Obituaries

Lawrence (Larry) Alan Lyman, M.Div. ’66, aged 85, joined his Savior on Sunday, May 18, 2025, while in hospice following a brief illness.

Larry was born in Buffalo, NY on May 4, 1940, the son of the late Rev Harold and Helen (Stairs) Lyman.

On August 26, 1961, he married the love of his life, Ellen (Alexander), who survives him.

Larry was a graduate of Union City Area High School in 1958.

He attended Taylor University and graduated in May 1963 from Malone College with a bachelor’s degree in religion.

He then received a master’s of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary in 1966 and was ordained as a pastor by the Evangelical United Brethren Church.

He also received a master’s in counseling from Emerge Ministries through Ashland Theological Seminary in 1988.

Larry served as a pastor within the United Methodist Denomination in Dewittville, NY, and then continued by pastoring at churches in Bradford, Oil City, Johnstown, Freeport and Sharpsville, PA.

He was often lovingly referred to as “preacher man”.

Throughout his life, Larry had many hobbies.

He loved to surprise his parishioners on his motorcycle (his favorite way to travel).

Another favorite pastime was taking pictures of any and everything throughout the years.

He also assisted his wife Ellen providing administrative support for the Union City Alumni Association and his high school class.

In addition to Ellen, his loving wife of almost 64 years, Larry is survived by three daughters and one son, Evangeline (David) Smith of Tulsa, OK, Steve (Lisa) Lyman of McKinney, TX, LeeAnn (Frank) White of Oil City, and Laurie Beth Lyman of Meadville; eight grandchildren Benjamin Smith, Je’Angelle Smith, Ariana Smith, Kadance Smith, Taylor Kearns (Sam), Andrew Lyman (Lelia), Michala White, Chelsea White; four great-grandchildren; a sister Renee Lyman of Grand Rapids, MI; two sister-in-laws Marjorie McCrillis (Jack), Gloria Grubbs (Glenn) along with many additional nieces and nephews.

---

Rev. Marcos V. Berbano, Jr., M.Div. ’56, aged 92, a beloved pastor, former district superintendent, and international United Methodist leader died peacefully at home in Ames, Iowa, on Saturday, January 18, 2025.

A memorial service and interment was held Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 10 a.m. at Collegiate United Methodist Church/Wesley Foundation in Ames. In lieu of flowers, cards or memorials may be directed in memory of Mark to Ames, Collegiate United Methodist Church/Wesley Foundation (2622 Lincoln Way, Ames, IA 50014) for UMC-related programs to be selected later.

Rev. Berbano’s ministry spanned continents and decades. Originally from the Philippines, he answered a call to pastoral ministry at a young age. With scholarship support, he traveled to the United States in 1950 to study at Asbury College and Asbury Theological Seminary, where he earned his Master of Divinity in 1957. That same year, he returned to the Philippines and married his high school sweetheart, Lydia Nabua. Together, they began a lifelong partnership in ministry.

Ordained an elder in the Philippines Central Conference, Rev. Berbano served United Methodist congregations in Binalonan, Alcala, Tayug, and Villasis. In 1971, he and his family immigrated to the U.S. and began ministry in the Iowa Annual Conference in 1972. Over the next two decades, he served churches in Hansell-West Fork, LuVerne-Livermore, Seymour-Promise City, Vinton Wesley, and Grundy Center. He also provided visionary leadership as Superintendent of the Muscatine District, where he was a member of the Bishop’s Appointive Cabinet.

Though he officially retired in 1996, Rev. Berbano remained active in ministry, serving part-time at Faith-Kamrar and as a visitation pastor at Ankeny First UMC. Even in retirement, he and Lydia continued to support family and churches in the Philippines, including donating his conference pension to support Filipino pastors.

His legacy is one of global service, deep humility, and unwavering faith. Whether pastoring in rural Iowa, preaching in his homeland, or nurturing his growing family, Rev. Berbano lived with a heart fully devoted to God and others.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Lydia; sons, Neil (Danielle) and Orville (Leah); grandchildren Samuel (Sarah), Rachael (Ben), Seth (Moeko), and Jessica (Matthew); and six great-grandchildren. He is also remembered by siblings, in-laws, and a wide circle of extended family and friends across the globe.

The Iowa Conference gives thanks for Rev. Berbano’s life of faithful witness and celebrates his eternal homecoming.

---

Melonie Elizabeth “Beth” Glassburn Buhler, M.A. Master’s degree in Pastoral Counseling ’92, aged 59, ran into the arms of Jesus on Friday, May 30, 2025 from the University of Kentucky Good Samaritan Hospice Center. Beth was born on January 6, 1966, to Melody Ann Music Glassburn and Marvin Edward Glassburn in Marion, Indiana. Tragically, her father passed away in Vietnam in March 1966.
Beth attended elementary and middle school at Lancaster Elementary and Salamonie Middle School in Huntington County, Indiana. She graduated from Huntington North High School in Huntington, Indiana, in 1984. Continuing her education, she earned a degree in Psychology from Taylor University in Upland, Indiana. Subsequently, Melonie Beth attended Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky, where she obtained a Master’s degree in Pastoral Counseling.
On August 20, 1994, she married Terry Buhler at Lakeview Wesleyan Church in Marion, Indiana. Together, they raised four children: Zach, Allie, Kameron, and Kendall.
Beth devoted her life to biblical counseling, and in 2022, she received a ministerial license from the Kentucky District of The Wesleyan Church. As a clergy care counselor, she had the privilege of assisting many pastors and their families. Throughout her life, Beth dedicated herself to helping others. She worked for many years at Life Center Counseling Service in Marion, Indiana, the Youth Services Bureau in Huntington, Indiana, and Josiah White’s in Wabash, Indiana.
She is survived by her husband, Terry, of Georgetown, Kentucky; her son, Zachary (Bailey) Buhler of El Paso, Texas; her daughter, Allison Buhler of Mason City, Iowa; her twins, Kameron and Kendall Buhler of Georgetown, Kentucky; a granddaughter, Carson; a grandson, Meekial; and her brothers, Jeff Glassburn of Jonesboro, Indiana, and Andy (Amy) Smelser of LaFontaine, Indiana. She is also survived by numerous nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. And special friends Pastor Anton, Amanda, Wesley, Jordan, Isaiah and baby (in June) Folz, Georgetown, KY.
Beth was preceded in death by her mother, Melody Ann Music Glassburn Smelser; her father, Marvin Edward Glassburn; her stepfather, Jerry Lee Smelser; and her grandparents, Roy and Naomi Glassburn and Millicent Arlene Music Moorman.

---

Reverend David Leroy Gordon II, M.Div. ’15, aged 69, a beloved husband, father, brother, and pastor, passed away peacefully on May 6th. Born to Doris Selfridge and David Gordon, on January 1st in Ardmore, the doctor had to be pulled out of church for the delivery. David was born into a family that eventually grew to have 12 cousins who named themselves “The Dirty Dozen.” The cousins, while scattered across many states, remain close to this day.

David graduated from Plainview High School in 1973 at the age of 17 and went directly into the Navy. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam era. After coming out of the Navy, David attended numerous colleges majoring in “Greek” until he settled down and received his Bachelor’s degree from Bethany Nazarene College. Several years later he found himself up in Boston, MA. David met Cathy Green, from Albany, New York, in Sunday School class. He always said “I didn’t rob the cradle, I helped her daddy build it.” They got married in Albany in December 1995 and stayed there until July 1997, when they moved to Oklahoma to start full time ministry.

His dedication to faith and service continued throughout his life as he pastored both Nazarene and Methodist churches across Oklahoma. His ministry touched lives in Nazarene churches in Clinton, Waurika, Poteau and Panama, and in Methodist churches in Forgan, Gate, Broken Bow, Eagletown, Mangum, Fairview, Waurika and Ryan. In 2015, David graduated with a Master of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary with highest honors.

He was preceded in death by his parents Doris Calley, Pete Calley, and David Gordon. He is survived by his wife, Cathy Gordon of the home; his children, Samantha Gordon of Fayetteville, Arkansas and David Abraham Gordon of Magnolia, Arkansas; his brothers, Charles Williams of Ardmore, OK, Ronald Watson and wife Donna of Englewood, Florida, and Kevin Calley and wife Tara of Richmond, Kansas; and many nieces and nephews, cousins, friends, and congregants who were blessed to know him. His pride and joy were his children as he waited late in life to start a family. He often got mistaken for grandpa, but would always proudly say, “No, I am their Daddy”. David and Cathy were just shy of 30 years of love and adventure together. He will be remembered for his deep faith, unwavering kindness, and the meaningful impact he had on every community he served.

---

Gordon Lee Lilly, M.Div. ’80, aged 88, was called to his eternal home on May 3, 2025.

Gordon was born in Bronson, Michigan on November 16, 1936. He was one of five children born to Marshall & Caroline Lilly. Being raised on his family’s farm, Gordon developed a strong work ethic that continued with him throughout his whole life. He completed his high school education in Bronson and went on to graduate from Bethel College in Mishawaka, IN, and later earned a Master of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, KY.

Beyond academic achievements, Gordon’s life was anchored in his unwavering faith. He was a devout man of God, dedicated to prayer and faithfully studied and shared God’s Word. After Seminary, he served 28 years with humility and grace in various pastoral roles. He was a gracious and kindhearted man who lived God’s purpose for his life in every moment.

Gordon’s love story with his beloved wife, Rebecca Lilly, was one of God placing the perfect girl in his life. Gordon and Rebecca married on December 26, 1958 at Bethel Missionary Church in Goshen, IN. They were the ideal complement to one another and together, they raised four sons, devoting themselves and their family to God’s calling.

Gordon and Rebecca moved to Branson in 1997 from Muskegon, MI. While living in Branson, they were faithful members of Branson United Methodist Church.

Until a heavenly reunion, Gordon will be greatly missed by his wife, Rebecca Lilly of Branson; sons, Timothy Lilly of Rockford, IL, John Lilly of Branson, David Lilly & wife Jodi of Branson and Gordon Mark Lilly of Montgomery, AL as well as his cherished 18 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Gordon was preceded in death by his parents, Marshall & Caroline and siblings, Don, Calvin, Lloyd and Vera.

---

Pastor Warren E. Otter, B.Div ’58, aged 91, Fishers, passed away on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Harbour Manor Care Center in Noblesville. He was born on September 6, 1933, to Lavern and Eula (Carlson) Otter in Elmira, N.Y.

Warren graduated from Asbury College in 1955, from Asbury Seminary in 1958, and received his doctorate from Concordia Theological Seminary. He was a pastor at several northern Indiana churches and in Saudi Arabia from 1970 to 1974. Warren married Isabelle Rearden on August 24, 1957, and they were married for 60 years. He enjoyed singing in the church choir and volunteering at Riverview Hospital. Warren loved meeting, ministering, and counseling people.

He is survived by his sister, Faith (Joel) Key; brother, Ernest (Christie) Otter; daughter, Karen (Michael) Staton; son, Gregory Otter; grandchildren, Jessica (LJ) Thompson, Cézanne (Reese) Tennery, Tiffany (John) Moore, Carson (Chelsea) Otter, Cynthia (Andrew) Gehr, Caroline (Jacob) Bruffey, Cherise (Jesper) Holke-Farnam, and Ashton Staton; and six great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Isabelle Otter; and great-grandson, Wyndham Tennery.

---

See all articles

---

2 responses to “Obituaries”

1. Allana Turner says:

   June 4, 2025 at 6:40 pm

   I send prayer up for the families who are grieving now and I ask Jesus to comfort and embrace these families. May they experience the peace which comes from the Lord and which surpasses their understanding in Jesus name.

   Reply
2. Marshall Stanton says:

   June 4, 2025 at 8:44 pm

   Warren opened the door for me to take over a three point charge in Southern Ohio where he had been serving. I served them for two years until my graduation from ATS in 1960. I am forever grateful. We had telephone communication about two years ago.

   Reply