Obituaries

Rev. James K. Barrett, of Coraopolis, was born on Jan. 7, 1941, in Punxsutawney, to the late Raymond and Olive (Anthony) Barrett. He was raised in Dayton and was one of eight children, remaining especially close to his beloved brothers and sisters. In the early hours of Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025, at 5:45 a.m., James was called from his earthly home to his Eternal Home in Glory.

On June 22, 1963, James married the love of his life and a woman of deep faith, Judy Hope Snyder. Together they were blessed with four loving children: Jamie (Bob) Swedron, Dr. Randall (Allison) Barrett, Mary Beth Barrett, and Patrick (Jennifer) Barrett. Their family grew to include 10 cherished grandchildren: Ryan (Kayla) and Brooke Barrett; Nate and Ashley Fink; Owen, Sharlyn, Shaylee, and Bradley Barrett; and Randall Jr. and Jane Barrett; as well as four precious great-grandchildren: Austin, Novalee, Ariela, and Niomi.

James answered God’s call to ministry in January 1963. He and Judy moved to New York State, where he earned his bachelor’s degree from Roberts Wesleyan College. He later attended Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, KY, earning his Master of Divinity in 1970.

His first pastoral assignment was at the United Methodist Church in Midway, where he faithfully served as head pastor for three years. In 1973, following God’s leading, James founded Greater Pittsburgh Bible Church, which later became New Life Fellowship. He served as senior pastor there until 1994. He was then called to establish the Church of Grace and Glory, where he ministered until his retirement in 2018. James’ life mission was to joyfully share the good news of Jesus Christ through both word and deed so that his family, his church, and his community would know and embrace God’s love and promises. Pastor Jim’s desire was that everyone he encountered would understand that Jesus loved them and had a wonderful plan for their lives.

James was preceded in death by his brothers, Rev. Eugene Barrett, Lyle Barrett, Verle Barrett, and Rev. Raymond Barrett. He is survived by his sisters, Patricia (Venton) Hetrick, Irene Alyn, and Paula (Herman) Reedy; and many loving nieces and nephews.

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Rev. Richard Harrison Chamberlin passed away peacefully on July 9, 2025 at the Ephriam McDowell Medical Center in Danville, Kentucky.

Richard was born on his family’s farm near Mason City, Nebraska during the Great Depression. He is one of seven children of Wright & Emma Chamberlin. His childhood was established with daily Bible lessons with his mother and father and was shaped by the small Methodist church his family regularly attended in Mason City. Under the ministry of his Pastor Ms. Alice Elison, Richard sensed and accepted the call of God to ministry in the early 1950s.

He attended Asbury College and Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. While at Asbury, he says he “checked out the librarian and never returned her”, referring to his beloved wife Virginia Kays Chamberlin.  Richard and Virginia were married on August 27, 1954.  Richard served at the Baptist Church in Mason City, Nebraska then moved to Kentucky with his new wife to begin faithfully serving Methodist churches in Kentucky including Chaplin/Greens Chapel, Bloomfield, Eminence, Covington St. Luke, Catlettsburg, Carlisle, Campton, Barbourville, Lancaster, and Frankfort St. Paul. Richard and Virginia were a beloved pastoral family at each of these churches.

Richard demonstrated what loving devotion to your spouse & family really means. His wife Virginia was the center of his earthly world; he loved & adored her every day for the rest of her life and mourned her loss every day since her passing in 2018.  He always grew beautiful roses and other flowers and made sure to bring some into the house nearly every day for Virginia to enjoy. He always complimented her on meals, even if they were leftovers, and unfailingly spoke tenderly to her at all times. He never spoke a negative word about Virginia.

Out of their marriage Richard and Virginia had 5 children, 13 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren.  Richard was proud of each of his five kids and what they achieved.  He was a loving grandfather who cared deeply for his grandkids and took the time to teach each of them so many things from history to politics to faith.

Richard poured himself into his ministry. Over his 40 year career, he left every church better off than when he came. He was particularly interested in making sure the children and youth ministries were strong and often hired the first youth ministers these churches ever had. He always put churches on a growth path because he wanted to reach everyone no matter their color or social status. One of his biggest concerns with fellow pastors was their lack of focus, not reaching out to the community and their complacency to not make improvements where they served.  For the most part, pastors who led Richard’s former churches would say the high point of that church’s lifespan was under his leadership. He was very loyal to the United Methodist system, submitting his own needs or ego to the greater good. He never sought to use churches as steppingstones to something better. He said you can’t serve your church with one eye on where you are and the other eye on where you wish to be. He simply took what was handed to him and made it better. He never wanted celebrity or greatness, but he achieved both in his own sphere of life by serving unselfishly every day

Richard never met a stranger, and he made a point to stop and talk to everyone. His family was always the last to leave any event because Ricard was talking to someone new and making them feel welcome. He had an incredible memory for people’s names and knew their family connections in a remarkable way. In restaurants, he would get the coffee pot and fill everybody’s coffee; taking time to talk to each person . He was never ‘too good’ to talk to people and people were never below him. When visiting the hospital, he would visit random patients who didn’t have a pastor listed on their admission form to minister to them – even though he may never see them again. He would help people in need often taking money from his meager salary to help provide shelter and food.

For the 20 years following his retirement, he was a substitute teacher in public schools where he touched the lives of kids from kindergarten through high school.  Any student he’s ever interacted with will happily tell you about the “Soap Story” or ask to trade a state quarter with you.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents Wright and Emma Chamberlin, brothers Calvin, Porter, Wayne, and Eldon Chamberlin and sister Emma Caroline Chamberlin. He is also preceded in death by his wife, Virginia Kays Chamberlin, son-in-law Clark Siler, and grandson Brian Lewis.

Richard is survived by his sister Lila Peyton, Hotchkiss, Colorado; his children Anne Lewis, Hanover, Indiana; Carol Siler, Richmond, Kentucky; Laura (Randall) Williams, Lancaster, Kentucky; John (Susan) Chamberlin, Cold Spring, Kentucky; and Rev. Philip (Danna) Chamberlin, Port Neches, Texas; his grandchildren and step grandchildren Jessica (Jeff) Caicedo, Randi (Matt) McQueary, David (Kayla) Williams, Shelby Chamberlin, Jacob Chamberlin, Luke Chamberlin, Natalie (Eric) Gehrig, Rachel Putman, Adam Chamberlin, Megan (Ethan) Savarese, Jordan Hafner, and Kelsey Hafner; and his greatgrandchildren and step great grandchildren Gabriel and Trinity Caicedo, Spencer and Lincoln McQueary, Walker Williams, Jariah Short, Leon Gehrig, and Ezra Savarese.

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Robert Paul Daughenbaugh, aged 94, of Lakeland, Florida fell asleep in the Lord on July 25, 2025, with family by his side.

Robert, or better known as Pastor Bob, was born in Holmes County, Ohio on December 11, 1930, and graduated from God’s Bible School before attending and graduating Marion College in Marion, Indiana. He met the love of his life, Shirley, while attending college and they married September 15, 1956. Bob attended Asbury seminary and pastored in Kentucky, Indiana, and Michigan. He meticulously studied and lived in reverence to God’s Word and sharing the Good News of Jesus and His Kingdom. He worked with his hands, often having a project in churches, parsonages, congregational homes, and of course his own family’s home. His rule for projects was, measure twice, three times, maybe four, cut once, then measure again. Bob’s disciplines included his time with God in study and prayer, going for walks, discipling others, enjoying ice cream, and putting together puzzles with his friends at Light and Life Park. His observational life, humility, and soft demeanor had a gravitational effect that led others to curiosity and love.

He is survived by his brother, Don (Norma), sister, Jewel; two daughters, Paula Daughenbaugh and Cheryl (Ken) Koffkey; two grandsons, Kenon (Christina) Koffkey, Kurtis (Christine) Koffkey; four great-grandchildren, James, Kendall, Clara, and Kayden.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley; father, Lewis; mother, Florence; and sister, Terry.

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Eric B. France, aged 79, passed away peacefully on September 21, 2025, with his devoted wife of 49 years, Kathie, by his side. Born on August 23, 1946, to C.E. (Buddy) and LuMary France, Eric grew up in West Virginia, graduating from Huntington High School in 1964 then Marshall University in 1968, before earning his degree from Asbury Seminary in 1982. He married Kathie on July 17, 1976, and together they built a life centered on faith, family, and service.

Eric is survived by his loving wife, Kathie and their two sons David (Sarah) and Daniel (Amanda) and his sister, Debbie Jones (Bill). His warmth and deep commitment to Christ touched everyone he met, inspiring many through his leadership and mentorship to follow in Christ’s footsteps. He has been involved in the North Cincinnati Community Church and was known for his love of people, always offering a listening ear, spiritual guidance, and encouragement.

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Richard Held Sr., age 89 of Somerset, Kentucky, passed from this life at the Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital on Saturday, August 16, 2025.

Richard enjoyed nature, you could find him camping or going on nature walks. He loved his family, attending his son’s basketball games and his three daughters’ band activities, Richard especially loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved singing, reading, and ministering to others. During the years of 1959-1977 he worked as an aerospace engineer, and he was a United Methodist Pastor from 1977-2017. His education included attending Lafeyette College in Easton, PA, a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Florida (1959), a Master’s Degree from Asbury Theological Seminary (1980), and a Doctorial Degree in Theology from Lake Charles Bible College. Richard was born in Nazareth, Pennsylvania on July 1st, 1936 to the late Edgar G. Held Jr., and the late Caroline (Wilson) Held.

Richard is preceded in death by his wife, Stella C. Held, whom he married on June 6, 1959; his father; his mother; and a granddaughter, Bethany Bagwell.

He is survived by a host of loving friends and family, some of those include his son, Richard Held Jr. (Michelle); his daughter Susan Garrett (Rudy), Sharon Howard (Scott), Pamela Held; grandchildren, Andrea Smith (Mike), Blake Holiday, Jenna Faye Thacker, Byron Howard, Michael Barrett, Adam Howard, Aaron Crutcher, Claire Howard; great grandchildren, Garrah Vanover, Zachary Reynolds, Brianna Reynolds, London Thacker.

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Marvel E. Johnson, 95, died Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center in Bolivia, NC.

Born February 17, 1930, in Mansfield, OH., to Glenn and Mildred (Wachs) Oswalt, she was employed as a secretary in the Asbury College Registrar’s Office in 1950; later, as a clerk/typist/administrative assistant at Jefferson Pilot Insurance Company; a minister’s wife extraordinaire, and homemaker.

Marvel is survived by two sons, Philip (Cindy), of Oak Island, and Stephen (Michelle) of Jamestown; two daughters, Miriam (Fred) Van Pelt, Kannapolis, and Ruth (Chris) Caul, of Goochland, Va.; six grandchildren, Bradley (Natalie) and Ben (Kim) Van Pelt, Whitney Johnson, William (Jade) Johnson, Stephanie Hilliard (Ronnie), and Summit Caul; seven great grandchildren; brother, Dr. John (Karen) Oswalt of Nicholasville, KY; five nephews and six nieces.

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Rev. Dr. Stephen Robert McElroy, 75, transitioned to his eternal journey with our Lord on Saturday, July 5, 2025. A devoted husband, son, father, and grandfather, he will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Walter McElroy and Barbara Lee Owen.

Rev. Dr. McElroy began his service as a pastor with the United Methodist Church in 1976 in the Northwest Texas Conference. He transferred to the New Mexico Annual Conference in 1991. In 2009, he accepted the Bishop’s call to service as District Superintendent of the El Paso District of United Methodist Churches. He was recognized with the honor of Living Archive at the 2025 NM Annual Conference in June.

Rev. Dr. McElroy is survived by his wife and best friend of 26 years, Katherine Skylar McElroy; his children, Carrie Anne Taylor (Josh), Andrew Philip McElroy (Delanie), and Stephanie Erin Kier (Benjamin); and 10 treasured grandchildren. He is also survived by numerous extended family members and friends who will cherish and honor his memory. Our Steve touched many lives and will remain forever in our hearts.

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With hearts full of love and gratitude for a life well-lived, a family well-loved, and a God well-served, Charles “Chuck” Nordean was welcomed into the loving arms of a God he served so faithfully on the evening of Sept. 1, 2025. He was welcomed home with a sunset of that brightest orange he so loved.

Charles Linton Nordean was born November 11, 1949, in Ada, Oklahoma to Charles Leslie and Shirley Linton Nordean. Chuck grew up in Konawa, where the foundations of his faith and commitment to serving others were laid with his participation in Boy Scouts, the United Methodist Church, and school activities. He graduated with the Konawa Class of 1968, received a BS from Oklahoma State University in 1972 and a Master of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary in 1975. He was ordained as an Elder in the Oklahoma Conference of the United Methodist Church in 1977. Chuck spent the next 47 years serving congregations and developing leaders in United Methodist churches across Oklahoma. He would remain a loyal and true OSU fan and a faithful servant of God his entire life.

Chuck would begin his ministry in Sapulpa as an associate pastor, then as the Senior Pastor for United Methodist congregations in Davis, Marlow, Lawton Centenary, and Edmond First. He was the founding pastor of Good Shepherd UMC in Yukon. He served as the Clinton District Superintendent for 8 years before serving as Director of Clergy and Congregational Development for the Oklahoma Annual Conference. He truly loved the work of his calling and the people he served in those settings.

While many of his friends and congregants became like family, it was his wife Dee Ann and his daughters Lesley and Paige that he cherished more than anything. Dee was his partner in ministry and life for 43 years and together they delighted in raising their girls in the churches he led and loved.

Chuck was a fan of the OSU Cowboys, high school football, the OKC Thunder, and anything his grandkids did. He loved reading, coffee on the porch, watching Dee Ann work in the flower gardens, but most of all being with his family.

His retirement years were gifts he would cherish even with a health diagnosis that predicted only a few months. His doctors were witness to his resilience wrapped in grace, courage, and a determined spirit of life and love. They became family. Their great care gave him 5 years filled with his girls and grandkids, family trips, holidays, Paris, the Grand Canyon, and a faith community of friendship and support.

He is preceded in death by his parents Charles Leslie and Shirley Linton Nordean and his twin brother Rus Nordean.

Chuck is survived by his wife, Dee Ann, daughters Lesley Wempe and son-in-law Joe, Paige Schmiedeberg and son-in-law Tyler, brothers David of Vienna, Virginia, and Alan of Tulsa and his four beloved grandchildren Kenneth Wempe, Reed Wempe, William Schmiedeberg, and Nora Schmiedeberg.

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Thomas “Tom” Vaughn Southern, 89, of King, NC, died September 12, 2025, at Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem, NC.

He was born on December 22, 1935, in Walkertown, NC, to Everett M. and Mattie Vaughn Southern. Tom grew up in Walkertown, NC, and graduated from Walkertown High School. He served as his senior class president, and one of the joys of his later life was continuing to gather his surviving classmates for mini-reunions at the Olympic Restaurant in Kernersville. He enlisted in the Navy after high school and eventually served for over 20 years on both active duty and as a reservist.

After his military service, he completed college and then attended Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. He was ordained in the United Methodist church and pastored churches in the Western NC conference before switching denominations and leading Baptist congregations in Forsyth and Rockingham counties, the most recent being Forsyth Park Baptist in Winston-Salem. Tom loved to preach, but his true passion was singing gospel music. He sang in several Southern gospel music groups and continued to sing in churches until just a few weeks before his passing.

In the 1990s, Tom served as mayor of his hometown, Walkertown, and was instrumental in establishing a modern sewer system to accommodate the town’s growth. He also served in the NC Senior Tar Heel Legislature, representing Forsyth and later Stokes County, after moving to King. Tom quickly became active through the senior center there and made many new friends, especially within the veterans’ group that meets there. He was a member of the American Legion and helped provide funerals for veterans throughout the area.

Tom was married to Frances Hege Southern for nearly 45 years before her death in 2000. He later married Virginia Arrington Southern and moved to King. He and Virginia enjoyed international and regional travel as long as his age and health permitted. They also spent many hours researching family genealogy and taking trips to historical sites.

Tom’s family will remember his constant support and involvement in their lives. He sat through freezing temperatures at sporting events and applauded enthusiastically at arts performances. He performed weddings and baptisms down through the generations and always called to sing “Happy Birthday” within at least a few days of the actual date.

He was beloved by his grandchildren for teaching them to grow by treating them like adults, usually by letting them burn his brush piles, drive his truck, and stay up until midnight eating all manner of junk food. He always had a story, song, or joke ready, and performed each so well it didn’t matter how many times they’d been heard before. In his later years he and Virginia took great joy in hosting Easter egg hunts and gingerbread house-building parties for the great-grands.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Frances Hege Southern; his sister Odessa Southern Elliott; and twin sons who died shortly after their birth but were forever in his heart. He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Virginia; his children, Karen S. Niegelsky (Robert), Timothy Southern (Marilyn), and Mickey Southern (Gina); seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; as well as Virginia’s children, Chris Arrington and Kim Johnson; two step-granddaughters; and his mother-in-law Elsie Sampsell.

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Paul A. Sweet, 75, passed away peacefully at MaineGeneral Medical Center in Augusta on August 23, 2025. Born in Waterville, Maine, on August 5, 1950, to Stephen and Doris (Lane) Sweet, Paul spent most of his life serving his community as a pastor and man of faith. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Colby College and attended seminary at Asbury Theological Seminary in Kentucky.

Paul was a beacon of light and hope for many. His life was characterized not by his words, but by his actions. His commitment to his faith was unmatched. He was a living testament to the quote, “Preach the Gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words”. His actions were his sermons, and they spoke louder than any words could. He was a true servant of the community, always available, always compassionate, and always ready to extend a helping hand.

He had a deep love of horses and owned several in his lifetime. He loved to sing and performed in many theater productions including Fiddler on the Roof, The King and I, and Man of La Mancha. He travelled the world in his younger years, including Israel and much of Asia. When asked, he would say that Bali and Tibet were his favorites. He was an avid reader and always had a stack of books waiting for him.

He leaves behind his brother, Duane Sweet and sister-in-law Monika Sweet, his nieces, Sue Love and Emily Green, nephews Stephen Sweet and Jonathan Sweet and their families. He also leaves behind his beloved rat terrier, Fern, who he adored. He was predeceased by his parents, Stephen and Doris Sweet, sisters Elaine Sweet and Charlotte Kaufmann, and brother-in-law Emil Kaufmann, Jr.

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Linda entered heaven sometime during the night of September 10 – 11, 2025 in the comfort of her own home. This was her second trip to heaven in her life. Linda, born on December 19, 1953, in Mount Vernon, Ohio, was the daughter of the late Harold Davis and the late Emmajean (Davis) Ashbrook, and grew up in Johnstown, Ohio.

Surrounded by a tight-knit community of relatives and friends. As the second-born of four children, she was raised alongside her sister, Laura (Greg), and her two brothers, Dan (Tammy) and Tom (Ann).

She had a rich childhood surrounded in love in a close community of relatives and friends. An active and expressive young lady, Linda had a strong belief that she could do anything, and she wasn’t afraid to challenge those around her, including her siblings, classmates, and professors. After graduating from Johnstown High School in 1972, she attended Otterbein University, where she earned a BA in Business in 1976 while maintaining a high GPA. A natural athlete, she excelled in multiple sports, drawn to those that were most challenging and competitive. Her passion for sports and determination extended to her time at Asbury Theological Seminary, where she helped start a coed softball team. It was there that she met her future husband, Timothy Bradford Swick, though they were just acquaintances at the time.

After graduating with her Masters in Divinity, she was ordained as an Elder in the United Methodist Church. She and Tim reconnected while both pastoring in the West Ohio Conference and helping with summer canoe camps. Their relationship blossomed, leading to a marriage (December 11, 1982) that has now lasted over 40 years. Committed to lifelong learning, she went on to earn two Master of Arts degrees with magna cum laude honors from Ashland Theological Seminary, specializing in both Pastoral Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She also dedicated two decades of her life to pastoring churches.

Linda and Tim were blessed in 1987 when they adopted their daughter, Jessica (Russell). Linda’s loving and compassionate spirit was one of her most defining traits, and it is a gift she passed on to Jessica. Jessica’s great love for others, especially her profound compassion for animals, is a beautiful testament to the woman who raised her. After they both retired from the United Methodist Church in 1999, Linda and her husband, along with their daughter, settled down and made their home in the Plain City/London area.

Per her husband – I have never met a more big-hearted, fearless and hard-working woman who honors Jesus. She is a Prayer warrior – par excellence! It is an honor to walk beside her.

Per her daughter – My life was forever changed when my mom (and dad) gave me the greatest gift of all: adopting me. She had a gift for connecting with others and never met a stranger. Her faith was a constant source of strength and she was always ready to offer comfort and prayer to those around her.

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3 responses to “Obituaries”

1. Clifford (Kip) Ryherd says:

   October 3, 2025 at 11:23 am

   My wife, Julie Ann Ryherd died on July 21,2025 in Wichita,Ks

   Reply
   • Julia Hotchkiss says:

     October 13, 2025 at 3:07 pm

     So sorry to hear about your loss. If you would like your wife to be honored in an upcoming Link, please feel free to email her obituary to: alumni@asburyseminary.edu

     Reply
2. Rev. Dr. David Hodges says:

   October 3, 2025 at 3:59 pm

   I’m saddened to see that my part-time roommate Dick Held passed. He was a great friend, almost like the older brother I never had, and was the best man at my wedding. I extend my condolences to his children (who were young when I knew them) and his grands that I never met.

   Reply