at Lone Oak Christian Church in Johnson City. He was born and grew up in Chatham, VA, the ninth child of Jerrie and Minnie B. Giles. He attended Roanoke (NC) Bible College, graduated from Milligan College (in Tennessee) and Southern Baptist Seminary, Louisville, KY, and had additional training at the School of World Mission/Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, CA, and the Summer Institute of Linguistics at UNC-Charlotte. Before leaving for the mission field, he ministered with churches in Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, and North Carolina. In addition to his widow, Effie, he is survived by four children: Deni Dainty of Waynesville, NC, Donna Swart of Omo River, Ethiopia, Jerry of Branson, MO, and David of Indianapolis; 11 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren; and one brother, Bob of Chatham, VA. A memorial service was conducted May 20 at Grandview Christian Church, Johnson City. Memorial gifts may be sent to CMF, P.O. Box 501020, Indianapolis, IN 46250-6020 (the gifts may be designated for grandson Marshal Giles, who is preparing for service in Ethiopia), or to the Ray and Effie Giles World Mission Scholarship at Emmanuel School of Religion, One Walker Drive, Johnson City, TN 37601.
George W. Haden Sr., 87, died Feb 22, 2010, at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Lexington, KY. He was born in Detroit, MI, on April 7, 1922, to Willie and George Haden. He was a World War II Army veteran serving in the 149th Infantry. He was active in the Christian church throughout his life, serving as an elder and Bible school superintendent. He also served as scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts of America. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Margaret of Lexington; two sons, George Jr. and James Robert “Bob”; two daughters, Betty Jo Stevens and Connie White; 12 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by on brother, Joe; and two sisters, Marie Myers and Roberta Walker. He had a loving and generous spirit and a unique sense of humor. A memorial celebration is scheduled for March 14 at Northeast Christian Church, Lexington, KY. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to the Building Fund, Northeast Christian Church, 990 Star Shoot Parkway, Lexington, KY 40509.
John Dring Heflin, 77, of Cambridge City, IN, died of leukemia Dec. 4, 2010, at Reid Hospital, Richmond, IN. He was born Dec. 19, 1932, to Frankie Otto and Ethel Roberta (Hainline) Heflin in McDonough County, IL. He was a graduate of Minnesota Bible College, Rochester, MN, and also studied at Cincinnati (OH) Christian University, Southern Illinois University, and Purdue University. For 56 years he was a minister of the gospel. He served with congregations in Iowa, Illinois, and western Indiana, in addition to 10 years with Cambridge City (IN) Christian Church, and 22 years at the Bentonville (IN) Christian Church, where he preached his last sermon Nov. 28, 2010. He was a baritone who sang solos, and in quartets, madrigals, and choirs. He oversaw construction of a new sanctuary at the Cambridge City church and helped build the Golay Community Center in that city, serving as building and grounds superintendent. He and his wife, Karin, enjoyed traveling, taking took two missionary trips to Belarus and visiting 21 countries in all. He enjoyed photography. In addition to his widow, Karin, he is survived by five children, Brenda Elam of Villa Grove, IL, Timothy of Belvidere, IL, David of Solihull, England, Kimberly Owens of Cambridge City, and Randy Stater of Wilmington, NC; 13 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and one brother, Frank of Missouri. Funeral services were conducted Dec. 8 at Bentonville Christian Church with Paul Nichols, Mike Ballard, Gordon Mehaffey, and Alan Keesling officiating. Burial was at Riverside Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Bentonville Christian Church and to “The James” Cancer research Center for Leukemia at Ohio State University, 11th Floor, 300 W. 10th, Columbus, OH 43210-1228
E. Ray “Cotton” Jones, 82, of Clearwater, FL, died Sept. 13, 2010. He was born in Loyall, KY, on Nov. 28, 1927, to Doris and Thomas Jefferson Jones. He accepted the Lord as his Savior in June 1947. He entered Cincinnati (OH) Bible Seminary in the fall of 1947. While in seminary, he held ministries in Springville, IN, and Anderson Ferry Christian Church, Cincinnati. During this time he met his future wife, Betsy Baesler. The couple were married in January 1953 while he was serving as preaching minister with Maxwell Street Christian Church in inner-city Lexington, KY; that church grew, relocated, and was renamed Gardenside Christian Church. In 1963, he became senior minister of East 38th Street Christian Church in Indianapolis, IN, where he served for 10 years. While in Indianapolis, he was introduced to international ministry and world missions. He spoke to communities in Australia in 1970, and was the national speaker for the New Zealand Christian churches. He visited and spoke to missions in Italy and various parts of Africa. In 1986, he and his wife returned to New Zealand to dedicate a Christian service ranch for children and adults. In 1973, he became senior minister of First Christian Church of Clearwater, FL, where he ministered for 23 years. During his time in Indianapolis and Clearwater, he taught in the graduate schools of Cincinnati Bible Seminary and Kentucky Christian College (in Grayson). In 1976, he served as president of the North American Christian Convention. After his retirement from First Christian Church, he continued to speak and lead in revivals, retreats, and interim ministries. He wrote for CHRISTIAN STANDARD and The Lookout, and served on the Publishing Committee at Standard Publishing from 1985 to 2006. He was author of Sermons for the Space Age, A Funeral Manual for Ministers, and Lectures for Ministers. KCC honored him with a DD degree and CBS recognized him as a distinguished servant. He was also awarded the Litterarum Doctor Degree at the California Graduate School of Theology. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Betsy; one daughter, Terre Holland; two sons, Larry and Stuart; and six grandchildren. A memorial service was conducted Sept. 17 at First Christian Church of Clearwater, with his sons, Larry and Stuart, grandson Nathan, lifelong friend Ben Merold, and minister Mike McGinnis officiating. Memorial donations may be made to Cincinnati Christian University, designated for the “E. Ray and Betsy Jones Endowment Scholarship Fund,” 2700 Glenway Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45204.
Jacob John “Johny” Kautt, 74, died Oct. 15, 2010, in Dallas, TX. Born Nov. 4, 1935, in Kansas City, MO, to Jake and Irma Kautt, he married Elma Faye McKnight of Dallas, TX, on Dec. 23, 1956. He is survived by Faye, his wife of 54 years; one daughter, Becky Knowles of Denton, TX; two sons, David of McKinney, TX, and James of Tübingen, Germany; one brother, Fred Louis Kautt of Centerville, KS; and 10 grandchildren. The 1957 graduate of Dallas (TX) Christian College preached in Tioga, Maud, Texarkana, Bryan, Desoto, Garland, Denton, Greenville, Royse City, and Sulpher Springs, TX; Murfreesboro, AR; Memphis, TN; and on the radio in Texas, Arkansas, and Tennessee. He taught at Memphis Christian College and Dallas Christian College (where he also served as dean and alumni director). He and his wife served as forwarding agents for their son Jim”™s German mission work.
Martha Hope Hayes Labisky, 73, died Jan. 22, 2010, at her home in Champaign, IL. She was born June 16, 1936, in Flanagan, IL, the daughter of P.W. Hayes Sr. and Anna Franciscy Hayes. She received a bachelor”™s degree in elementary education and a master”™s degree in educational psychology from the University of Illinois. She is survived by two daughters, Dawn McClung of Colorado Springs, CO, and Holly Labisky of Champaign; one sister, Anna Faith Pierce of Fenton, MI; one brother, Powell Wayne Hayes Jr. of San Luis Potosi, Mexico; four grandchildren; and three-great grandchildren. She had a beautiful voice and made her public singing debut on the radio at the age of 2. She served as a song evangelist at numerous revival meetings, choir director, pianist, soloist, and worship leader. One of her greatest joys was working for her brother”™s mission, Central Mexico Christian Mission; she served as his forwarding agent for 46 years. She was a member of First Christian Church in Champaign. Services were conducted at FCC on Jan. 27 with Tim Barber, Wayne Hayes, and Manley Pierce officiating. Burial was at Mount Olive Cemetery, Mayview, IL.
Donald Robert Manis, 53, of Fayetteville, NC, died on May 30, 2010. He was born in Marietta, GA, on March 25, 1957, to Marion and Inez Manis. In 1978, he entered Roanoke Bible College (now known as Mid-Atlantic Christian University), Elizabeth City, NC, and graduated with a bachelor”™s degree in English Bible in 1983. He held ministries in Smithfield, VA, and Acworth, Roswell, and Carrollton, GA. After earning a master”™s degree in church growth from Cincinnati (OH) Christian University in 1995, he continued with ministries in Middletown, OH, Mount Eden, KY, Rainsville, AL, and Fayetteville, NC. From 1995 to 2001, he also served as a volunteer chaplain with local fire departments. In 2007, he received his clinical pastoral education in order to use his gift of counseling as a chaplain. Most recently he was employed at First Health Hospice and Palliative Care in Pinehurst, NC. He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Anne Greer Manis; one son, Robert of Fayetteville, NC; one daughter, Laura of East Point, GA; and two brothers, Mike of Van Wert, OH, and Alan of Marietta, GA.
Helen Myers Morse, 87, died at her home in Chiang Mai, Thailand, on Dec. 30, 2010. She was born in Terre Haute, IN, on July 30, 1923, to Oscar and Julia Myers and grew up in the Maplewood Christian Church. She attended nurse”™s training at Union Hospital in Terre Haute. She met Eugene Morse, whose family were missionaries in China, at the National Missionary Convention in Springfield, IL, in April 1948. They were married in June 1948, and returned as missionaries to China in February 1949, to work with the Lisu people. After the Communist takeover of China, they relocated to Burma to continue their work with the Lisu, Rawang, and later, other ethnic peoples of Burma. Ordered to leave in 1965 by the new military rulers of Burma””and unable to leave by air due to a number of circumstances””they tried to leave via India, but ended up living for nearly seven years in the Himalayan jungles with Lisu and other groups of Christians inside Burma, near the border, before finally being able to leave in 1972. Their experiences are recorded in Eugene Morse”™s book, Exodus to a Hidden Valley. In 1973 they returned to do pioneer evangelism and church planting work, first among the Lisu as a gateway people group in Thailand, then slowly expanding that effort toward others groups. This work continues vigorously today, with extensive and multipronged outreach efforts throughout the region. Mrs. Morse was a much loved and honored mother to the Lisu and Rawang and others in Thailand, and on into Burma and China; they called her “Mother.” She wrote her own life story: Once I Was Young. She also edited The Dogs May Bark but the Caravan Moves On the lives of her mother- and father-in-law, Gertrude and J. Russell Morse. In addition to her husband of 62 years, Eugene, she is survived by three sons””David, Tom, and Ron””and two daughters””Marilyn Khopang and Jeannette Ridgley””all living in Chiang Mai and doing missionary work under the auspices of North Burma/Thailand Christian Mission, and one other daughter, Margaret Todhunter of Barling, AR; 22 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Funeral services were conducted in Chiang Mai on Jan. 5. The Helen Morse Memorial Scholarship Fund has been set up to help students training for Christian service. Memorial gift checks may be made out to “NBCM” and sent to North Burma Christian Mission, c/o Doris Farmer, P.O. Box 3313, Terre Haute, IN 47803, with a separate noteindicating the gift”™s designation.
Bethel Rosalind Carpenter Paul, 87, died May 25, 2010, at her home in Franktown, CO. She suffered a major stroke in 1997 and had been battling a respiratory disease. She was born June 8, 1922, in Wabash, IN, and was the eldest of eight children. She moved with her parents to Corbett, OR, when she was 2, and was a member of Corbett Christian Church. She was baptized at age 11 by Gene Chamberlain. She was a representative to Girl”™s State her senior year, and was valedictorian of Columbian High School in 1940. She married William E. Paul on Sept. 27, 1947, and was an outstanding preacher”™s wife during her husband”™s 50-year ministry. She served the Lord through music, teaching girls”™ and ladies”™ classes, and ministering to the elderly. She was best known for her faithful and consistent prayer life and for her compassionate concern for people. The Pauls served in located ministries in Florida,Nebraska, Colorado, and Washington from 1951 to 2001, and then returned to Colorado, where Bill continues a writing ministry, producing regular columns forOne Body and Restoration Herald. Throughout her life, and especially during the illnesses of her declining years, she demonstrated a quiet contentment that challenged and inspired people who knew her. Her life, service, and tributes were the subjects of a biography by her husband, titled Bethel: A Place Where God Dwells. In addition to her husband, she is survived by six children, Bennie, Terry, Tim, Sheila, Billy, and Danny; 16 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.
Earl Samuel Poysti, 89, died March 8, 2010. He was born to Nikolai and Martha Poysti in Nikolsk-Ussurisk, Russia, on Oct. 9, 1920, and later moved with his family to the United States where he graduated from the National Bible Institute in New York City. He worked with his father as an evangelist in reaching Russian speakers around the world. He was especially known for his work in Christian radio broadcasting as an evangelist, beginning in 1946. His radio programs aired over international shortwave stations such as HCJB World Radio (Ecuador), Trans World Radio (Monaco), the Far East Broadcasting Company (Philippines and Saipan), IBRA Radio (Sweden), and Russia”™s internal state-run broadcasting network. Poysti and his family lived and served in Russia, China, Germany, Monaco, Austria, Sweden, and the United States. He is survived by his wife, Natasha; children, Tamara, Tania, John, Keith, Teresa, Charles, Robert, Philip, and Natasha; 25 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Pirkko Suomela, and one child. A private funeral was conducted in Estes Park, CO.
Ruben M. Ratzlaff, 93, died Jan. 27, 2010, at Turner (OR) Retirement Homes. He was born Jan. 8, 1917, at Buehler, KS, to Henry and Julia Ratzlaff and grew up in Johnson City, NY, along with nine older brothers and sisters. His two-week long bicycle trip to enroll at Johnson Bible College in 1936 became legendary. He graduated from JBC in 1940 and married Frances King of Hampton, IA, in 1941. Together they served churches in Grafton, WV; High Point, NC; Iowa Falls, IA; and Hall, Clermont, and Kennard, IN. In 1959 he began teaching Old Testament and Christian doctrine at San Jose (CA) Bible College/San Jose Christian College and remained there for 39 years until retiring in 1998. His students appreciated his openness, sense of humor, and homemade ice cream. In later years, he taught one semester each year at Springdale College in Birmingham, England, also making two trips to Zimbabwe and one to the Philippines to teach. After his first wife died, he married Doris Arneson, who had worked at SJCC. Eventually they moved to Turner, where Doris died. He then married the former Marian McQuistion, who survives him. He is also survived by four sons, Keith of Madera, CA, Paul of Orland, CA, Mark of Sandy, OR, and Loren of Medford, OR.
Sgt. Adam James Ray, born March 9, 1986, in Tampa, FL, was killed in action by an IED (improvised explosive device) in southern Afghanistan on Feb. 9, 2010. He was attached to the Fourth Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, Fifth Stryker Brigade Combat Team, Second Infantry Division out of Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA. He received several military honors, including the Combat Infantryman Badge, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, and the Army Service Ribbon. He posthumously received a promotion to sergeant and won the Bronze Star and Army Commendation Medal. Sgt. Ray served in Fort Jackson, SC; Fort Benning, GA; Camp Casey, Korea; and most recently was stationed out of Joint Base Lewis-McChord. He is survived by his parents, Donna Ray and Jim (senior minister with Valley Christian Church, Fargo, ND); two sisters, Betsy of Iowa City, IA, and Amanda of Fargo; two brothers, Zachary, a sophomore at St. Louis Christian College, Florissant, MO, and Seth of Fargo; and grandparents, John and Doris Ray of Louisville, KY, and Bobby and Marilyn Sumner of Tampa, FL.
Juan B. Rivera, 97, a founder of Community Christian Church, Chicago, IL, died May 1, 2010, at his home in Chicago. His wife of 61 years, Nacha, and son, John, preceded him in death. He is survived by children who are all active in ministry: Ruth, Dorcas, Lydia, Eliud, Damaris, and Victor. He served as an elder, Sunday school teacher, and mentor to many. His testimony and his dedication and zeal for the gospel inspired others. The church, which began in the Riveras”™ home, will celebrate her 50th anniversary in September. Jaime Serrano and Steve Martinez, along with family members, participated in the May 6 memorial services.
Conley Duane Silsby, 102, of Snohomish, WA, died Jan. 22, 2010, at his home. He was preparing for law school when he received the call to go into the preaching ministry. He earned two bachelor”™s degrees from Northwest Christian College in Eugene, OR, and a master”™s degree from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. He taught speech and homiletics at Northwest Christian College, Minnesota Bible College in Minneapolis, and Puget Sound College of the Bible in Seattle, WA. He developed a course in radio broadcasting in Minnesota and his own radio program was heard in more than 10 stations in six states. He preached and taught in hundreds of churches across the country and around the world, and served on several mission boards. After his “retirement,” he traveled overseas five times to work with missionaries, and he continued writing and teaching a weekly Bible study well into his 90s. He was known as a man of vision. He received the first “Christian Service Award of Merit,” and some years later, an honorary Doctorate of Divinity from Puget Sound College off the Bible. He and his wife, Carol, were presented with the “God”™s Honored Servant” Award at the North American Christian Convention in 1993. He is survived by three children, Diane Moffitt of Puyallup, WA, John of Honolulu, HI, and Greg of Snohomish, WA; five grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Carol, in 2007; they were married 71 years. A celebration of his life was conducted by his grandchildren and friends at Northshore Christian Church, Everett, WA, on Feb. 13. Memorial gifts may be made to Future Preacher”™s Scholarship Fund at Northshore Christian Church, or Hospice of Snohomish at 2731 Wetmore, Suite 500 Everett, WA 98201.
Earl W. Sims, 81, died July 9, 2010, at his home in Mason, OH. For more than 50 years, he served in various capacities at Cincinnati (OH) BibleCollege and Seminary (now Cincinnati Christian University). He began as a student employee when he entered the college in 1946, and continued his involvement with the school uninterrupted until his retirement in 2001. During that time, he served under six presidents, working as a part-time student employee, Greek instructor, assistant librarian, registrar, and vice president of academic affairs for the college and seminary. He jokingly said his career went from dishwasher to vice president! In the early years, he also held weekend ministries in Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky. He grew up in a preacher”™s family. He is survived by his widow, Willa (Schmarr); three sons, Timothy of Mount Shasta, CA, Scott of West Chester, OH, and Andy of Cincinnati, OH; six grandchildren; one great-grandchild; one brother, Harold (who served as a missionary in Japan for 50 years); and one sister, Margaret Cunningham, Glen Falls, PA. He was preceded in death by one brother, Ralph, who served in ministry his entire career. A memorial service was conducted July 14 at Christ”™s Church at Mason. Memorial gifts may be made to Cincinnati Christian University,2700 Glenway Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45204.
Denver Hale Sizemore, 89, died March 2, 2010, at his home at Appalachian Christian Village, Johnson City, TN. He was born in Hillsboro, WV, on April 23, 1920, to Robert Lee and Daisy Sizemore, and was the youngest of their six children. He and two of his brothers, Alva and Foster, became ministers of the Christian church. He was educated at Christian Normal Institute (now Kentucky Christian University), Grayson, KY, and Butler School of Religion, Indianapolis, IN. He married fellow Butler University graduate Helen Josephine Fox on June 10, 1947. He served churches in Indiana, Kentucky, Florida, and Georgia, in addition to serving as professor of New Testament at Atlanta Christian College, East Point, GA, for 43 years. He also wrote books, including 13 Lessons in Christian Doctrine, Gems of Bible Doctrine (12 More Lessons), and Sound Doctrine, which have been translated into more than 30 languages and used worldwide. Special editions of the books are used by American Rehabilitation Ministries (ARM) in prison ministry correspondence courses. After his formal retirement from ACC in 1989, he and Mrs. Sizemore taught at preacher training institutes in Zimbabwe, Austria, Indonesia, and Mexico, as well as at Bluefield (WV) College of Evangelism (now Blueridge College of Evangelism, Wytheville, VA). In addition to his wife of 62 years, Helen, he is survived by one son, David of Pine Bluff, AR; three daughters, Lynnell Goacher of Asheville, NC, Joyce Lawson of Morrow, OH, and Gayle Gemeinhart of Jacksonville, FL; and seven grandchildren. A memorial service was conducted March 7 at First Christian Church, Johnson City. A memorial service at Atlanta Christian College is scheduled for April 9. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sizemore Scholarship, Atlanta Christian College, 2605 Ben Hill Road, East Point, GA 30344; or to Literature and Teaching Ministries (LATM), P.O. Box 645, Joplin, MO 64802.
Galen E. Skinner, 81, of San Bernardino, CA, died Aug. 17, 2010. He was born in Omaha, NE, on April 11, 1929. His ministry began in Eau Claire, WI, while he was a student at Minnesota Bible College. He left Wisconsin to plant a new church in Bloomington, IL, and later returned to Wisconsin to become executive director of the Wisconsin association formed to encourage new church planting. In 1965, he became president of Minnesota Bible College in Minneapolis, serving until 1973. During his presidency the college relocated to Rochester; MBC later became Crossroads College. He later moved to California where he held ministries in La Habra and La Mirada, followed by a short ministry in Hawaii. He returned to San Bernardino, CA, and worked with the Golden Valley Christian Church until he started a new church in the mobile home park where he lived. The church grew, moved to a new location, and became Community Christian Church; he continued to minister there until illness prevented his involvement. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Myrtle, and one son, Michael. He is survived by his second wife, Loretta; two sons, Brent and Bruce; one stepson, Robert; one stepdaughter, Beth; and two grandchildren. On Aug. 27, a memorial service was conducted by his friend, Dr. John Rowe, in San Bernardino. Memorials may be made to the Galen Skinner Endowed Scholarship Fund, Crossroads College, 920 Mayowood Road, Rochester, MN 55902.
Edgar Alan Smith, 73, of Niles, MI, died Aug. 14, 2010, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Mishawaka, IN. He was born Nov. 27, 1936, in Hammond, IN. He served as a pastor in various Christian churches for 25 years. He was a member of Buchanan (MI) Christian Church since 1988. He married Linda (Wiggins) Smith on Sept. 28, 1963, in Michigan City, IN. In addition to his widow, he is survived by two sons, Kenneth of Louisville, KY, and Daniel of Indianapolis, IN; one brother, Charles of Carterville, MO; one stepsister, Roen Speroff of Munster, IN; and six granddaughters. Services were conducted Aug. 19 at Buchanan Christian Church with pastors Bill Pullin and Lowell Kosak officiating. Burial was at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Buchanan. Memorials may be made to Nehemiah Ministries, 803 Kettering Park Drive, Urbana, IL 61801.
Lloyd J. Taylor, 92, of Rocky Mount, NC, died Nov. 23, 2010, after a brief illness. The Hillsboro, OH, native was born July 22, 1918, the son of LaVerne and Martha Pollock Taylor. He graduated from Cincinnati (OH) Bible Seminary (now Cincinnati Christian University) in 1940, and ministered for more than 40 years with Christian churches/churches of Christ in Ohio, Virginia, Michigan, and Kentucky. After retirement, he served interim ministries with several North Carolina churches. He also served as a trustee for the Christian Restoration Association for more than 35 years. Soon after graduating from CBS in 1940, he married Alice Montgomery Taylor of Columbus, OH; she predeceased him in 1984. Mr. Taylor married Mary Lou Thomson Miller Taylor in 1987, and their retirement homes were in Florida and North Carolina. At the time of his death, he was a faithful member of Stoneybrook Christian Church in Wilson, NC. In addition to his widow, Mary Lou, he is survived by one sister, Martha Blackmore; five children, Jim of Rocky Mount, NC, Adele Hatfield of Mountain Lakes, NJ, Loren Miller of Auburn, NY, Wendell Miller of Cape Girardeau, MO, and Vinson Miller of Hampton, VA; 17 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. A celebration of his life was conducted Nov. 26 at Stoneybrook Christian Church, Mark A. Woolard Jr, officiating. Internment will be January 2011 in Black Mountain, NC. Memorial gifts may be made to Stoneybrook Christian Church Building Fund, 3502 Airport Blvd., Wilson, NC 27896, or to Christmount Christian Assembly, 222 Fern Way, Black Mountain, NC 28711.
Erwin Keith Tennant, 75, of Cincinnati, OH, died Feb. 28, 2010, at Hospice of Cincinnati. He was born March 26, 1934, to Albert and Pluma Tennant in Smithburg, WV. He graduated from Doddridge County High School, West Union, WV, in 1952 and received his graduate degree from Kentucky Christian College in 1956. He married Jean Mitchell of Raceland, KY, on Nov. 8, 1957. He ministered with Valley Bend (WV) Church of Christ; Little Rock Christian Church, Paris, KY; Gateway Church of Christ, St. Albans, WV; Church of Christ, Grundy, VA; First Church of Christ, Elkins, WV; and Mount Byrd Christian Church, Milton, KY. After retiring in 1999, he served briefly as seniors”™ pastoral care minister with LifeSpring Christian Church in Cincinnati. Survivors include his widow, Jean; and three sisters, Nila Tennant of Parkersburg, WV, and Edith Tomaszewski and Wilda Cross, both of West Union, WV. Dick Alexander, Tim Neuenschwander, Dan Burton, Rod Huron, and Mark Wilmoth conducted memorial services March 5 at LifeSpring Christian Church. Memorial gifts may be made to the Christian Growth Class of LifeSpring Christian Church, 1373 W. Galbraith, Cincinnati, OH 45231, or Hospice of Cincinnati, 4310 Cooper Road, Cincinnati, OH 45242.
Fred Priestly Thompson Jr. died Nov. 9, 2010, in St. Joseph, MI. He was born to Fred Priestly Thompson Sr. and Mattie Leonard Thompson on Nov. 15, 1917. He and his wife, Dorothy Williams Thompson, celebrated 70 years of marriage Sept. 30. In addition to his widow, survivors include one daughter, Janet Thompson McClain of Avon, IN; three sons, David of Burr Ridge, IL, Donald of Crawfordsville, IN, and Dennis of St. Joseph; 11 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. He earned degrees from Pacific Christian College (Hope International University), Fullerton, CA; Pepperdine University, Malibu, CA; and Butler School of Religion, Indianapolis, IN. He received an honorary degree in theology from Milligan College in Tennessee. Doctoral level studies continued at the University of Chicago (IL) and at Garrett Theological Seminary, Evanston, IL. He served with Christian churches in Elsinore, CA, Greenwood, IN, Chicago, IL, and Kingsport, TN. In 1969, he was called to assist in launching Emmanuel School of Religion in Johnson City, TN. He became president of the school and was professor of Christian doctrine during his 15 years there. Dr. Thompson was a contributing editor to Christianity Today and wrote regularly as a columnist for Action Magazine and Christian Standard. In addition he published Biblical Prophecy, The Holy Spirit, and What the Bible Says About Heaven and Hell. A memorial service was conducted Nov. 13 at the First Congregational Church of St. Joseph, MI. Interment is to be in Johnson City, TN, at a later date. Memorial gifts may be directed to Emmanuel School of Religion, 1 Walker Drive, Johnson City, TN 37601. An online memory book is at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Alice June Tucker died April 19, 2010, in Bloomsburg, PA. She was the wife of longtime Christian minister William F. Tucker; together they served churches in northeastern Pennsylvania for many years, including 28 years with the Berwick Christian Church. They also served congregations in Bloomsburg, Big Run, Mill Hall, and Kingston. She and her husband were instrumental in the development of Camp Epachiseca, a Christian church camp near Stillwater, PA. She was a noted speaker, contributor to Christian Standard, and author of an inspirational book, Give Your Spirit Wings. She is survived by one daughter, Linda Eifert of Berwick, PA; two sons, Jon of Texas and Brian of Red Hill, PA; five grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
William Turner, 80, died July 7, 2010. He was born April 22, 1930, and grew up in Meadville, PA. After graduating high school, he served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He graduated from Atlanta (GA) Christian College in 1958 and studied for medical missions at Platte Valley BibleCollege in Nebraska. Later in life he also received a degree from Milligan College in Tennessee. In 1962, he married missionary Betty Yarbrough, who had served in Cebu, Philippines. They served together in Cebu for three years before transferring to Japan, where they labored for 27 years. They retired in 1992 after Bill had suffered a stroke. They moved to the Orlando, FL, area in 1997. A son, Tim, and his wife, Lisa, joined his parents in Japan in 1989 and were able to step into full leadership after Bill”™s stroke. In addition to Betty, his wife of 48 years, Bill is survived three children, Tim, Sheryl, and Steve; six grandchildren, and one brother, Ken. A memorial service was conducted July 16 at the West Orange Church of Christ in Winter Garden, FL. Memorial gifts may be made to Central Japan Christian Mission, 9699 2nd St. N., St. Petersburg, FL 33702. Betty may be contacted at 940 Royal View Circle, Winter Garden, FL 34787 or [email protected].
Thelma (Colestock) White, 83, died April 13, 2010, at The Maples nursing home in Springfield, MO. She was born July 7, 1926, in Rush County, IN, to Raymond and Wilma Colestock. On April 21, 1953, she married Jerry E. White, who survives her. She is also survived by one daughter, Anne Roth; two grandsons; and one sister, Marjorie Siders. She attended Cincinnati (OH) Bible Seminary for two years before transferring to Ozark Bible College, Joplin, MO, where she completed a bachelor of arts degree. During her time at OBC she served as a representative of the college by singing for revivals, in churches, and at Christian service camps. She and her husband traveled to churches throughout the state in the late 1960s to raise support for the establishment of Show-Me Christian Children”™s Home. She was a librarian and English teacher for 24 years before retiring in 1985. Services were conducted April 17 in the Halltown (MO) Christian Church with David Rush officiating.
Lewis Palmer Young, 89, of Lexington, KY, died Nov. 4, 2010. He followed in the footsteps of his father, Luther Young, and preached for 69 years. He was a friend to preachers””modeling, training, counseling, and encouraging them. He touched thousands of lives and led many to Christ. A 1941 graduate of Kentucky Christian University in Grayson, he was skilled in delivering evangelistic sermons and conducting revival meetings. He served as minister with the Old Orchard Church of Christ, Ashland, KY; First Christian Church, Kingsport, TN; South Louisville (KY) Christian Church; and Gardenside Christian Church, Lexington, KY. He served as president of Kentucky Christian University from 1977 to 1987, and for 17 years was minister of evangelism with Southern Acres Christian Church in Lexington. He was president of the 1967 North American Christian Convention in Tampa, FL. He was preceded in death by his wife, Elva, in November 2009. He is survived by two sons, Jim and Bob, and one daughter, Betty Miller. A memorial and celebration worship service was conducted at Tates Creek Christian Church, Lexington, with Wally Rendel, Wayne B. Smith, Tommy Simpson, Jeff Metcalf, Jim Farmer, Omer Hamlin, and Gene Kitts officiating. Memorial gifts may be made to the “Young Scholarship Fund” at Kentucky Christian College, 100 Academic Drive, Grayson, KY 41143.
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