Obituaries
David was a proud graduate of John Marshall High School (Indianapolis), IUPUI, and Asbury Theological Seminary. He had an exceptional gift for remembering names and made it a point to make others feel special, a quality that endeared him to all who knew him. His love for reading, gardening (though not always successfully), and his dry sense of humor brightened many lives.
One of David’s greatest loves was travel. He journeyed across six continents, visited 47 countries, and explored 45 states—all in pursuit of meeting new people, experiencing diverse cultures, and seeking out any place with a beach. His adventurous spirit and genuine curiosity about the world were evident in every conversation.
David was deeply honored to serve as the pastor of Fountain City Wesleyan Church (LifeSpring) for 38 years. Under his leadership, the church grew from a small country congregation to a thriving community of over 1,000 members. He led the church through relocation and two significant construction projects, and in 1996, he received the esteemed Wesleyan Church’s “Pastor of the Quadrennium” award at the General Conference. His leadership extended to serving on multiple district boards and committees, where he was known for his wisdom, dedication, and servant heart.
David’s greatest pride and joy, however, were his family. He often said the smartest thing he ever did was marry Jill, with whom he built a beautiful life, and together they raised two daughters. As a proud grandfather, he was thrilled to spend time with the “smartest grandchild ever”, his beloved granddaughter, Halston.
Through his long health battle, David held steadfast to his life verse, Joshua 1:5: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” His unwavering faith was a source of strength and comfort to him and his family.
He will be missed deeply by his wife, Jill, daughter, Gretchen, daughter and son-in-law, Kirsten and Kevin Hayes, granddaughter, Halston, sister and brother-in-law, Rebecca and Bill Rose, and his nieces and nephews. A life lived with faith, laughter, adventure, and love—David leaves behind a legacy of unwavering devotion to his Lord and family.
Ronald Ray Baird, aged 78, was born September 9, 1946 to Thomas and Laverne (Brown) Baird in Newton, KS. He passed away January 22, 2025 at his beloved home on the Pend Oreille River, near Usk, WA. Ron grew up in a rough and tumble home, the 4th of 5 brothers, Dick, Steve, Herb, Ron, and Mike. Ron attended and graduated from Remington High School in 1965. While there, he lettered in football (#60) and was selected as an all-league lineman.
On May 26, 1967, Ron married Kathleen Koehn, also of Newton. Shortly after their marriage, Ron started his higher education at Central Christian College, McPherson, KS. While there, they welcomed their first of three children, David. After graduating from Central, Ron went on to complete his degrees at Asbury College and Asbury Seminary in Wilmore, KY, where they welcomed their second child, Angela.
After completing seminary, Ron and Kathy accepted the call to Aurora, CO where they pastored the Aurora Free Methodist Church and completed their family with the birth of Mark. Now, as a family of five, they led the congregation in a building program to the new Meadowood community in Aurora. Under his leadership, the church completed two building phases and also started the Meadowood Christian Preschool.
After 14 years of ministry in Aurora, they moved to Turlock, CA where Ron pastored the Turlock Free Methodist Church. Under Ron’s leadership, the church became a satellite of Turlock Christian Schools, starting a preschool at the church. Ron served on the Turlock Christian School Board for 7 years.
From 1995 to 2000, he pastored the Ft Collins Free Methodist Church and from there he answered the call to return to school and become a hospital chaplain.
Ron and Kathy moved to Spokane, WA where Ron completed the Clinical Pastoral Education program at Gonzaga University. He went on to become a full-time chaplain at Providence Holy Family Hospital in Spokane, where he was lovingly known as the “Singing Chaplain”.
Ron retired from hospital chaplaincy in 2012 but continued pastoring part-time at The United Methodist Church in Deer Park, WA until 2023 when Ron’s health no longer allowed him to continue.
For those of you who knew Ron best, you will remember his shortened sermons on Broncos Sundays, his boisterous laugh, his huge bear hugs, and his ways that he showed that he loved you. He was lovingly known by his grandchildren as “Don Daird”.
Ron is survived by his wife, Kathy and children David (Kelli), Angela, and Mark. Their loving
family includes grandchildren; Jordan, Emily (Noah), Caleb (Alina), Bethany, Joshua (Bailey),
Gabe (Ava), Gavin, and Charlie. Ron also leaves behind brothers; Steve, Herb, and Mike. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Dick.
Darryl Lorenzo Burrus, M.A. in Mental Health Counseling ’20, aged 48, was the only child of Marion Burrus and Willie Burrus of Norfolk, Virginia. He was born on February 4, 1976, and unexpectedly went home to be with the LORD on Thursday, January 9, 2025.
Darryl was a native of Norfolk; however, he moved to High Point, North Carolina several years ago. He graduated from Maury High School in Norfolk, Virginia. His accomplishments include studying Counseling Psychology at Old Dominion University; studying Master of Education at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University; a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Asbury Theological Seminary; and studying Clinical Christian Counseling at John Wesley University.
He worked as a Guidance Counselor with exceptional children at Kearns Magnet Academy in High Point, North Carolina. Darryl helped his students with their academics and taught them to understand and overcome obstacles and/or behavioral challenges. He assisted in supporting his students in developing and cultivating their emotional well-being. Also, he worked part-time at the YMCA in High Point, NC where he helped promote health and wellness sessions, fitness classes, and literacy initiatives such as reading programs and tutoring. He created and participated in programs that enhanced their everyday lives. He was a true educator who helped countless children. The School, YMCA, and the students raved about the love and kindness he exhibited which is a testimony of his true and loving character.
Darryl was a happy, joyful, caring, considerate, thoughtful, helpful, and kind young man. He was loved by everyone who encountered him. He would light up a room with his smile and sense of humor. He loved telling jokes and making people laugh. Darryl loved with great intensity, willing to allow himself to be hurt to spare other people’s feelings. He would always place other people’s feelings above his own. He was willing to assist others in any way he could and his students can bear witness to this wonderful character trait. Darryl was a great father and loved his children deeply. He was a compassionate and caring son, father, nephew, cousin, and friend. He genuinely loved and cared for everyone.
Darryl is survived by his mother Marion Burrus of Norfolk, Virginia, daughter Damari Curney of Virginia Beach, son Evan Burrus of High Point, North Carolina, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and a host of friends.
Linda was a talented vocalist, artist, speaker and co-author of a highly successful book, “Stress and the Woman’s Body.” She was a founding member of the Sine Nomine Singers of Valdosta, and long time member of the Lexington (KY) Singers. As a teenager she soloed with Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops when they performed at the Theater Under the Stars in Atlanta. She won numerous vocal competitions in high school and college, and was the first Junior Miss Atlanta in 1965.
Linda’s priorities were her faith and her family. She raised three successful sons “who rise up and call her blessed.” Phil (Lisa) Hager and children Julia Loveday and Colt Hager; Neal (Shannon) Hager and children Jack and Hadley; and Jay (Natalie) Hager and children Essie, Lucy, and Henry. She is also survived by stepdaughters Bess Davis; Anna (Brian) McMillin and children Sam and Maggie; special nephew Christopher (Tonya) Eisley; and her husband of twenty-two years, Rev. James Davis.
Linda loved beauty and surrounded herself with beautiful things and special friends. Her parting testimony, written January 19, just before her final decline, sums up her life and faith:
The day has come
The victory’s won
I am alive in Jesus!
Susan Claire Forkner, was born March 19th, 1946 to Richard E. and Joyce May Forkner in Langdon, ND. Her parents and two older brothers, Earl and Mark, joyously welcomed her to the family. Susan’s musical education began at an early age with piano lessons from her mom, and when she was a little older, she traveled to Grand Forks by bus for violin lessons.
Susan graduated from Langdon High in 1964 and furthered her musical education at Concordia College, Moorhead, graduating in 1968 with a Bachelor of Arts in music education. She continued at Asbury Seminary in the fields of Christian education and Church Music. During this time she taught string methods at Asbury College and worked at the Blue Grass School as a musical therapist.
During this time she was the piano accompanist for a young tenor by the name of Zack Davis Gill. Two years later, on June 5, 1971 they were married. They celebrated their love and commitment with a 50th Wedding Anniversary in 2021 at Grandview Lodge in Nisswa Minnesota.
Speaking of Nisswa, this was home in a very special way for Susan. She first came to the area with her parents at the age of 18 months and continued to visit every year at various resorts and eventually Murmuring Pines, their lake home, on Clark Lake. It is fitting that her honeymoon as well as the last days of her earthly life were spent in this place that she loved so much.
Jeremiah Richard was born on July 27, 1972 and was welcomed with loving arms into the family. Though Jeremy was limited by his disabilities, he was never limited in the love that he gave and was given. Susan and Zack started the first group home in North Dakota in order to serve children with severe disabilities, and Jeremy was a resident there. His little brother Joshua David, joined the family in October of 1985. Jeremy experienced heavenly healing when he passed on Dec. 18, 1986, and is now reunited with his mom.
Susan and Zack moved from Kentucky and lived in a variety of places including Grand Marais, MN, Hope, Mandan, and Fargo, ND and finally moved to Maple Grove, Minnesota in 1988.
Throughout these years Susan continued to share her musical gifts. She played in three different symphonies including the Fargo Moorhead Symphony, the Lexington Philharmonic, and the Bismarck Mandan Symphony. She taught private lessons for years to piano, violin and guitar students. She also shared her gift of music in churches at each of the locations where she resided.
Due to her experiences parenting Jeremy and Josh, ministries to people with disabilities and their families became a lifelong passion. She served as a coordinator for the Down Syndrome Association from 1992-1997. In 1999, Susan and Zack established JRG ministries which continues to provide fellowship, entertainment and spiritual growth for adults with disabilities through the ForEver Friends program.
Susan brought so much light and joy to those who knew her. She created a home for her family wherever she lived filled with love and comfort and beauty. She enjoyed growing flowers and found so much pleasure in buying gifts for family and friends. Designing photo memory books and “cropping” as ScrapHappySue with her crew were some of her favorite activities. Most importantly, she lived a life of faith, worshipping God and sharing the gift of salvation with others.
Susan is survived by her husband, Zack Gill and her son, Joshua Gill, her sister-in-law Rosalee (Earl) Forkner, and her nieces and nephews, Beth (Bill) Moe, Jon Forkner, Lori (Roger) Fredlund, Mari (Steve) Radtke, Kent (Lisa) Forkner and Laura (Mike) Pritchard.
Susan was preceded in death by her son, Jeremy Gill, her parents, Dick and Joyce Forkner, her brothers, Earl Forkner and Mark Forkner, and her sister-in-law Kay Forkner.
Joseph “Pastor Joe” Glover, M.Div. ’75, aged 72, of Hart, died Nov 7, 2013 in Zephyrhills, Florida, born Feb 8, 1941 in Shelby to Logan Nelson Glover (1894-1963) & Janie (Baxter) Glover. He was raised in Shelby & graduated from Shelby High School. He married Joan E. Houseman in 1961. He attended Asbury College & Asbury Theological Seminary. Joe was pastor at several churches including Unity United Methodist in North Muskegon & most recently Word of Life Prophetic Healing Center in Shelby. He retired earlier this year. His big passion the past 10 years was Crossroads Food Distribution Pantry which he started in Shelby. His wife, Joan died Nov 6, 2010. He married Sandra Kamrowski on July 29, 2012. He is survived by his wife, Sandra; his daughters, Mischelle (Kevin) Kops of Florida, Marla (Rick) Hodges of Hart, & Angela (Mitch) Stovall of Dexter; his grandchildren, Kyle Kops (Katelyn Anderson), Rachel (fiancé, Corey Prudhomme), Madison Hodges & Brooke Hodges; brother, Bill (Marilyn) Glover of Shelby; stepdaughters, Debbie (Liam) Baker, Tylene (Gabriel) Kamibayashiyama, & Robin (Dave) Hendricks. Besides his wife, Joan, Joe was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Ernest Glover; sisters, Mildred Hill, Josephine Eickholt, Virginia Hepworth Charlotte Tinker & Joann Springle.
Reverend Richard “Dick” Martin, M.Div. ’91, aged 84, West passed away on New Year’s Day, 2025. He was born November 23, 1940, in Yakima, Washington, to Earl and Isabelle West. He enlisted in the United States Navy on June 18, 1959, where he was a Naval Musician in the Admiral’s Band. Dick was honorably discharged on May 16, 1963. He graduated from Oregon State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1967 and received his Master of Music from the University of Oregon in 1972. Dick then taught music in various public schools.
Dick married Merlene Sue Klinge Moore on September 27, 1980, in Brownsville, Oregon. After two years in Oregon, the Wests moved to Houston, Texas, where Dick began a career in real estate.
Dick’s spiritual birthday was July 12, 1986, while on a Walk to Emmaus. His call to God’s ministry occurred on July 11, 1987, while living in Fredericksburg, Texas. God’s call led him to Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky, where he received his Master of Divinity in 1991, and was ordained by The United Methodist Church. He served in the following churches during his years as a pastor: Falfurrias/Premont, Harlingen Wesley, Austin Covenant, Sterling City First United Methodist, and Llano Lutie Watkins. Upon retirement in 2012, the Kingsland Community Church called him as pastor, where he served for several years. After Dick’s second retirement, he and Merlene came back to West Texas, settling in San Angelo. Not one to be caught napping in the pew, Richard was instrumental in beginning a healing service on Wednesday nights at the First Methodist Church of San Angelo.
Richard is preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Isabelle, his daughter, Pamela Denton, and his sister, Carol Madsen. He is survived by his wife, Merlene, his brother, Dave West, his children, Dwight West (wife Juli), Michael Moore (wife Heather), Torri Wilson (husband Bob), grandchildren, Cortnie Klupinger, Robin Sparks, Stefanie Madsen (husband Scott), Caroline Moore, Isabelle Laurence (husband Tim), Linden Butrym (husband Brent), Hannah Vickery (husband Mitch), Jessica Wilson, and Ethan Wilson. Surviving great-grandchildren are Graham Butrym, Jillian Madsen, and Emily Sparks.
Stephen Leslie “Steve” Palmer, M.Div. ’76, aged 74, of Gays, IL, passed away at 9:00 a.m. Sunday, January 19, 2025, at his residence, surrounded by family.
Stephen was born on September 8, 1950, at home in Glendale, IL, the son of John and Mildred (Rushing) Palmer. Steve loved his upbringing on the farm, and proudly shared “Pope County” stories with those he encountered. He graduated from Pope County High School in the Class of 1968. Steve earned his bachelor’s degree in sociology and a minor in math from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. He went on to earn his Master of Divinity from Asbury Seminary. While in seminary, he met his future wife, Linda, and they were married on April 27, 1974. Steve loved his wife for 50 years, and for that she is thankful. Steve loved worshipping Jesus and preaching about him. He accepted God’s call into the ministry through The United Methodist Church and faithfully served the Mount Erie Charge, Carrier Mills Charge, Kinmundy and Wesley United Methodist Churches, Carterville First United Methodist Church, and Pana First United Methodist Church. He loved the congregations entrusted to him throughout the years, and especially enjoyed visiting and talking with the older folks until suddenly, he became one. Steve found comfort in the trustworthiness of the Word of God and God’s faithfulness to his people.
Steve is survived by his wife, Linda; twin sons, Jeremy Palmer (Kim Jackson) of Hillsboro, IL, and Jason Palmer (Joy) of Shelbyville, IL; daughter Jenny Orrick (Ryan) of Gays, IL; sister, Charlotte Palmer of Simpson, IL; brother, Donald Boaz (Betty) of LaFollette, TN; grandchildren, Tyler Palmer, James Palmer, Jake Palmer, Jackson Palmer, Madi Orrick and Sam Orrick. Steve loved his entire family, especially his grandchildren, and considered them gifts from God.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, John David Palmer (Lana).
I recently learned that Paul Dickinson died on 24th February. He was a classmate of mine, and I believe he graduated, M.Div. in 1968. We were close friends, selling Bibles together for two summers, and serving as each other’s best man in our weddings, mine in 1965 and Paul’s in 1966. He pastored in the Florida conference of the UMC.