Obituaries
Bill was born May 21, 1945 in DeLand, FL to parents Robert and Mary Amos. He spent his childhood years in Newton, NC, and went on to receive degrees from the University of North Carolina, Florida State University, Asbury Seminary and the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary. Bill became an ordained minister in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in 1974. He pastored or co-pastored eight different churches during his 33 years of ministry, including Trinity Lutheran Church, Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, and Jesus is King Church, all in Bradenton, FL.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Jill Elizabeth Link, of Newton, NC. He is survived by his brother, Dr. Jack Amos, of Greensboro, NC, his former wife, Joyce Birney, and their four children, David Amos of Philadelphia, PA, Amanda (Stuart) DeCew of North Haven, CT, Carissa (Frank) Catalano of New Milford, CT, and Jonathan Amos of Brooklyn, NY. He is also survived by his six beloved grandchildren: Alyssa, Tahlia, Isabella, Bradley, Luke, and Riley.
Born September 20th, 1943 in Gonzales, Texas to Helmuth and Alma Ehrig, he was the oldest of three boys. Upon graduating from Southwest Texas State, Dave started his 21-year career in the Air Force, getting a master’s degree in economics and serving as a missile launch officer, instructor at the Air Force Academy, and communications and electronic officer. With his wife Glenda, he raised his two sons, Gregory and Daniel.
Upon retiring from the military, Dave became a financial planner and facilitated Financial Peace courses at his church. In 1996, he and Glenda moved to Durango and began a new adventure in life raising and adopting a toddler nephew, Ryan, when his brother Ronnie and wife passed away in an auto accident. Dave’s true joy came from his family and faith in Jesus Christ. He loved giving to others both financially and by organizing groups like the Sitzmarkers (a children’s ski club in Stuttgart, Germany), and Promise Keepers accountability groups for men in Albuquerque and Durango. He cherished all the relationships he made through these groups. He enjoyed skiing, hiking, camping, kayaking, and especially traveling with beloved friends and family. As president of his high school class, he presided over class reunions every five years up to the sixtieth this past fall. He also served on the Credit Union of the Southwest board for many years.
Dave is survived by his wife of 55 years, Glenda; sons Gregory and Ryan; and grandsons Benjamin and Arthur, all of Durango, CO; son, Daniel of Albuquerque, NM; and step-daughter Annette of Cottage Grove, OR. His brother Kenny resides in Austin, TX with his family.
Ken is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Julia Villa Fisher, a son, John Barak Fisher (Ashleigh), and a grandson, Nathan of Salem, VA. Also surviving is one brother, Larry Fisher (Inez) of Sanford, FL, a niece who was more like a daughter to him, Jan Fisher Wiggins (Daniel), of Fayetteville, Georgia, one sister-in-law, Judy Fisher, of Vinton, VA, one aunt, Rachel Lane, of Murrells Inlet, SC, a cousin, Sue Harder Sasser, of Greensboro, NC, several nieces and nephews.
Ken was a professional photographer, a gardener, candle maker, avid reader, a full-time pastor and an associate pastor, and was a beacon of quiet wisdom to many inside and outside of the church. He cherished a profound connection and bond with his ever-faithful dog and sidekick, Mocha, as well as the adoration of his cats, Zilly, Maggie, and Toeby.
Ken graduated from Central Wesleyan College in Central, SC, with a Bachelor of Arts in Religion and received a Masters of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. His first pastorate was with Keyser Wesleyan Church, in Keyser, WV. Later, he pastored Springfield, VA, where he and his family lived for 29 years before returning to Frostburg, MD. At the time of his passing, Ken served as the Associate Pastor of the Frostburg Church of the Nazarene in Frostburg, Maryland. He loved, served and ministered to the people of his church and they loved him as well. His compassionate and benevolent spirit will be greatly missed.
Mark is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Lynn Gibbs. He is survived by his wife, Susan; children: Elizabeth Hill and husband Chace of Lubbock, TX, James Geary of Georgetown, TX, Bethany Plummer and husband Matt of Fort Worth, TX, Anthony Horner of Longview, TX, Joshua Horner of Tahlequah, OK, and Andrew Horner of Portland, OR; grandchildren: Madelyn, Emma, Blake, Kellan, and Charlotte; and brother-in-law, Ray Ifera and wife Sharon and their children and grandchildren.
Mark graduated from McMurry University and Asbury Theological Seminary. He was a beloved teacher at Trinity School of Texas and pastor of Hope Community Church. Mark loved singing in many choirs and performing in theatrical productions. His favorite role was Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof, first as an 11 year old, and last in 2014 at Artsview.
Our family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and care during this time.
In 1972, he married Jule Lytle, and their devoted marriage crossed the half century mark in December 2022. Their faithfulness lives on in their three children: Kara Parsons (Tom) of Watkinsville, Georgia, Andrea Summers (Jeremy) of Marion, Indiana, and Paul Kind (Brooke) of Altadena, California.
Kerry also shines brightly in his 11 grandchildren, who brought immeasurable joy to his life: Bryce, Thomas, Becca, Bailey, and Allie Parsons, Macy, Ava, Micah, and Ty Summers, and Lyla and Jack Kind. His memory is also kept alive by his father, George Kind and his sister, Kathy Hodson. Kerry was preceded in death by his mother, JoAnn Kind.
As a teenager, Kerry Kind chose to follow Jesus because of the youth outreach of College Wesleyan Church in Marion, Indiana. Coming full circle, Kerry also sought comfort and spiritual growth as a member of College Wesleyan during his final months.
Kerry served The Wesleyan Church with steadfast dedication for nearly five decades. His service took him from being a local pastor in Michigan to a missionary in Sierra Leone, West Africa, and then to a denominational leader in Global Partners, Education & the Ministry, and Communications.
His courageous spirit shone brightly during his decade-long battle with pulmonary fibrosis. Kerry’s journey through those challenging years was marked by grace, courage, and surrender, inspiring many. Full of gratitude, he was given the gift of new lungs on Nov. 13, 2022, and for a time, he could breathe again.
Kerry’s passions were as diverse as they were numerous. He expressed his love for God through singing, teaching the Bible, mentoring, and praying faithfully for others. He cherished time with his grandchildren, telling story after story and joining in countless hours of games. For 21 consecutive summers, he hosted his children and grandchildren for a week-long vacation, creating memories that would last several lifetimes. He was a voracious learner, fueled by extensive travel and reading. He coached his son’s youth soccer teams, won trophies in racquetball and table tennis, competed in high-level online chess matches with players around the globe, and sought adventure backpacking across mountain ranges.
Kerry Kind was a man of immense faith, resilient spirit, and boundless love, and his legacy of service, devotion, and insatiable curiosity continues to inspire those fortunate enough to share some steps on his journey.
Rev. E. Lynn Myers, aged 85, of Davison, MI, passed away Friday, May 5, 2023.
Lynn was born in McPherson, Kansas on May 13, 1937, son of the late John and Esther (Helmuth) Myers. He was a graduate of Gore High School in Wakita, Oklahoma Class of 1955. Lynn married Elaine Fisher on August 31, 1957, in Amelia, Nebraska. He earned an associate degree from Central Christian College in McPherson, Kansas. Lynn then earned a bachelor’s degree from Seattle Pacific University in Seattle, Washington. He also attended Asbury Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky and Nazarene Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri. While pastoring in Flint, Lynn was instrumental in helping establish the Chaplain’s Corp. for the City of Flint and served as the Chaplain Commander for several years. Lynn retired from the Free Methodist Church, while pastoring in Marysville, Michigan, in 1992. He had served the Free Methodist Church for 40 years. He also enjoyed fishing, carpentry work and camping at Covenant Hills Camp.
Lynn is survived by his wife of 65 years, Elaine Myers; 2 children, Tim (Debbie) Myers and Diane (Lawrence) Fox; 6 grandchildren, David (Angi) Myers, Jeri Lynn (Chris) Perkins, Amanda (Matthew) Rossman, Bethany York, Rachel York and Joshua York; 5 great-grandchildren, Clayton Myers, Blake Myers, Addie Rossman, Logan Perkins and Cora Rossman; sister, Faye (Alden) Nay; 2 sisters-in-law, Mary Myers and Violet Myers; many other loving family members and good friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Esther Myers; daughter, Sherry Rosenberger; 4 brothers, Marvin (Patsy) Myers, Milton (Dorothy) Myers, Wayne Myers and Galen Myers.
Stephen James Stump, M.Div. ’70, aged 80, was born on September 26, 1942 to George Clinton and Jean Mae (Lehman) Stump in Goshen, Indiana. Steve was married on August 31, 1963 to his beautiful bride, Carol (Keller) Stump. Married for almost 60 years, the love that they shared and faithfulness to one another served as a firm foundation for their family.
Steve is survived by his wife, Carol, Daughters Rene (Ron) Merrill and Elizabeth (Rob) Schumacher. He was also blessed by 5 grandchildren Harrison, Ashley, Kaitlyn, Gabriel and Benjamin. His sisters, Carol (Gene) Roberts, Phylliss Eakle and Debbie Rice.
In his early years, Brenneman Memorial Missionary Church was his church home. He had fond memories of the Stump reunions that took place which were full of music, food, and laughter. He would tell stories of his dad and uncles singing in a quartet, and the lively music sung by all. When he was in high school, he was introduced to Jesus and made Him the Savior of his life. It was through his involvement in Youth For Christ where he began singing in the choir as a tenor. Along with singing, he thoroughly enjoyed playing basketball and hunting with his father. In the Spring of 1960 he graduated from Goshen High School.
He felt the Lord calling him to become a pastor and told his dad he wanted to go to Bethel College in Mishawaka, Indiana where he majored in Christian Ministries. It was at Bethel where he met many of his lifelong friends. He got more involved with singing and joined the choir and other musical groups. He had the opportunity to go on a European Tour with Youth For Christ as a sophomore in College. Bethel College is also where he met his beloved wife, Carol, who became his lifelong duet partner. The famous Gospel Four Quartet was formed and continued to sing even after college graduation for decades. In fact, after all four men had families, they decided to tour with their wives and children at family camps in various states. We will never forget the adventure to Florida where 16 quartet family members fit in 2 station wagons!
Steve’s first ministry as Pastor was at St. Mark’s Missionary Church while he was a Senior in College. After 2 years Steve felt called to pursue his Master’s of Divinity at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. While pursuing his degree, he and Carol became Directors of the Cleveland Home for Girls in Versailles, Kentucky. He and Carol cared for young girls from troubled homes and helped to bring love, stability and guidance to their lives. The impact of their love has extended through the years. Some of the girls still stay in touch with them today. He graduated from seminary in 1970, and continued his work at the Cleveland Home. He was recognized for this service to the community by the State of Kentucky and was issued the honor of being a Kentucky Colonel.
Steve and Carol felt called in September, 1974 to move their family to Farmington Hills, Michigan where he pastored at Forest Hills Missionary Church. In 1978, the church moved to family homes and the tight knit group of believers worshipped and fellowshipped together for one year. In 1980, the group merged with Calvary Missionary Church in Livonia, Michigan.
In 1982, Steve transitioned from Pastor to Counselor and worked at the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries where he directed the Christian Guidance Center for 8 years. This was a program designed for pre released prisoners to assimilate back into society. During this time, he helped the church in New Hudson, Allen Road and Walled Lake.
In 1990, Steve was called back to minister at Calvary Missionary Church where he served for 14 years as Senior Pastor until he resigned in 2004. He left a legacy of serving and performing many marriages, baby dedications, baptisms, hospital visits, home visitations, and funerals.
After his resignation, he enjoyed being “Papa” to his grandchildren. His godly influence and love made a huge impact on each of their lives.
During his “retirement” he often helped fill the pulpits for several years at churches in Hart, Bliss, Walled Lake and Calvary churches.
Steve will be remembered forever in our hearts. He was a family man, caring Shepherd, godly Counselor and loyal Christ follower.
Lyle Herman Van Horn, Th.M. in Missions and Evangelism ’96, aged 75, was born into an Army Air Force family at West Point on March 10. He got to fly away like he’d always wanted—suddenly, on May 8, 2023. He died at home, with his wife and family, in Wilmore, Kentucky after a quiet evening on the patio listening to rain fall and watching the embers of a fire with a close friend of nearly 30 years.
A childhood survivor of the polio epidemic of the early 1950’s, his life was marked by his struggle against the disease’s neurological and physical harms. His right leg was two inches shorter than his left and he underwent a hip fusion in his early teens. Over the decades, he had a series of hip and knee surgeries that left deeply painful scar tissue. His limp and gait strained and pained back muscles. His fondest desire when he got to heaven was to run down streets of gold with no pain.
His parents, John and Sally Van Horn, did not let polio become debilitating and Lyle learned a lot about grit from them. In response to polio, his father and mother cultivated a love of the outdoors in Lyle. He joined the Boy Scouts and achieved the rank of Life Scout, being prevented from Eagle Scout because the Boy Scouts did not accommodate physical disability at the time. He did a lot of camping with his own family. Mark, Andrew, and Daniel have great memories of putting canoes into lakes and rivers and fishing. He took each boy on a hunting trip but since he wasn’t physically capable of sitting in a tree stand for hours, he outsourced that part of parenting to a close family friend and pastor. When camping got too painful, they went to cottages across Kentucky, in the Smokey Mountains, and Michigan.
Lyle’s love of the outdoors had its fullest expression when he lived in Alaska. Besides Wilmore, Kentucky, his most favorite place in all the world was Juneau. He lived his most physically active life there. He hiked. He fished for salmon and arctic char in the sparkling bays and streams. He caught stories he’d release over and over again to his boys. When he wasn’t fishing, he worked as an air traffic controller. And when he wasn’t working or fishing, he was a faithful congregant at church.
It was at a church Bible study that he heard about this cute redhead who was looking for a husband at Echo Ranch Bible Camp. And that is how he met Marilyn, his wife of 44 years, in Juneau and fell in love for the first time. He always told us boys that he spent every dime he made courting Mom. But we don’t think it was all the nice meals and eating out that really made Mom fall for Dad. It wasn’t until we travelled to Juneau for a family reunion and saw that Dad had to limp a mile and a half around Echo Bay, along a rocky shore, to get to Echo Ranch Bible Camp, and then after spending time with Marilyn, limp back the same treacherous path in the dark, that we understood it was really that hike which did it. His willingness to persevere, to grit teeth, and to suffer for someone else, to suffer for love.
Lyle loved to dabble, to explore novel things and collect hobbies, to pick up something new, put it down and come back to it years later like a pack rat. Around his home and his easy chair there are many such piles of interests: a standing bench for bullet reloading in the laundry room that Marilyn can’t wait to give to one of the boys, dozens of rainbow post-it noted books on chess tactics and opening moves, at least six different chess boards within arm’s reach, piles of wood in a heap in the basement because he was going to get around to finishing carving those chess pieces, sketch pads, paint brushes and water colors, fly tying equipment, Avalon Hill wargames, model train sets and engines, he wrote one book about faith and science for his sons, and always stacks of books: thrillers about spies, history books about wars and airplanes, theology books, books about science, and of course books that he’d read many times but couldn’t remember reading. He was not the kind of person who worried about whether or not he was good at the hobby but rather if he enjoyed doing it.
His peripatetic working and education were the same: pipefitter, National Park Service employee, anthropology student, archeological photographer, air traffic controller, FAA security specialist and logistician, software tech support, Bible student, seminary student, and his most important professional work—planting and pastoring a Pentecostal church in a tough working-class mill town in central Maine. He taught Sunday school and hosted Bible studies. When he was a student at Asbury Theological Seminary, he befriended professors and fellow students and helped them understand new tools like personal computers. Bob Bickert, a missionary and student at the seminary, brought Dad a carved eagle back from the Philippines in appreciation for his support helping with his dissertation. Lyle felt called to Africa but since his body prevented him from going there, he felt it was God who brought Africa to Wilmore and he spent time with African seminary students polishing theology papers.
He prayed for his family and his community and he meditated on the things of God. He was a kind man.
He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Van Horn, his sister Kathleen and Don Huggins, his brother Craig and Pat, his three sons and their wives: Mark and Anna (Underwood), Andrew and Karin (Thompson), and Daniel and Alleena (Koss), and seven grandchildren: Wesley, David Henry, Marianne, Sophia, Alex, Emmit, and Emmery.
James “Jim” Harry Walker, B.Div. ’65, aged 83, was born in Toledo, Ohio on Aug. 31, 1939. He died peacefully Wednesday, April 12, 2023, at Royal Plaza Health & Rehabilitation of Cascadia, in Lewiston from Huntington’s disease.
Jim was the youngest of four children born to Harry and Mabel Walker. He grew up in Wauseon, Ohio, where he graduated from high school in 1957. Jim graduated from Asbury College in 1961, and from Asbury Theological Seminary in 1965 in Wilmore, Ky. Jim served as pastor of Methodist churches in the Ohio West, and the Pacific Northwest annual conferences for 41 years.
While in college Jim met Kathy Lloyd and they married in 1961. They had two children, a son, David, of Lewiston and a daughter Susan, who pre-deceased him.
He is survived by his wife Kathy, son David and several nieces and nephews.
Gerald Roland “Jerry” Wibert, M.Div. ’70, aged 84, of Henderson, KY, passed away May 9, 2023, at Walnut Creek Alzheimer’s Center in Evansville, IN.
Jerry was born January 8, 1939, in Huntington, IN. He was an ordained Methodist minister, having attended college in Huntington and earning his master’s degree at Asbury Seminary in Wilmore, KY. He served churches in southwestern Indiana and was responsible and took great pride in merging five of those churches. Jerry retired from the ministry in 2016 after preaching at Fairview Presbyterian Church in Princeton, IN for six years.
A dedicated runner his entire life, Jerry began as a star track runner at his high school in Eugene, OR. His other passions were studying for preaching and leading bible-study groups.
Jerry leaves behind his wife, Kathy; four children, Debbie Newsom, Greg Wisont, Cindy Acock, and Scott DeMoss; three step-children, Amy Kindred, Nick Kindred, and Stacey Howell, 13 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.
Pastor Gerald Wynn Yotter, M.Div. ’73, aged 71, entered into eternal rest on Thursday, October 3rd, 2019. He was born April 30th, 1948 to the union of Donald and Esther Yotter in Newton, Kansas.
Pastor Yotter graduated from Newton High School and attended Central Christian College of Kansas, Greenville College, Greenville, Ill. and Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Ky. He pastored various churches within in his career as a servant of the Lord, Free Methodist Church, Manhattan, Kansas, Free Methodist Church, Midland, Texas and Cathedral of the Plains, Wichita, Kansas. He was currently the Pastor of New Beginnings Church in Kansas City, Kansas.
Pastor Yotter entered into holy matrimony to the love of his life Dymon S. Dawson on July 16th, 2016.
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