Alumni Obituaries- March 2016
Rev. Robert Marvin Braungardt, (B.Div., 1963), 83, of Saint Charles, Missouri passed away on December 9, 2015. Rev. Braungardt is survived by his wife- Jane Braungardt Nee Murphy, Son- Daniel Curtis (Toni Maria) Braungardt, Sister- Gladys Eversmeyer, Grandchildren- Brandi (Derek) Christina, Brittni Braungardt, Hailey Braungardt, Victoria Braungardt, Step- Grandchildren- Jacob Benoit and Zachary Benoit. Great-Grandchildren- Ian Lambert, James Touhill, Kayden Shelton, Makinleigh Christina, and Addelynn Coker. Reverend Braungardt was a member of the Missouri Conference of the United Methodist Church where he preached for 52 years. Rev. Braungardt was preceded in death by his Parents- Albert & Flora Braungardt, Daughter- Diana J. Braungardt, Brother- Melvin Braungardt, and Sister- Darline Himmel. Memorial Donations- Asbury Bible Camp c/o Asbury United Methodist Church Address: 2704 South HWY W, Foley, MO 63347 Phone:(636) 668-8855
David Lorenzo Brain, Jr., (Friend), 93, of Atlanta, and formerly of Lexington, died on February 2, 2016. David was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on November 4, 1922, to David Lorenzo Brain, Sr. and Sophia Hilliger Brain. In high school, he met Frances Hollis who became his sweetheart and future wife. They married in 1944 while David was serving in the U.S. Army, and they had two daughters. In 1952 David graduated magna cum laude from Baldwin Wallace University while studying days and working nights to support Frances and his daughters. The family moved to Boston where David attended Harvard Business School on the GI bill graduating in 1954 with a Masters in Business Administration. The family moved to Baltimore where they lived for seven years and then to Kentucky where they maintained their primary residence, first in Louisville and then in Lexington, until 2010. David’s professional career was in the insurance industry. He received his Chartered Life Underwriter’s designation in 1950. Following his graduation from Harvard he joined Monumental Life Insurance Company. In 1962, he joined Kentucky Central Life Insurance Company and became President in 1973. After retiring from Kentucky Central he was the founding President of CompDent (later American Dental Plan) an insurance and management services firm that pioneered prepaid dental insurance coverage for businesses. In recognition of his professional achievement and leadership, he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Business Administration degree by Baldwin Wallace University. In later years, David wanted his life to be a balance of family, community, church, and self with no portion being over developed at the expense of the others. David gave abundantly of his time, talent, and treasure in each area. His love, support, and care for Frances was obvious to all who knew them. He placed a high priority on spending time over meals, while taking walks, enjoying vacations and holidays together with Frances, their children and grandchildren. He gave of his time and talent to many organizations including the United Way, the Chamber of Commerce, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, and Junior Achievement. He was founder and President of the Frances Hollis Brain Foundation, a philanthropic foundation named in honor of his wife and her family and dedicated to providing for the basic needs of the underserved. He established the David Brain Leadership Program (later the David and Frances Brain Center for Community Engagement) at Baldwin Wallace University to teach and mentor undergraduates in leadership skills and promote the understanding that it is the responsibility of all leaders to give of themselves to enhance their communities. He established scholarship funds at both Baldwin Wallace University and Asbury Theological Seminary. He attended First Methodist Church where he taught Sunday school, brought communion to shut ins, and encouraged his children to be active members of the church. David is predeceased by his wife Frances who died in 2012. He is survived by his daughter Nancy Brain and her husband John Watson of Portland, Maine, his daughter Diane Bryant and her husband Mike Bryant of Atlanta, his grandchildren Jessica Hauser (Kelley) of Wilton, Connecticut, Michael Bryant (Carolina) of Atlanta, Katie Bryant of Atlanta, and Jamie Watson of Chicago, Illinois, and his great-grandchildren Rosalie Hauser, Cecilia Bryant, and Robinson Hauser. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the High Street Neighborhood Center in Lexington.
Rev. Dwight W. Coffelt, (M.Div., 1960), 83, passed away on Wednesday, February 10, 2016. He was born in Springfield on July 3, 1932 the son of the late William and Lilah (Powell) Coffelt. Dwight was a graduate of Asbury College and Asbury Seminary. During college he was director of Youth for Christ International, and would return to Springfield for weekend rallies. It was at one of these rallies where he met Betty Huff. They were married in 1958. After graduation from Asbury, Dwight returned to Springfield to work in the business started by his father in 1941, Coffelt Candy Company. Dwight grew the business over the years and ran it until his recent illness prevented him from being involved in the daily operation. Dwight, having his own business, was afforded the time and opportunity to assist ministers who sought his help throughout the years. Dwight was co-founder of Christian Radio Station WEEC. He was a member of Christ Chapel Church of God. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Betty, daughter, Wendy (Gary Frederick), granddaughter, Christian (Justin) Wilhelm, grandson, LCPL Alec (Courtney) Vancil, USMC, great granddaughters: Aubree and Madison Wilhelm; sister Carol Eblen, sister-in-law, Wilma Yager, bothers-in-law: Wilbur (Carole) Huff, Leroy Liming, and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Patty Liming, and brother-in-law, Jake Yager. Dwight was a very caring, patient, chartable man who stood by his principles and would find some good in everyone. He will be missed.
James Jennings “Jim” Kester (Non-Degree Alumni), 80, passed away Saturday, January 23, 2016 at his home in Nashville, Tennessee. Jim is survived by his wife, Mary Kathleen Nutter Kester; daughter, Lori Ann (Greg) Grizzell; granddaughter, Haley Morgan Grizzell and nieces Glenna Jackson Williams and Kay Jackson Louther. He was preceded in death by his parents, James H. “Hal” and Goldie Stull Kester and two sisters, Kathleen Kester Jackson and Evelyn Kester Jackson.
Jim had been retired for several years from the Kroger Company. He had also served as pastor in the Church of the Nazarene in Kentucky and West Virginia. A graduate of Trevecca Nazarene University, Jim continued his education at Asbury Theological Seminary in Kentucky. His first pastorate was at Murray, Kentucky and his last in Elizabeth, West Virginia.
Jim will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather who always had a twinkle in his eye when his girls were around, and as a farmer at heart who usually found a way to have a small garden, or at least tomato plants, wherever he lived.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Alive Hospice, 1718 Patterson St., Nashville, TN 37203 or to Grace Church of the Nazarene, 2620 Pennington Bend Rd., Nashville, TN 37214.
Ms. Adele “Andy” Ray Lewis, (M.Div., 1950), 91, (January 2, 1924 – December 3, 2015) was born in Newark, New Jersey, on Jan. 2, 1924. She spent her childhood in Irvington, New Jersey, Chicago, Illinois, and Denver, Colorado. Andy spent two years in the Navy during World War II, studying airplane mechanics and becoming an Aviation Machinist.
She studied religion and philosophy at Denver University, earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Bryan College in Tennessee, a Master’s Degree in religious education from Asbury Theological Seminary in Kentucky, and a Master’s Degree in education from the University of Iowa. She also studied English and journalism at the University of Oregon and Portland State University.
Andy was the recipient of a Wall Street Journalism Fellowship from the University of California at Berkley and two American Studies Fellowships from the College of Idaho in Caldwell.
Andy spent two years teaching Old and New Testament Greek and religion at William Penn University in Oskaloosa, Iowa. She spent one year teaching English in Boise, Idaho, before moving to Prineville, where she spent 28 years teaching English at Crook County High School. She retired in 1984.
She was active in a number of organizations: Business and Professional Women’s Club, Toastmistress Club, American Association of University Women, School Union Negotiation Team, and board member and president of The Arc Linn County and The Arc Oregon. She was a member of St. Edwards’s Catholic Church in Lebanon.
For her dedicated years of work for The Arc, Andy received the Sylvia Mann Capper Memorial Award in 2001. This award is given to an individual who has made a significant contribution in improving the lives of individuals with disabilities. Andy was also the chairwoman of the Linn County Mental Health Advisory Board, a Linn County representative on the Mid-Valley Behavioral Care Network Budget Committee, and a member of the Self-Directed Supports Advisory Board.
Andy had a deep love for cats and had one or more cats most of her life. Andy enjoyed collecting ceramic cats and other cat-related items. She received her first cat collectible in 1956 from a former student, and over the years, her collection had reached over a 1,000 cats.
Andy was also interested in photography and sharing her pictures. She was an avid reader, liked to write poetry and to make play-on-words.
Andy’s other love was to be with family and friends. She liked to have parties and enjoyed eating out.
Andy lived with her daughter, Violet Carruth, for 30 years in Lebanon before entering the Oregon Veteran’s Home in May 2015. During her seven months there, Andy made many new friends and enjoyed social activities with other veterans.
Andy was preceded in death by her brother, Leon, and her parents, Irving and Elise Cohen.
She is survived by her daughter, Violet Carruth and family; cousins, Nancy and Stephen Gage of Ohio, Jack Cohen of New Jersey, Kitty Clark of North Carolina, and Doris Skalka of New Jersey; lifetime friend Norma Richards, of Idaho, and many other beloved friends.
Huston-Jost Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Contributions can be made in Andy’s memory to:
The Arc Oregon, 4405 NE Front St., Suite 120, Salem, OR 97301; SafeHaven Humane Society, PO Box 2018, Albany, OR 97321; or Samaritans Evergreen Hospice, 1046 SW Sixth Ave., Albany, OR 97321
Rev. Dr. Stephen Douglas Martin, (M.Div., 1981; D.Min. 1992), 65, resident of High Point, North Carolina died February 6, 2016 at High Point Regional Hospital. Dr. Martin was born October 18, 1950 in Leominster, Massachusetts and was educated at Becker Junior College (AS) and Fitchburg State College (BSBA). He received the Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Asbury Theological Seminary in Kentucky. During six years as a youth minister and more than twenty years as an ordained minister, he accomplished the following: was founding Pastor of River of Life Christian Fellowship; co-founder and vice-president of Crossfire Evangelistic Ministries (where he designed mission possible: United Methodist Church Renewal in New England); Author of the study, “New Life: Twelve weeks of Basic Training for Christian Disciples”; Author of Proof: There is a God!”, co-founder of North Carolina Youth Council; and founder of Lake Side Camp Meeting in Pittsburgh, New Hampshire. Surviving is his son, Stephen A. Martin and wife Shannon of Archdale, North Carolina; one brother, Donald Williams; two sisters, Patricia Ann Bernard/Breault and Joan Truitt; and six grandchildren, four boys and two girls.
Rev. Timothy “Tim” Jay Miller, (M.Div., 1990), 59, of Wyoming, passed away on Sunday, December 27, 2015. He is survived by his wife, Deborah; children, Matthew, Joshua, Elisheba, Ernest, Eric, and Andrew; seven grandchildren; and brothers and sisters, Olin Miller, Dale Miller, and Diana Rozelle.
Rev. Oyer C. Morgan, (B.Div, 1956), 87, passed away at Saint Peter’s Hospital on January 29, 2016. Oyer was born on February 4, 1928 to Helen and Noel Morgan in Worland, Wyoming. He was the youngest of five siblings. He attended Worland schools, graduating from Washakie County High School 1946. He served in the United States Army from 1946 to 1949 that included a tour of duty in Hawaii while it was still a territory. He achieved the rank of Sergeant. On discharge, Oyer attended Asbury University, located in Wilmore, Kentucky. He met his loving wife Modelle of almost 50 years at Asbury. He received his BA degree from Asbury and a Master of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary in 1956. Modelle and Oyer married in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, August 27, 1953. Oyer was ordained into the United Methodist Church ministry in 1954, retiring from active ministry in 1994 after 40 years of ministry. His last appointment was the East Helena United Methodist Church. Throughout his career he served churches in Kentucky, Wyoming, and Montana. He is survived by their three children: Clark (Georgia); Greg (Lisa) and Beth; and three grandchildren: Zachary, Nicholas, and Ryan. He was preceded in death by Modelle, his parents, and his four siblings.
Rev. Milo D. Nussbaum, (M.Div., 1954), 91, of Morton, passed away at 12:08 p.m. Friday, January 29, 2015 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. He was born Feb. 19, 1924, in Monroe, Indiana to Samuel and Margaret (Mazelin) Nussbaum. He married Violet Mae “Vi” Yoder on Sept. 12, 1944, in Berne, Indiana. She preceded him in death on April 15, 2009. Surviving are two daughters, Carole Nussbaum of Groveland and Gloria Nussbaum of Elgin, Illinois; one son, Stan (Lorri) Nussbaum, of Morton; two grandchildren, Anjila (Steve) Sisler of Kijabe, Kenya and Adam Nussbaum of Austin, Texas; four great grandchildren, Nathan, Cade, T.J. and Talia Sisler; one brother, Carl M. Nussbaum of Aledo, Texas and one sister-in-law, Maxine Nussbaum of Berne, Indiana. Milo was a United States Army veteran having served in WWII. He graduated from Taylor University in 1951 and Asbury Seminary in 1954. Milo was the pastor of Groveland Evangelical Mennonite Church from 1954 to 1958, before becoming the pastor of Grace Church in Morton in 1958. He led Grace Church for 33 years. He was instrumental in starting Northwood Community Church, Eureka Bible Church, and Faith Church Bloomington. He also held several leadership positions in the denomination then known as the Evangelical Mennonite Church. After retiring in 1991, he served as interim pastor in four other congregations. In 2005, Milo was chosen to receive the Servant Leader Award from the Peoria Rescue Ministries. Milo was known for putting wisdom into short sayings that were memorable. He also had a spirit of generosity that demonstrated throughout his life. He was an avid golfer, gardener, and lover of roses. Milo was a loving caregiver for his beloved wife, Violet during her long battle with alzheimers. He deeply appreciated the generosity of his “food angels” who provided weekly meals for 15 years.
Rev. Gordon E. Tatman, (Non-Degree Alumni), 88, of Newark, Ohio passed away Friday, Jan. 22, 2016 at Sharon Brooke. He was born Aug. 5, 1927 in Fleming County, Kentucky, a son of the late Ford Tatman Sr., and Effie Mers Tatman. Gordon grew up in the rolling hills of Kentucky on a Dairy/Tobacco Farm. He was very proud of his humble beginnings and reflected often of his beloved Kentucky home and the fond memories there. He graduated from Minerva High School in Minerva, Kentucky. After being called into the ministry he left the family farm and continued his education at Asbury College and Asbury Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. He received his Masters of Divinity from Hamma Divinity Theological Seminary in Springfield, Ohio. It was at Asbury College where he met the love of his life, Josephine Lambert of Parkersburg, West Virginia, who became his wife of over 61 years. With Josie always at his side he served over 30 years in the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church, serving churches in Aberdeen, The Old Town Church in Xenia, Bowersville/Paintersville, Archbold, St. Mary’s, and Cincinnati Ohio. The last church he served in the pastoral ministry was First United Methodist Church in Newark, Ohio. He and his wife were longtime members of Centenary United Methodist Church in Granville. Gordon’s second career was in funeral service. He was the first layman appointed by the Governor to serve on the Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors of the State of Ohio. He later became its Executive Director serving over 10 years. Following the Ohio Board, he became Chief Executive Officer of Assured Protection Funeral Trust, a Pre-arrangement Funeral Trust Company based in Newark, Ohio. He served there until his retirement on his 79th birthday. Gordon lived a full and exciting life. He and Josie traveled to Europe, Scandinavia, The Holy Land, and various other places. Probably his most enjoyable times were spent boating and water skiing with his family at Dale Hollow, Tennessee, and Lake Cumberland, Kentucky. Gordon water skied well into his seventy’s and was an excellent slalom skier. Of course he loved watching Ohio State Buckeye Football. He is survived by his sons, Steven (Wanda) Tatman of Parkersburg, West Virginia, Roger (Jenny) Tatman of West Chester, Ohio and Mark (Karen) Tatman of Newark, Ohio; daughter, Debbie (Tim) Fulk of Crooksville, Ohio; seven grandchildren, Lindsay (Zack) Pompey, Samantha (Andrew) Weiland, Justin (Kaitlyn) Tatman, Ryan Tatman, Sheri Adams, Jason (Dawn) Fulk, and Erica Pettrey; ten great-grandchildren, Timmy, Owen, Jack, Josie, Lena, Dallas, Justus, Nicole, Mackenzie, and Eva Elizabeth; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Josephine Mary (Lambert) Tatman on June 3, 2012; a grandson Timmy Fulk; his brothers Andrew, Ford Jr., Lloyd, and Elgin and his sisters Grace Smith and Agnes Painter.
Leave a Reply