Obituaries
Ken was born in San Antonio, TX on February 18, 1935, to Kenneth E. Carter Sr. and Doris McAuliffe Carter. He and his younger sister, Camille, were lifelong buddies and “partners in crime” throughout their childhood. Ken graduated from Carter-Riverside High School in Ft. Worth, TX in 1953, where he had been a cheerleader all 4 years, Captain of the ROTC program, President of both the Allied Youth Society, and the Jr. Red Cross. He entered The Rice Institute (now Rice University) in 1953, graduating with a BA in Economics in 1958. While serving on the Student Council at Rice, he met the beautiful lady and Vice President of the Freshman Class, who would become his lifetime partner and wife, Mary Alice “Freddie” Frederick. They were married on Valentines Day, 1955 and recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. Ken and Freddie were blessed with a daughter, Kathy, and a son, Buddy.
Upon graduation from Rice, Ken entered the Army as an officer in the Corps of Engineers, eventually obtaining the rank of 1st Lieutenant. He served for 2 years in Mineral Wells, TX as an executive officer and later as a commanding officer of Headquarters Company. He remained in the Army reserves for 2 years while he began a career with Ford Motor Company, Dallas, in their Junior Executive Program. He excelled while at Ford and received a series of promotions during his time there. However, in 1962, Ken felt called to the ministry as God put a call upon his heart while attending a church retreat. He then left Ford and entered seminary at Perkins School of Theology at SMU. At this time, he was serving as Youth Minister at Kirkwood Methodist Church in Irving, TX. Next, he was appointed pastor of Wheatland Methodist Church in Dallas, TX, while still pursuing his theology degree. Ken graduated from SMU in 1965, receiving a Bachelor of Divinity degree, with Honors. He pastored at Wheatland for almost 5 years, watching attendance grow from 177 to 400 members.
In 1967, Ken was appointed as Senior Pastor of First United Methodist Church (FUMC), Carrollton, TX. Soon after, Ken and Freddie had the opportunity to travel to Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Florida to receive training in a new evangelism outreach program called “Evangelism Explosion (EE).” They were critical in bringing this program to the North Texas area, and because of this evangelist outreach, literally thousands were reached for Christ and the church grew exponentially. Ken was a dynamic preacher with many recalling how fast he could talk, how beautifully he could tell a story, and how you always left feeling challenged and inspired. Ken was awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Asbury Theological Seminary, Wilmore, KY in 1982 in recognition of his work in evangelism.
After 16 years at FUMC, Ken retired from the ministry and pursued positions with A.L. Williams as Regional Vice President, and later with Resource Services, Inc (RSI), a company which implements fundraising campaigns for church building programs. He was a Senior Vice President with RSI. Both these positions allowed Ken to use the business talents he had gained at Rice. The position with RSI was particularly meaningful as he focused on what he loved best – the result of evangelism – the need for church growth and funding of church building campaigns. Ken retired from RSI in 2000, and Ken and Freddie divided their time between their beloved Pagosa Springs, CO and Holly Lake Ranch, TX. Both were avid golfers, and they loved spending time with family and friends and maintained their close ties to the church. Ken most enjoyed telling whoever would listen about Jesus (including every caregiver in the hospital in recent weeks)!
Ken no doubt accomplished much in his 90 years, but he would tell you his greatest accomplishments are his 70-year marriage, his two children and their families, his numerous friendships, and all who came to know or deepen their faith in the Lord through something he shared. A very long obituary boils down to one word… JESUS!
Ken is predeceased by his parents, Kenneth E. “Nick” Carter, Sr. and Doris McAuliffe Carter and his sister, Camille Staples and her husband, Bill.
He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Mary Alice “Freddie” Carter, daughter, Dr. Kathryn Allyson Carter, son, Kenneth E. “Buddy” Carter, III (wife, Lori McAmis Carter), grandsons, Joshua (DeenaRae), Samuel (Haley), Benjamin (Kait), great grandchildren, Noah, Grae, Myles, Eli, Wade, Charlie and one more only a few days away. He is also survived by nieces, Vickie Hoppensteadt (Walt), Karen Buell (Carter), Kim DuBose and nephews, Chuck (Elaine) Frederick and Mike (Theresa) Frederick.
Noël I. Liddle, B.Div. ’53, aged 97, was born to George Edwin Liddle and Jemima [McCormack] Liddle, in Lisbellaw, Northern Ireland, 23 December 1927, and was “born again” at 6 years of age. He most recently resided in Miami Shores, Florida with his daughter. Noël departed this life for his permanent home in Heaven, on 8 March 2025. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and man of faith, Noël leaves behind a Godly legacy of service, love, and dedication to his family and community.
As an educator, Rev. Noël I. Liddle, B.A., B.D., M.Ed., M.Th., ThD., F.R.S.A., served both as a school teacher and/or administrator for decades, in Northern Ireland, the Chicago area of Illinois, U.S.A., Zimbabwe, Swaziland, and in South Africa, shaping young minds and mentoring countless educators. His leadership and commitment to education were a testament to his belief in the God-given power of learning, to change lives in the assignment-opportunities given him by God.
Driven by his unwavering faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as his Saviour, Noël also answered the calls to preach in the British Isles, the U.S.A., and to serve as a missionary in Africa. Alongside his beloved wife, Ann, an experienced Educator and effective Bible teacher in her own right, he spent 25 years there preaching and teaching God’s Word with passion, leaving an enduring impact on the communities he touched.
Married in 1953, he was a faithful husband to Ann [Z. A. Fehrman of Byesville, Ohio], who went to heaven in 2011, cherishing her throughout his days. He was a loving father to his two children, Elizabeth and Timothy, who survive him, share his faith, valued his perspective, and enjoyed his sense of humour. He is also survived by grandchildren: Richard, Summer, and Whitney, great-grandchildren: Rachel, Marius, Easton, Autumn, Alana, Emberly, and Ariella, and sibling: Miriam.
Noël will be remembered for his thoughtful counsel, and the deep love he had for family, as well as for his smile with the twinkle in his eye! His legacy lives on in the lives he enriched and the hearts he touched.
Donald is lovingly remembered by his two sons, Richard Dale Logue of Grand Island and David Drew Logue of Saint Petersburg; his daughter, Diane Logue Treen of Grand Island; a brother, James William Logue of Orlando; and a sister, Judith Sanders of Deland. He also leaves behind a cherished legacy of nine grandchildren and nineteen great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, William and Helen Logue, his beloved wife, Margaret Logue, and their son, Donald Dean Logue.
The Reverend Doctor James H. Pollard, M.A. in Religion ’77, aged 81, passed away from this life on earth, and into eternal life. On March 16, 2025, James suffered a stroke and was hospitalized at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. He passed away at the Kobacker Hospice House in Columbus, Ohio on March 26, 2025. He has had his residence in Circleville, Ohio for the last forty-eight years.
Jim was born on October 4, 1943, in Piqua, Ohio to Harold and Anna Lee Pollard. He was raised in Washington Court House, Ohio. He came to know Jesus as his personal savior while a teenager. He was an only child but gained so many brothers and sisters in Christ. Meeting his very best friend and the love of his life at the age of twenty-one, he married his beloved Shirley on June 8, 1969.
Graduating from Washington High School in Washington Court House, Ohio, he went on to receive his BSL from Circleville Bible College in Circleville, Ohio. He continued his education and earned a BA from Cedarville College in Cedarville, Ohio. Jim then went to Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky where he received his MAR. Following that, he went on to earn a Doctor of Ministry from Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Bexley, Ohio. Becoming an ordained minister for the Churches of Christ in Christian Union in 1966 he was in ministry for over fifty years. Jim had the privilege of pastoring at Wellsville CCCU in Wellsville, New York; Lexington CCCU in Lexington, Kentucky; Wilson Run CCCU in Chillicothe, Ohio; and Living Water CCCU in Kingston, Ohio.
“Doc” Pollard was a professor at the Ohio Christian University from 1977 until 2012 when he retired. He belonged to the American Association of Christian Counselors and served on several boards throughout his lifetime. One board that was very dear to him was Pickaway County Hospice. He wanted everyone to know Jesus as their savior and as his license plate says he always wanted to get “jusonemor” for Jesus. He was a true and humble servant for his Lord.
Jim loved his family and friends so very much and showed grace to everyone. He enjoyed golfing, playing his trombone, OSU football, and making people laugh.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley Snyder Pollard; his children, Faith (Ron) Dunn, Penny Pollard, Sarah (Derrick) Wagenknecht; his grandchildren, Trace (Alex) Noble, Clayton (Paytn) Dunn, Brayden Noble, Tyke Wesley Elwood Dunn; great granddaughter, Oaklynn Rae Noble, and future great grandson, Wylder James Noble, named in his honor; brother-in-law, Ron (Charla) Snyder; sister-in-law, Cindy (Chuck) Howell; five nephews and a niece. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Anna Lee Pollard; sisters-in-law, Karen Cline and Teresa Rumer; brother-in-law, Bob Cline.
Ellis Howard Reed, M.Div. ’92, aged 62, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on Wednesday March 26th, 2025. He was 62 years old.
Ellis was born on July 6th, 1962 in Beeville, Texas. He was the son of Charles and Harriet Reed, the second of their four children. Raised in Denton, Texas, he attended Colorado State University in Fort Collins where he took up skiing. Upon graduation, he attended seminary in Kentucky, where the first of his four children was born. After obtaining his Masters in Divinity, he moved back to Denton where he became a pastor, worked construction, and raised his family. In his later years he worked as an inspector for FEMA where he helped disaster survivors repair their homes.
Ellis was diagnosed with stage IV kidney cancer in 2013 and lived far longer than any doctor could have imagined. He fought it to a draw. His struggle only strengthened his faith in God and his devotion to his family. He had many friends who loved him deeply.
Ellis was passionate about life, music, the outdoors, and travel. He played guitar, piano, and when his health made those impossible, he took up the harmonica. He loved camping, hiking, skiing, rafting, scuba diving, going on road trips with his kids, and anything adventurous.
Ellis is survived by his children Molly, Michael, Jonathan, and Alanna, his mother Harriet, and too many friends to list. He will be missed.
Bertha D. Stevens, aged 94, of Pennsauken, NJ, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on March 22, 2025. Bert was born in Philadelphia, PA on April 13, 1930 to Louis & Elsie Shanda. She grew up in National Park, NJ, a place that always remained dear to her heart. Bert married Kenneth P. Stevens, Jr. in September 1952, and they had four children. Throughout her life, Bert faithfully served her Lord in local ministry as a pastor’s wife, Sunday School teacher, and Bible study teacher, and overseas through short-term mission trips. She loved entertaining her family and friends and was always up for a new adventure.
Bert was preceded in death by her loving husband of 49 years, her parents, and her three siblings. She was the beloved mother of Ken Stevens III (Celeste), Jane Hatcher (Eddie), Joyce Corbitt (Karry), and Karen Hilliker (Justin), and “Nan” to 8 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
Constance “Connie” Joan Golden Van Tatenhove, aged 87, was born in Yuma, AZ. She passed away peacefully on March 31 at the age of 87 at Wesley Village in Wilmore, KY.
Connie is survived by her loving husband Fred, her daughter Larissa and son in law David Swalander and her grandchildren Erik and Emma Swalander. Her beautiful grandchildren through marriage, Cooper, Catherine, Davis, Tanner, Ella and Eva Frances. Fred’s children Greg and Christy Van Tatenhove and Rick and Jana Baldwin always made her feel so loved and included. Connie truly felt blessed to be part of this wonderful family and loved deeply and faithfully.
Due to her severe asthma, before she was one year old, the family made the move to San Diego, California. She was very proud of her younger brother John. Connie’s early faith and commitment to Christ came and was nurtured by her mother who held children Bible studies in her home. In high school Connie was active in Youth for Christ. She loved music and learned to play the cello. In college she played the piano for quartets and at small churches. She began college at San Diego State, then transferred to Azusa Pacific University and graduated with a major in education. While teaching she completed a Masters in Psychology from Pasadena Nazarene College with courses from USC. For 35 years she was a school psychologist working with students who had special needs. She became a certified Marriage and Family Counselor working with a local private counseling center. She married John Koeker in 1960 and they had a daughter, Larissa Joy.
Through Connie’s experiences and challenges of being a single mother, she founded and was president of the charity, Cherish the Children. CTC received grants from Disneyland, the Orange County Register, church budgets, and individual donations. The charity provided assistance for single parents for child care. Connie reconnected with her college sweetheart, Fred Van Tatenhove and they were married in September of 2004. For their first 16 years they split their time between Connie’s home in Truckee, California, just north of Lake Tahoe, and the home they built together in Danville, Kentucky. The building of their beautiful home on the Old Bridge Golf Course was a labor of love and allowed Connie to express her artistic abilities. She was a talented artist with an eye for design. During her summer break she worked for a florist, cultivating her skill for flower arranging.
Seventeen feet of snow one winter moved them from Truckee to Reno, Nevada. They sold their home in Danville and purchased a condo in Brannon Gardens, Kentucky. One of Connie’s favorite trips before Larissa was born was a two month visit to Europe. She loved it so much that Fred and Connie traveled to Europe, took a cruise to Quebec City and the Maritime provinces. COVID cancelled their planned two week trip to Italy and their trip to the Holy Land. They also enjoyed vacations in Florida, Hawaii, multiple National Parks in the West and Eastern part of the country. All of Connie’s favorite places to visit were anywhere near the ocean. Pismo Beach, California held a special place in her heart.
Patrick is survived by his brother, Lowell (Mary) Walden, and sisters, Tawana (Norman) Nicholson and Janice Basham; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Peggy Andrews; grandparents, Ed and Chessie (Acuff) Medley and Earn and Martha “Swafford” Walden; nephew Trampass Walden.
Charles was born in Franklin, PA to Allen and Dorothy Mae (Watt) Wheeler. He graduated from Rocky Grove High School in 1951, then went on to graduate from Houghton College in 1955 and from Asbury Theological Seminary in 1960. He married Barbara Crisman in 1955, just after college graduation. They had two children and enjoyed a loving marriage until her unexpected death in 1991.
In addition to his wife, Barbara, Charles was preceded in death by his parents and three of his brothers. He is survived by his children: Charles (Jenniffer) Wheeler, Jr., of Maine, NY; and Cheryl Wheeler of Vestal, NY. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Joel (Lindsay) Wheeler, Abigail Wheeler, Benjamin Wheeler, Ani Wheeler, and Veselina Wheeler. Also surviving is one brother, Richard (Jackie) Wheeler, of Franklin, PA.
Charles was a minister in the Wesleyan Church. He served several small churches, along with his wife who helped and supported the ministry of the church. The churches he served include: Cadwells Corners, NY (1954 – 1955); Hallsport, NY (1955 – 1957); Little Valley, NY (1960 – 1964); Wallace, NY (1964 – 1972); Bentley Creek, PA (1972 – 1973); Sandy Creek, NY (1973 – 1985); and Oakdale in Johnson City, NY (1985 – 1988). He also served part time as pulpit supply at Nanticoke United Methodist (1988 – 1990) and assisted at Calvary Community in Johnson City, NY (1998 – 2002). He was an active participant in the Central NY District of the Wesleyan Church, serving various roles on district committees and in the camp programs of Chambers Wesleyan Camp. He was versatile in his pastoral skills, enjoying the roles of preaching and conducting Sunday morning services, Bible teaching, senior ministry, nursing home ministry, hospital visitation, working with youth, and church administration.
While in the ministry, he also was a school bus driver. Later he drove for Broome County Transit (1988 – 1998) prior to his retirement. As a bus driver, he would invite some of the kids on his bus to come to church or youth group, then pick them up and bring them to the church if they agreed to come but needed a ride. He always wore a crew cut, and joked with the kids on the school bus, who liked to touch it, that they could touch it for a quarter. He also befriended people who rode the Transit bus, inviting them to church, or helping them out. There were a few international students in particular who became friends of the family, exchanging meals and cultures. When he retired from ministry and bus driving, he volunteered in ministry for several years by organizing classes and church fellowship groups for seniors.
His public life and ministry certainly impacted and shaped his family but we also know him as dad and granddad. He loved to hunt and fish. We well remember the yearly vacations to spend three weeks fishing in Quebec–the twelve-hour drive to get there, sitting out on the boat all day in all kinds of weather, not returning to camp until the sun went down. Some of us were there for fishing, and others to read, take a swim, find out what was in the snack bag, and enjoy the island lunch. Dad was definitely there to fish. He loved to hunt deer. Having learned to hunt from his own father, he enjoyed sharing his love of hunting with his son and his brothers. He also liked to hunt rabbits and owned several beagles over the years. Whenever he was driving on a rural road, he was always scanning the fields for game, hunting.
He played the piano and the accordion. He always played the same songs, the same way, and they have become ingrained in our memories as part of him. While he never had the best memory for some things, he could always recite poems and bits of prose that he had committed to memory way back in his school days. He had a collection of jokes that he would tell, a legacy from his father. Most of them we knew by heart from their retelling, but sometimes, even in his old age he would bring a new one out of his memory that we had not heard before. He would frequently create his own clever poems or play on words.
He ate vanilla ice cream every day. He liked to drink coffee–lots of it, and it was even better with a piece of pie. He delighted in feeding the birds and watching them out his big picture window of his wooded back yard. He loved his faithful little dog who spent most of his time in his lap. He enjoyed listening to southern gospel music and watching the Yankees play. He liked to tinker and fix things. He was never wasteful and repurposed or saved many things in case he could use them for something someday. He liked a job well done and taught us to do things with excellence.
Our dad and granddad was kind, patient, loving, and peaceful. He was a supportive father to the very end, eager to listen, encourage, advise and protect. He was always ready to lend a hand to ease the load–helping with a project or repair or volunteering to babysit his grandchildren. Even in his very last days, he expressed a wish to help, if only he were able. He has taught us to love well and always support each other.
Granddad died the same way he lived: quietly, peacefully, with strength and endurance, and surrounded by love. While we no longer get to hear his silly jokes or feel his warm, soft hugs, we carry the lessons he taught us- lessons of faith, family, gentleness, perseverance, and a peaceful life.
In his final years he required a great deal of help and support from his family as he aged and dealt with physical difficulties and medical conditions. He faced these years with strength and grace. He accepted help, never gave up, and complained very little. Even when weakened and uncomfortable he found strength to endure and carry on because he loved his family and did not want to leave them. It has been our great honor to help our dad and granddad live in comfort, peace, safety, and love to the end of his days. We love him dearly and will miss him greatly.
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