Alumni Link
Alumni Obituaries – June 2014
Published Date: May 28, 2014
BARNETT-Rev. Glenn Wilford, (1950, MA) 87, died in Hudson, on Jan. 31, 2010. He served as a Wesleyan missionary to Haiti with his wife, Janice, and then pastored churches in Minnesota. In 1983 the couple moved to New Port Richey, where Glenn began the courtesy van service for St. Luke’s Eye Clinic and drove one of their vans for ten years. They were active members of Living Word Church. Glenn was preceded in death by his wife, a daughter, a brother, and his parents. He is survived by two daughters and their husbands; two sons and their wives; seven grandchildren; one great-grand-child; five brothers; one sister; dear in-laws; and a host of friends.
BECKLEY-Rev. James W. “Jim” (1963, BD), 76, passed from his earthly life on Saturday, April 5, 2014 at Westminster Village after an extended illness. Jim was born on November 4, 1937 in Muncie, the son of Wilfred and Arvie Beckley. He graduated from Parker High School. He attended Asbury College (University) in Wilmore, Kentucky, graduating in 1960. He continued his education at Asbury Theological Seminary, receiving his Master of Divinity Degree in 1963 and he was ordained in the United Methodist Church in 1965. Jim served as a pastor in the Methodist Church for thirty-seven years. Sixteen of those were in the North Indiana Conference while twenty-one years in The United States Air Force as a chaplain serving in Arizona, Thailand, Kansas, North Carolina, Labrador, Texas, England and California. His military decorations include the Air Force Commendation Medal, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Jim retired in 1999 enjoying time to read, listen to music, riding his bike and keeping up with old friends. He was a faithful servant of the Lord, always striving to do his best with the gifts God gave him. Surviving are his wife of thirty-three years, JoAnn Beckley; his daughters, Maria Barron (husband, Paul), Luisa Mayer (husband, Jeff) and Ariana Dickerson (husband, Mike); also surviving are his six grandchildren, Alina, Aurelia, Sarah, Sam, Lucas and Joel. Jim was preceded in death by his first wife, Mirtha Beckley; his parents; and his step-father, Markley Collins.
BRADFORD-Mary Elizabeth, (2002, MA), 70, of Sarasota, FL, died on March 13, 2014. Services were held on Fri., at April 4, 2014 in the Chapel at Sarasota Baptist Church 7091 Proctor Rd in Sarasota, FL. Funeral arrangements by: Gendron Funeral & Cremation Services.
CAMPBELL-Donald LeRoy, (1957, BD), 85, of Klemme died Thursday, May 1, 2014, at Concord Care Center in Garner. Don was born Nov. 3, 1928, in Alden, the son of Wendell LeRoy and Esther Rosinda (Lemke) Campbell. He graduated from Iowa Falls High School and Ellsworth Community College and Simpson College. He went on to earn a Master of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Ky. While there, he met and married Dora Dalli Hollis from Guadalajara, Mexico. They were married at Popejoy Methodist Church in Popejoy on Sept. 3, 1956. After their graduation from seminary, Don and Dora served in Stanwood for 18 months while they waited their assignment to the mission field. They then served in Puerto Rico for 12 years where Don established the Iglesia Metodista Obispo Corson (Obispo Corson Methodist Church) in Ponce. After returning from the mission field, Don and Dora served these churches in Iowa: Klemme-Goodell and Muscatine – establishing the Hispanic Ministry in Muscatine; Letts, Carlisle and Tingley-Ellston-Wisher Chapel. They retired in Klemme where they worked to establish a Hispanic church in the Britt-Kanawha-Corwith area. Don, who had a rural background, enjoyed serving people in the many rural country churches throughout his ministry. His greatest desire was to see people come to Christ and have a personal relationship with Him. He was a humble, kindhearted man who enjoyed helping people. He loved hunting and fishing and was an avid gardener. In his “retirement” he intertwined his hobbies with the ministry by teaching the Hispanics the joys of gardening, fishing with them, and going hunting for pheasants. Throughout his pastorate, Don and Dora enjoyed traveling, especially their trips to their children’s homes where Don would take time to fish, fly kites, or attend camp with his grandchildren. Don was a fun-loving dad and granddad. He would do such crazy things such as water ski when he was in his 60s and jump on the trampoline in his 70s just to have fun with his children and grandchildren. He grew up appreciating music and continued that by marrying Dora who was trained in voice performance. In his last days, Don enjoyed hearing his daughters sing many of his favorite hymns and choruses. Don is survived by his wife, Dora, of 57 years, daughters, Margaret (Dennis) Guth of Klemme; Cindy (Byron) Maynard of Jackson, Mich.; Susan (Jeff) Dadisman of Maquoketa; son, Dan (Regina) Campbell, Byram, Miss.; 13 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; his sister-in-law, Amy Campbell, two nieces and a nephew, as well as several great-nieces and one great-nephew. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Marvin Campbell; and grandson Joshua Dadisman.
DOVERSPIKE-Rev. C. Leroy, (1972, MDiv), 77, entered into God’s eternal care on Friday, April 4, 2014, at home. He was the loving husband of Wanda Lou (Mattern) Doverspike for 54 years. Born February 21, 1937, in Troutville, he was the son of the late Rev. C.R. and Mabel L. (Shaffer) Doverspike. He received his Bachelor’s Degree from Asbury College, his Master of Divinity degree from Asbury Theological Seminary, both in Wilmore, Ky., and was ordained an Elder in the United Methodist Church, Central PA Conference in June 1966. His appointments included Oriole-Oval-Antes Fort Charge, Trevorton, Marathon-Fayetteville-Newtonville Churches in West Ohio Conference while attending seminary. He later served Trinity, Altoona, and First United Methodist, Greencastle. Leroy was then appointed the founding pastor to start the new Aldersgate United Methodist congregation, Mechanicsburg. Further appointments included Wellsboro United Methodist Church and Lohr’s Memorial United Methodist Church, Hanover. During his years of ministry, he served in various ministries beyond the local church. He served on the Northumberland-Snyder County Migrant Ministry, the Red Cross Board of Directors, different offices in local Ministeriums, the Conference Council of Finance and Administration, and chaired the Conference Division on Loans under the Board of Global Ministries. He also served as President and 2nd Vice President of Hanover Area Council of Churches and was corresponding secretary of the Bethel Park Camp Meeting Association and Board of Directors from 1974 to 2014. After retiring in 1999, he worked for York Wallcoverings and in April 2004 he joined the staff of Bethany United Methodist Church, Red Lion, as Coordinator of Caring Ministries. Leroy was a long-time blood donor of the American Red Cross, having donated in excess of 20 gallons. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Michal Renee Buchanan and husband, Mark of York, K. Reed Doverspike of Upper Marboro, Md., and Tina Marie Colton and husband, William of Wellsboro; four grandchildren, Rachel and Rebekah Buchanan, and Noah and Abigail Colton; brother, Rev. Fred Doverspike and wife, Connie of Rochester Mills; and sisters, Arlene Voris of Punxsutawney, and Thelma Bence and husband, Dale of Schellsburg. He was preceded in death by his sister, Verla Shafer.
HILL-David Livingston, (1955, BD), 83, went home to be with his Lord on February 23, 2013. He graduated from Houghton College in 1952 and Asbury Theological Seminary in 1955 where he received his Master’s degree. He served as a pastor in the Michigan district from 1955-1972. He and his wife, Ellen H. Schneider (1954) were missionaries in Puerto Rico (1972-1980). After returning to the states he taught at Houghton Academy for a number of years. He pastored in the New York district at Lockport and Eastern Hills Wesleyan Church, from which he retired. he is survived by his wife, Ellen, of 59 years. He is, also, survived by his loving son, Stephen D. (Ginger) Hill, Wesleyan Pastor in southern district of Georgia and loving daughter, Lorrie A. (Michael) Contreras. David was the cherished grandfather of six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
HOWLETT-The Rev. Coleman Wesley, (former adjunct professor) 69, of Elizabethtown, died Maundy Thursday, April 17, 2014, after a brief illness. He was born Nov. 16, 1944, in Louisville to the late Jesse and Merle Howlett. Coleman graduated from DuPont Manual High School, the University of Kentucky and the Candler School of Theology at Emory University. He was married 50 years to his beloved high school sweetheart, Linda Welch Howlett. The Rev. Howlett left a promising career at Sears, Roebuck & Co. in Louisville to answer God’s call to full-time ministry. He served the following United Methodist churches and appointments: Prospect and Snapping Shoals in Covington, Ga.; Bethel in Glasgow; Rockfield in Bowling Green; Preston Highway in Louisville; Cadiz; College Heights in Elizabethtown; St. John in Hopkinsville; Elizabethtown district superintendent; director of spiritual formation of the Kentucky Conference; Versailles; and again as Elizabethtown district superintendent. Coleman is a member of the DuPont Manual High School Hall of Fame. He was undefeated as a pitcher in high school baseball, winning the Kentucky high school state championship in 1962, his senior year. He received a scholarship and was a three-year varsity letterman on the University of Kentucky baseball team. When the Louisville Redbirds, the St. Louis Cardinals Triple A baseball affiliate, came to Louisville in 1982, Coleman served as batting practice pitcher and was the team’s unofficial chaplain for several years. Coleman created a youth soccer program in Bowling Green in 1979, today one of the most successful soccer youth programs in Kentucky. In 1986, he also started the youth soccer program in Cadiz. He was one of the top soccer officials in Kentucky, calling the high school state championship game in 1992 and NAIA and NCAA college games. Offering Christ to persons in Belize and Haiti, he embarked on several Volunteers in Mission trips, many times with at least one of his sons in tow. In 1993, he was instrumental in founding Hardin County Habitat for Humanity. He served for many years on the Camp Loucon Board of Directors, and as camp dean on numerous occasions. Coleman served as an adjunct professor at Lindsey Wilson College and Asbury Theological Seminary. Since 1988 he served Emmaus Communities wherever he lived. Coleman was an avid golfer and racquetball player and pitched batting practice for Elizabethtown High School. He loved coaching aspiring baseball players. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Jimmy Howlett. He is survived by his wife, Linda; children Ken (Jennifer), Chris (Roz) and Jason Howlett, and Wendy (Travis) Goodman; grandchildren Chloe, Josiah, Lydia, Jasmine, Isabella, Jonah, Alex, Abby and Carly Howlett, and Preston and Mallory Goodman; a great-granddaughter, Sofia Henry; siblings Barbara (Dewey) Young, Sue (Butch) Kitterman, Jackie (Diane), Ricky (Carolyn), Bobby (Lynn), and David Howlett, and a half-sister, Cheryl Howlett; a sister-in-law: Sharon Howlett; aunts Julia Dever, Sarah (Jack) McClellan, Gail Schickinger (Glenn) Stennett and Libby Howlett; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
JONES-Rev. Mary Margaret Cook, (1994, MA), 55, of Hurt, died Friday, April 18, 2014 at her residence after struggling with cancer. She was the wife of Dale Edward Jones. She was born February 14, 1959 in Pike County, KY, a daughter of Margaret Winstead Cook of Rogersville, TN and the late Clyde Jack Cook, Jr. Mary served as the pastor at New Bethel and Motley United Methodist Churches. Mary was a clergy member of the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church. She previously served as Minister of Outreach at Virginia Beach UMC and Director of Christian Education at Thalia UMC in Virginia Beach. While in Virginia Beach, she was active in the Emmaus Community and served as a resident with Tidewater Pastoral Counseling. Mary received a call to ministry while an active member of St. Luke UMC in Lexington, KY. She was a leader or speaker at various spiritual retreats in Kentucky and Virginia. She was also an avid animal lover. Mary was a graduate of Berea College and Asbury Theological Seminary. In addition to her husband and mother, she is survived by two sons, Matthew Jones of Hurt and Mark Navarre-Jones and spouse Jennifer of Decatur, GA; three sisters, Bonnie Cook of Rogersville, TN, Becky Miller of Pikeville, KY, and Colleen Hewitt of Ashland, KY. In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by a brother, Clyde Jack Cook, III and a sister, Adrianne Patricia Cook.
MASSEY-Rev. Herbert E., (1944, MDiv), 96, died on Saturday, May 17, 2014 at Hart Heritage Estate. He was the husband of Virginia (Foard) Massey with whom he had shared nearly 70 years of marriage. Born on August 24, 1917 in Alvaton, Warren County, KY, he was the son of the late Richard and Arminda (Sherrell) Massey. Reverend Massey was a 1941 graduate of Asbury College in Wilmore, KY where he received his B.A. degree. He continued his education at Asbury Theological Seminary, receiving his B.D. degree in 1944 and then his Master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1951. Reverend Massey was admitted on trial with the Louisville Conference in 1942 and was ordinated a Deacon in 1944; Elder in 1946 and received into full membership at the Northeast Ohio Annual Conference. The pastorates held in the Northeast Ohio Annual Conference were: East Rochester from 1944 to 1946, Brilliant from 1946 to 1951, Orchard Grove, East Liverpool from 1951 to 1954, East Palestine from 1954 to 1960. Pastorates held in the West Ohio Annual Conference: Fairborn from 1960 to 1968, Grove City from 1968 to 1974, Central-Springfield from 1974 to 1982. Reverend Massey, also, served the District as Secretary of Evangelism and Missions; Member of the District Council on Ministry, Pastoral Care Committee and Committee on Ordained Ministry. He served the Conference as Assistant Secretary, Dean of the School of Christian Mission, Member of the Board of Evangelism, Missions, Pensions, Council on Development and Section on Ordained Ministry. Additional positions held were: Exchange Pastor, Rhyl, North Wales for the Summer of 1956; Delegate to the North Central Jurisdiction Conference in 1976; Member of the Methodist World Council from 1976 to 1981; Delegate to the Methodist World Conference in Dublin, Ireland in 1976 and Hawaii in 1981. His Charge Conference Affiliation was with Emory United Methodist Church where he was a church member and the North Harford Charge, both in Maryland. Reverend Massey retired in 1982, but maintained his membership with Emory Church. In addition to his wife, he is survived by: Two children-Rebecca Sherrell Massey and her husband, Wendell; Joseph Foard Massey and his wife, Renetia Martin; two grandchildren-Amanda Yeaton-Massey and David Yeaton-Massey, both of California. Also numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother, Rhomie Lee.
SAUL-The Rev. Dr. Afzood K. “A.K.” (1962, MRE), 83, of Morton, formerly of Omaha, Neb., passed away at 11:05 a.m. Monday, May 5, 2014, at his home, surrounded by his family. He was born Oct. 10, 1930, in the small town of Punjab, India, to the Rev. and Mrs. Khem Singh Saul. His father was a circuit rider in the Methodist church. A.K. studied in a Hindu primary school. After fourth grade, he was sent to a Christian boarding school that is now in Pakistan. After the division of Pakistan and India, he was transferred to another Christian boarding school in India, where he finished his high school education in 1947. After finishing his B.A. in 1951, he worked as an adult literacy teacher for one year, under the supervision of a superintendent who recommended him for the seminary in Jabalpur, M.P., in 1953. There he met Vibha Banerjee and they were married Dec. 5, 1956, at the seminary chapel. He served in India, in the Agra Conference, as pastor, adult literacy director, stewardship director, promoter and superintendent for 19 years. In 1961, he went to Asbury Seminary in Kentucky and completed his master’s in Religious Education and went back to India to be with his family. In 1973, he received a scholarship to go to the St. Paul School of Theology in Kansas City, Mo. He completed his Master’s of Divinity. He later received a Doctorate of Divinity from the American Bible Institute. In 1974, the Nebraska conference hired him to do pastoral ministry, serving at the Loop Cooperative Parish, residing in Scotia, Neb. His family joined him there in 1975. Other United Methodist Churches where he served were Giltner, Phillips, Sutton, Clay Center, Saronville, Falls City, Olive Crest and Randolph, all in Nebraska. A.K. retired in 1997 for the first time. During this time, he and Vibha settled in Omaha and served at the Blair United Methodist Church as Visitation Pastor for 11 years. He retired in December 2008. In 2013, he and Vibha moved to Morton to live with his daughter. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Vibha Saul of Morton; daughters, Rebecca (Dan) Czubak of Morton and Rachel (George) Monnier of Omaha, Neb.; son, Ruben (Jaime Feek) Saul of Morton; and 10 grandchildren; with a great-grandchild on the way. He was preceded in death by his youngest son, Noel Saul; his parents; and his siblings.
SEAMANDS-Ruth, 97, died April 17 at Wesley Village in Wilmore. In 1936 she met J.T. Seamands (1940, BD; 1954, DDiv; 1961-87, Faculty). It was love at first sight for both of them. They were called of God separately and answered the call together. After her graduation from Asbury College and his from Asbury Theological Seminary, they began their missionary career in south India in 1940, serving mostly in Belgaum, where J.T. served as pastor, district superintendent, and village evangelist under the Methodist Church. Ruth ran the mission compound, acting as hostess to a long line of missionaries, agriculturalists, assorted Indian government and military officials, and a host of Indian friends, including the Rajah and Rani of Sawantwadi. Ruth’s courage, initiative, and sense of humor served her well through nearly 20 years of missionary service, where, beside her beloved J.T., she took on cobras, monsoons, and the devil. Upon their return to Wilmore in 1959, and J.T.’s subsequent post as Professor of Missions at Asbury Seminary, Ruth once again used her gift of hospitality to entertain many Christian friends and acquaintances. She taught herself to use the IBM composer (a precursor to the computer) and spent years typesetting for the (then) Asbury College and Asbury Seminary. She lovingly edited and typed her husband’s several books on missions and the Christian life. At 70 she learned to use a computer, at 84 she went parasailing, had her teeth straightened at 88, and celebrated her 90th birthday on the back of a motorcycle. Ruth and J.T. were married for 66 years before his death in 2004. She is survived by her four daughters: Sylvia Seamands (Nicholasville), Sheila Lovell (Wilmore), Sandy Sheppard (Vassar, MI) and Brandilyn Collins (Mark), Coeur d’Alene, ID; 9 grandchildren, 8 great-grand-children, and her brother, Arthur Childers, San Dimas, CA, as well as several nieces and nephews. Ruth’s adventures are captured in her book Missionary Mama and its sequel, The House by the Bo Tree, as well as in Cast a Long Shadow.