Obituaries
Reverend Sydney Bertram Alexander, B.Div. ’63, aged 88, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and devoted servant of God, passed away peacefully on June 23, 2024, on a Sunday morning at 11 a.m.
Reverend Alexander was Born on April 28, 1936 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and remained in Belfast until God called him to the United States at the age of 24 to attend the Asbury Theological Seminary, where he received a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Theology. With a heart for people and a spirit dedicated to service, Rev. Bert Alexander touched the lives of countless individuals through his unwavering faith and compassionate nature. Bert also served in the mission fields in Indonesia, Mexico, and Brazil, where he led countless individuals to Christ with his heartfelt sermons and compassionate actions.
Reverend Alexander leaves behind the love of his life and mother of his children, Ruthie, with whom he shared a relationship and friendship. Their story is a testament to enduring commitment and partnership to and for their family.
He is survived by his cherished children and their spouses: Amy Alexander; Dr. Stephen Shane and Shalaine Alexander; Jeremy and Katherine Alexander; and Allison and Michael Brown. Each of his children carries forward his legacy of love, faith, and kindness.
His grandchildren: Dominic Alexander, Savannah Brown, Derek Alexander, Tristan Brown, and Asher Alexander, were the pride and joy of his later years. His boundless love for them will be remembered and cherished forever.
In addition to his immediate family, Bert is remembered by countless friends and extended family members who loved and adored him. His legacy of love, faith, and service will continue to inspire and guide those who follow in his footsteps.
Harrison Raymond Banks, M.Div. ’68, aged 86, passed away on July 3, 2021. He was born June 11, 1935, on a small farm near Brown City, MI, to Peter Harrison and Gladys L. Banks. His half-sister, Ola Mary, welcomed him to the family. Other siblings came along in the following years: Deloris, in May 1936, Orville, August 1938, Marilene, June 1940, and Eldin in March of 1951.
They had a full house and enjoyed playing table games together. The farm gave them lots of outdoor fun and work as well; cows to milk and care for, chickens to collect eggs from and a large garden to plant and weed in the summer months.
After graduation from Brown City High School as Valedictorian, Ray went to work with his father, an automobile mechanic, in the Detroit area for the summer.
He was granted a full scholarship and began classes at the University of Michigan where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in June of 1958.
While still a student at the U. of M., he courted and married Nancy Lou Cady of Gladwin, MI, in December 1955. To this union was born Garth Raymond (1957), Karla Rae (1958), Paige Nanette (1961), and Peter Melvin (1962). Ray worked for Dow Chemical Co. in Midland, MI for 5 years following his graduation.
In 1962, Ray answered the call of God on his life and moved the family to Wilmore, KY, where he entered Asbury Theological Seminary. He worked full-time at several different jobs, and carried a three-quarters load at seminary. He was graduated with a Master of Divinity degree in May of 1968. Nancy also was given her PHT (“putting hubby through”) degree at this time.
The family looked to the West for future employment and Ray joined the Pacific Northwest Conference of the Free Methodist Church. At that time, the conference included WA, British Columbia and Alaska. Ray’s first appointment was to Surrey, B.C. for two years. The next postings were: Seattle, WA for five years, Summerland, B.C. for six years, Olympia, WA for five years, Kamloops, B.C. for two years and then Vancouver for four years. He served seven churches in WA and Canada during his ministry, ending with Roblin, Manitoba for the final six years.
Ray took a break from pastoral ministry in 1992-1993 and attended St. Stephen’s College in the University of Alberta for a year of Residency of Pastoral Education.
During his years as Pastor, Ray also served as chaplain in local hospitals and with Citizen’s Patrol, community policing and was always involved in various community organizations where he lived.
Ray retired in 1999. He and Nancy bought a condo in Abbotsford and settled down to retirement. However, Ray’s missionary spirit revived and he took the position of coordinating Project Missions, a Global program in the Free Methodist Church to raise funds through the collection and sale of used postage stamps and stamp collections. Ray had been a life-long stamp collector off and on throughout his lifetime, so this fit well with his passion for missions and his skill with stamps. Project Missions raised well over $50,000 over the years.
Ray had a “pastor’s heart” and in the years of his ministry, many came to faith in Christ. When faced with the human condition, Ray often said, “All have sinned, but we have an advocate with the Father: Jesus Christ, who forgives our sins.”
Ray is predeceased by his parents, half-sister Ola Mary and sister, Marilene. He is survived by one sister, Deloris (Jay) and two brothers, Orville (Rita) and Eldin (Holly), his wife, Nancy of 65 and a half years, his four children: Garth (Amy), Karla (Kaskadare), Paige and Peter (Cheryl); six grandchildren and their spouses: Tyson, Elise, Nanette (John), Rilla, Micah (Sara), Hannah (Jerome) and two great granddaughters, Gavia and Pepper.
Reverend Herman Boyette, B.Div. ’52, aged 94, of Bowling Green, passed away at Resthaven assisted living facility on Friday, May 29th 2015. He was born in Hardee County, Florida on May 11th 1921. Reverend Boyette was a U.S. Army World War II Veteran and was the youngest of ten siblings. He was a Methodist minister, member of the Florida Methodist Conference, and attended the First United Methodist Church of Bowling Green.
He was preceded in death by his wife Bettie Jane Crenshaw Boyette. Survivors include; Four sons, James Stephen Boyette of Bowling Green, Florida, Phillip Gene Boyette and wife Linda of Mt. Vernon, Ohio, Raymond Michael Boyette of Bronson, Florida, Stanley Thomas Boyette and wife Martha of Starke, Florida; One daughter, Linda Boyette Adler and husband Charles of Bowling Green, Florida; Nephew, Ron Chaney of Wauchula, Florida, as well as other nieces and nephews; Ten grandchildren, Major Michael Calvert Adler, James Herman Adler, John Gilbert Adler, Matthew Herman Boyette, Daniel Phillip Boyette, Justin Fraser Boyette, Melissa Jane Boyette, Monica Rae Pombier, Joseph Thomas Boyette, Shawn Gary Boyette; Ten great grandchildren.
Rev. Dr. Jack F. Chalk, M.Div. ’66, aged 90, of Piqua, went home to be with the Lord at 1:17 a.m. Thursday, July 18, 2024 at Garbry Ridge Assisted Living. He was born October 29, 1933 in Sharonville to the late George Fountain and Ruth Florance (Williams) Chalk. He married Janice E. Covault November 4, 1984 in Piqua; and she survives.
Other survivors include two sons, Scott (Jennifer) Chalk of Frankfort, Kentucky, Kevin Chalk of Newnan, Georgia; a daughter, Betsy (Charlie) Simmons of Newnan, Georgia; a stepdaughter, Deanna (Garry) Frock of St. Paris; nine grandchildren, Katelyn, Kimberly, Zoe, Dylan, Abigail, Levi, Ethan, Natalie, Isaiah; and two great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two brothers, George Chalk, Jean Chalk; a sister, Edith Mae Chalk; and two sisters-in-law, Jean Carroll, and Myra Chalk.
Jack was a 1951 graduate of Sharonville High School and earned a Bachelors degree from Asbury College in 1962. He then graduated from the Asbury Theological Seminary in 1966. He became a Deacon in the United Methodist Church in 1964 and a Full Elder in 1966. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He served as the Pastor for many churches over the years including Zoardale Charge; Church of the Cross in Toledo; St. Paul Trinity in Elmore where he also served on the Spiritual Care Committee at St. Charles Hospital in Oregon, Ohio; Grace United Methodist Church in Piqua; Groesbeck Church in Cincinnati; St. Paul’s Church in Piqua; and most recently serving as the Pastor of Hardin United Methodist Church in Sidney since 2009. He “officially” retired in 1998, and served as the Interim Pastor at five different churches during that time. Jack was instrumental in revitalizing St. Paul’s Church and was bestowed the honor of Pastor Emeritus as well as an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity. He served as the Dean of youth camps; district committee of Evangelism; as well as on the Board of Ordained Ministry in the Dayton North District. Additionally, he was an annual speaker at the Community Good Friday Service. Jack was an avid golfer and had hit two hole-in-one’s at Echo Hills Golf Course. He will be remembered for his love of his family, his unwavering care for his congregations, and his steadfast love of the Lord. He will be deeply missed.
William “Bill” David Dearin, B.Div. ’60, aged 89, was born May 13, 1935, in Butler, PA. While at Asbury College, he met and married his life partner of almost 60 years, his beloved wife Grace. He graduated from the College and Asbury Theological Seminary, entering the pastoral ministry at the Methodist Church in East Stroudsburg, PA. “Rev”, as he was often called on the basketball court, served many churches over a 60+ year ministry, including almost 30 in Spring Brook, PA. He also maintained close ties to the Salvation Army, his childhood church home, throughout his career. As an extension of his pastoral ministry, he committed himself to the work of Children’s Services, earned his M.S.W. and worked with many national, state and local agencies across the country. Bill loved boating with his family on the Paupak and Dale Hollow Lake, and was a long time fan of the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers. He joins his wife Grace in heaven, and is survived here by his four loving daughters, 6 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren, and the countless lives he touched and had a hand in saving over the course of his life.
Imogene (Jean) Dizney, aged 99, of Wilmore, KY, widow of Kenneth (Bill) Dizney, passed away on Monday, July 22, 2024, at Cedarhurst Senior Living in Nicholasville, KY. She was born in Hardeman County, TN on October 6, 1924, to the late Columbus and Mamie McClintock. She spent her early years on a farm near Pocahantas, TN, and her family moved to Wilmore when she was a teenager. During World War II she had a job at a shipyard in Pennsylvania where her brother worked as a welder. After the war she married Bill and they became part owners of the Dine-A-Mite restaurant, which many Asbury alumni remember fondly. A few years after Bill’s death in 1959 she sold her interest in the restaurant and began working in the cafeteria at Wilmore Elementary. She later spent many years working as a bookkeeper at Asbury Seminary, retiring from there in 1989.
Imogene loved sports, and played basketball herself when she lived in Tennessee. She loved to watch or listen to UK’s men’s basketball, as well as football, and also watched women’s basketball and volleyball when they were televised. She attended many UK basketball games in person, included several seasons when she and three retired friends had season tickets and were known as the “string quartet.” She also watched the Cincinnati Reds and the Bengals, and if none of her favorite teams were playing she was happy to watch whatever game was on. She attended her granddaughter’s high school volleyball games and was known for bringing her special “funnies” rice crispy bars to share with the players and their families. She sometimes revealed a competitive streak and was occasionally accused of cheating at canaste.
She was always ready to go fishing, and enjoyed traveling with her family. She always traveled by car, however, and said she would fly on a plane if she could keep one foot on the ground. She and her daughters made a road trip out West one summer, and when she had grandchildren she traveled to the beach with them, where she enjoyed sitting and watching the ocean. She traveled to several other places with family members during retirement, including visits to grandchildren.
Survivors include her daughters, Patricia (Robert M.) Moody and Suzanne (Roger) Fain; grandchildren, Michelle Banks, Nathan (Lauren) Fain, and Robin Jean (Jeremy) Hopkins; great-grandchildren Alex Banks, Davis Fain, Dawson Fain, and Sadie Jean Fain. She is also survived by a special niece, Lynda Eckhardt, and a special great-niece, Martie Jae Steinfeld. She was preceded in death by a brother, J.W. McClintock.
Susan graduated from Ohio University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and from Asbury Theological Seminary with a Masters Degree in Counseling. She taught 6th grade for many years at Nelsonville-York Middle School in Nelsonville, Ohio and most recently was employed as a caregiver with Home Instead.
Rev. Lee Edward Pettis, D.Min. ’18, aged 71, went to see Jesus on July 17, 2024.
Lee was born May 11, 1953, in Chattanooga, Tennessee to the late Linza E. and Grace E. Pettis. He was a veteran of the United States Army and a graduate of Northwest Laurens High School, University of Georgia, Emory University, and Asbury Seminary where he received a Doctor of Ministry.
Lee was a CPA since 1987 and was a corporate controller at YKK AP America in Dublin until he felt the calling to become a pastor.
Lee has currently been serving as pastor of Soperton, Landsberg, and Glenwood Global Methodist churches. He has served as an elder in the United Methodist Church and is presently an elder in the Global Methodist Church.
He leaves behind his wife of 38 years, Pam, and three children; Whitney, Lesley, and J.R., along with six grandchildren. He also leaves behind his siblings, Becky, Jeff, Jim, and Jerry.
Jim is the beloved husband of 55 years to Janet (nee Bryson) Sanders. Loving father of Michelle (Mark) Walton and Jim (Cindy) Sanders; Grandfather (Papaw) to Danielle, Christina, Rebecca, Justyn, Abby, Bryson and Cassidy; Great Grandfather (Papaw Jimmy) to McKayla, Abigail, Sunee, Charleigh, Noah, Rowyn, Bronson, Joey, Sadie, Glori and Oaklyn; Loving brother to Gail Martin, Debbie Proffit and Ron Sanders; Special brother in law to Lucien and Mary Lou Clemons. Uncle Jim held a special place in the hearts of many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents John and Elsie (nee Sturgeon) Sanders and brother Richard W. Sanders.
Jim served in the US Air Force, then went to work at the Cincinnati Milacron. He was called to the ministry and attended Asbury College and Seminary in Wilmore, KY. He then became an ordained minister and served at the following UM churches. Pharisburg, Magnetic Springs, Malta, Cherry Grove, Williamsburg and Butlerville before retiring 25 years later.
He cherished the time he spent with his family. He enjoyed fishing, rc airplanes and spending time outdoors.
Paul Shingledecker, M.Div. ’71, aged 77, of Marion, IN, received his eternal reward when he passed away at 8:40 pm on Sunday, July 21, 2024.
Paul was born in Bujumbura, Burundi, Africa, on November 2, 1946, to Hardol and Hettie (Frost) Shingledecker. He is survived by his loving bride and helpmate, Pat (Patsy) Danklefs, whom he married on September 2, 1966.
Paul graduated from Houghton Academy (NY) and went on to receive his bachelor’s degree from Asbury College (KY), a Master of Divinity degree from Asbury Theological Seminary (KY), and a Master of Arts in Telecommunications from Indiana University (IN). He was ordained as an elder in the Free Methodist Church, appointed to World Gospel Mission (WGM).
Paul and Pat served as missionaries with WGM from 1973 until their retirement in 2013. They served for three years in the country of Paul’s birth, Burundi, Africa, where he worked in radio program production and design. After political unrest in Burundi forced them out of the country, they were assigned to haiti where he spent the remainder of his career working with the Haitian radio network, Radio Lumiere, in administration and engineering. In 2003, Paul and Pat moved to Marion, IN, to work with WGM at its headquarters for the last ten years – as a regional director for six years and with their IT department until he passed.
Paul’s driving force for his life is best stated in his life verse, Romans 10:14: How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they hear without a preacher? Rooted in his obedience to God, his passion was sharing the gospel of Christ with everyone who came into his life. the legacy he leaves his family and friends is one of faith and the strength found in God alone.
In addition to Pat, his wife of almost 58 years, Paul is survived by his three daughters: Laura (and Bert) Walther of Wilmore, KY and their two daughters, Beth Walther and Becca (and Daniel) Devita; Linda (and Josef) Gafranek of Lexington, KY and their two daughters, Rachael (and Austin) Whitson and Sara Jo Gafranek; and Lisa (and Keven) Fritts of Washington, D.C. and her four children, Violet Powell, Zach Powell, Quin Powell, and Teresa (and Jacob) Bame.
Paul is also survived by his siblings: Faith Shingledecker of Wilmore, KY; Ken (and Connie) Shingledecker of Holland, MI; and Lois (and David) Scroggins of Hallsville, TX; adopted son, Thomas L. Dugue; and adopted daughter, Mickey Anderson.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Hettie Shingledecker.
Dick graduated from Fillmore High School, Houghton College, and Asbury Seminary, and became a Wesleyan minister. After serving churches in Redfield, SD, and Waterloo, NY, he joined the US Air Force and spent the remainder of his career as an Air Force chaplain. This allowed him to see the world, serving in Ohio, England, New Mexico, Hawaii, Washington state, North Carolina, South Korea, Texas, and Arizona. In 1987, he retired at the rank of lieutenant colonel to Sun City Vistoso in Tucson, AZ, and then in 2008, moved to Marion to be near family. He was a private pilot, a puzzle builder, an avid golfer, and a traveler, enjoying several long journeys in a camper and completing over 40 cruises to destinations around the world. He was a follower of Jesus and a scholar and teacher of the Bible, teaching Bible classes and leading Bible studies throughout his career and his years of retirement.
Dick is survived by his wife of 73 years, Evalyn Fairbank Sprowl of Marion; daughter, Rebecca Sprowl Franklin of Marion; son, Donald (Donna) Sprowl of Marion; grandchildren, Todd (Riecka), David (Dori), Dawn, Jonathan (Carolyn), and Jennifer; and seven great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilfred and Hazel Sprowl; sisters, Yvonne Peters and Jeannine Bleistein; and infant daughters, Dianne and Susan.
Gary was born November 10, 1948, in Hereford, Texas to Joseph “Joe” Gardiner and Maude Elizabeth (Noland) Story. Gary graduated from West Texas State University in Canyon, Texas where he met his wife, Carol Wright. The two wed on August 14, 1971, in Perryton, Texas. Gary worked in banking in Houston and Canadian, Texas until he felt called to full-time Christian ministry. Gary and his family moved to Wilmore in 1988 where he attended Asbury Theological Seminary and earned a Master of Divinity. Upon graduation in 1992, Gary started his second career as a chaplain at Heritage Hospice in Danville, Kentucky.
After 20 years of service, he retired from full-time chaplaincy and began serving as part-time chaplain at Wesley Village, a retirement community in Wilmore.
In 2017 he received the Outstanding Service Award in Spiritual Care from LeadingAge Kentucky, an association representing non-profit healthcare facilities for the elderly.
Gary will be missed dearly by his many friends, coworkers, and family.
Gary is survived by his wife of 52 years, Carol; his daughter, Penny, and son-in-law, Matt Pohlmann, of Atlanta, Georgia; his daughter, Patty, son-in-law, Dwight Baxter, granddaughter, Geneva, and grandson, Xavier, of Rogers, Arkansas; his sister, Sandra, and brother-in-law, Roland Saul, of Hereford, Texas; his sister, Jan Metcalf, of Brackettville, Texas; his brother-in-law, Roy Mustian, of Graham, Texas; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Maude Story, stepmother, Bessie Story, sister, Nancy Mustian, sister and brother-in-law, Joy and Dan McDowell, brother-in-law, Stan Metcalf, and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Bob and Karen Wright.
John Vlainic, M.Div. ’77, aged 70, died suddenly of a ruptured aortic aneurysm at home early Tuesday morning, October 11, 2022 . We can rest assured he died peacefully and is in Jesus’ loving care. John is survived and deeply missed by his wife Ruth and son Jason. Predeceased by his parents Tony and Mildred (Hall) Vlainic. Survived by loving family: Ann and Bruce Campbell-Janz (sister in law and brother in law), Doug and Carla Campbell (brother in law and sister in law), nieces and nephews: Victoria (Clayton) Scott, Allison Campbell, Emily Campbell, Isaac Janz, Madeleine Janz. Predeceased by his brother in law, Paul Campbell and nephew Charles Campbell.
John was born to farming parents outside Tillsonburg. John’s strong work ethic, zest for life and love of books began early in life. His pastor in grade thirteen influenced John’s decision to go into ministry.
John had a keen mind that was fostered through his studies at Roberts Wesleyan College, Rochester, N.Y. (1973), Asbury Seminary, Kentucky (1977), Wycliffe College University of Toronto (1987) and Registered Psychotherapy Degree (2012). His intellectual capabilities complemented his enthusiastic love of people. He made friends in all walks of life.
John pastored Free Methodist Churches in Cambridge, Sarnia and Etobicoke. His last 18 years of professional life was as hospital chaplain at Hamilton Health Sciences. His compassionate care to patients and staff was remarked on regularly. They knew him by his fondness for purple shirts and ties.
John enjoyed sports, mostly watching them, but had in recent years enjoyed pickleball at the community centres. He could tell you who won the Super Bowl in a given year or who was and is playing for the Toronto Blue Jays, Toronto Raptors and Maple Leafs. John loved working with his wood working tools though he was the first to admit he was better at demolition than creating. Many hours were spent in the basement with Jason cutting, nailing and building shelves or other edifices.
Ruth and John were to celebrate their 32nd wedding anniversary on October 12th. John loved Ruth deeply and his nickname for her was “Saint Ruth” on a good day – and there were many good days. Though John had never been off the continent prior to their marriage, he embraced Ruth’s love of travel. Within nine months of their wedding, they were on their way for a month long trip to Africa. This was the first of many travel adventures they enjoyed. He was especially pleased to visit his father’s homeland of the former Yugoslavia in 2010.
John cut a wide swath and his death leaves a huge hole for Ruth & Jason, family, friends, his church communities and neighbours.
I give my condolences to each family and lifting each family in prayer in Jesus 🙏
Bert Alexander was a very special person. Our three years together were really something. Every Friday we went to Lexington to do street evangelism and then came back to the seminary and prayed until 2AM, every Sunday morning we went to the reformatory and taught. He taught me how to fast and laugh. Like I said, he was special and someone you will never forget.