Obituaries
Rev. Richard Wilson Barker, MDiv ’56, aged 92, happily married for more than 63 years to Barbara Adkins Barker, passed away Wednesday, March 3, 2021 at Baptist Health Lexington. He was born in Detroit, Michigan on November 1, 1928 to the late Wilson C. Barker and Pauline Taylor Barker. He was a graduate of Western High School in Detroit and Kentucky Mountain Bible College (Vancleve) He attended Taylor University (IN) and then completed his undergraduate studies at Marion College (IN). He received an M.Div. degree from Asbury Theological Seminary (KY) and had two years of further graduate study at Garrett Theological Seminary (IL). Richard and Barbara were directors of the WGM Student Center in Wilmore for 11 years. They served for more than 20 years as a missionaries in Japan with World Gospel Mission and The Wesleyan Mission. He pastored three churches in the West Michigan Conference of the United Methodist Church. He was a member of the Wilmore Free Methodist Church, was past president of Wilmore Camp Meeting, and an active member of the Wilmore Book Club. Lovingly survived by his wife, Barbara, his children, Lester Barker (Annette), Martin Barker (Juliana), Norman Barker (Sherri), Keith Barker (Bethany) and Cheryl Nesselroade (Paul), and a sister, Julia Cheek, 12 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Virginia Taylor and Joyce Kleehammer.
Rev. William Hastings “Bill” Barry, Friend of Seminary, aged 78, died February 26, 2021, at his home in Fordland, Missouri. Bill was born and raised in Pensacola, Florida, and was a lifelong member of Gadsden Street United Methodist Church. He was active in all of the programs of the church, beginning in the nursery as a baby, to Sunday school in the elementary grades, graduating into the junior high and senior high School youth programs, and spending every available minute possible at our church camp, Blue Lake United Methodist Church Camp, Andalusia, Alabama. Our family, along with other families of our church and conference, were charter members in the formation of this camp and we were fortunate to supplement our formal Spiritual development there. Bill graduated from Pensacola High School, Class of 1960, and while in high school, he received his license to preach in 1958 at the age of 16, and was the youngest of Rev. “Red” Hildreth’s “preacher boys”. This was the official launching of Bill’s long and fruitful ministry in the United Methodist Church.
After high school, Bill attended Asbury College, Wilmore, KY, class of 1964, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree, Asbury Theological Seminary for one year, 1965, and then graduated from Emory University, Chandler School of Theology, Atlanta, GA, class of 1967, with a Master of Divinity degree. Bill Served in the Ordained Ministry of the Alabama-West Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church for over 40 years, retiring in 2003. After retirement, he moved to Missouri to live with his parents and sister. In 2006, the family moved to Krebs, Oklahoma, the birthplace of his mother, and, during the seven years there, Bill was active in several churches: Grace UMC, Krebs; St. Joseph’s Church, Krebs, Savanna UMC, and Foyil UMC. He will long be remembered by the multitude of friends he made along his journey. In 2013, Bill returned with the family to their family farm in Fordland, MO. He was a charter member at the family farm chapel, Promised Land Ministries and Community Chapel, Fordland, MO, and was active in all of its ministries. He was a member at the Marshfield United Methodist Church, Marshfield, MO, and an affiliate member at the Fordland United Methodist Church, Fordland, MO. He taught Sunday school at both churches and was active in Marshfield Lions Club. Bill served as an official Asbury Seminary mentor to his sister, Madlyn, during her seminary education, was a life-long scholar of the Bible and was proficient in the Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic languages.
Bill is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth Barry Andrus and her husband Ben; his son, Christopher Douglas Barry, his sister, Rev. Dr. Madlyn Barry Ruch, four grandchildren, four nieces and one nephew, ten great and great-great nieces and nephews, and many cousins and friends. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Robert “Bob” Barry and Minnie Rich (Barry), and his niece Mary Angela Coleman. In lieu of formal memorial services, the family requests Gadsden Street United Methodist Church, Pensacola, Florida, Grace United Methodist Church, Krebs, Oklahoma, Fordland United Methodist Church, Fordland, Missouri, Marshfield United Methodist Church, Marshfield, Missouri, and any others who were touched by Bill’s love and ministry, to celebrate Bill’s life on Sunday, April 11, 2021, by singing a selection of his favorite hymns: “When the Roll is Called Up Yonder”, “Amazing Grace”, and “How Great Thou Art”, in his memory. Bill will be laid to rest in the Promised Land Community Chapel Cemetery at the family farm, Fordland, MO, beside his parents, Minnie and Bob Barry, and his brother-in-law, David Ruch.
Rev. Edward “Buddy” Coleman, MDiv’ 61, aged 86, passed away peacefully at his home in Shelbyville, surrounded by his loving family. Buddy served in the ministry for 59 years after graduating from Asbury College and Asbury Theological Seminary. He faithfully served as pastor to Cerro Gordo United Methodist Church, Cerro Gordo, North Carolina, Olivet United Methodist Church in Marietta, North Carolina, St. Paul United Methodist Church in Frankfort, First United Methodist Church in Middlesboro, Kentucky, First United Methodist Church in Georgetown, Centenary United Methodist Church in Shelbyville, Pikeville United Methodist Church, First United Methodist Church in Somerset, Middletown United Methodist Church and Shannon’s Funeral Home in Shelbyville. Buddy also served for a short period of time as chaplain for the Kentucky State Police.
Rev. Lloyd J. Donnell, MDiv ’51, aged 95, passed away February 6, 2021. Lloyd is predeceased by his wives, Hilda and Marian; and 4 siblings. Survived by his loving wife, Neva; daughters, Patricia (William) Fischer and Joan Donnell; 3 grandchildren, Amy (Vic) Beaver, Andrea (Kenny) Mistler and Aaron Fischer; 2 great-grandchildren, Elise and Morgan Beaver; and precious family members in Canada. Rev. Lloyd was a Pastor in NY and PA and was also a school teacher in the Rochester area for almost 20 years. He pursued his passion in the Ministry of music for many years, sharing his beautiful tenor voice.
Born in Conesville, Ohio, Malcolm served in the Army during the Korean War, attended Marion College (now Indiana Wesleyan University), and graduated from Columbus University (Ohio) with a degree in Business and Accounting. He had a wide array of business experience from steel manufacturing and transportation to nursing home ownership and healthcare management. He served on several boards of Christian organizations and was most proud of his 30 years serving on the Indiana Wesleyan University Board of Trustees. He was awarded an honorary doctorate by IWU and, in 1994, Evans Hall was dedicated in honor of him and Nadine, his wife of 67 years. In addition to IWU, he served on the boards of Asbury Theological Seminary, World Gospel Mission, Lakeview Wesleyan Church, and the Christian Business Men’s Connection (CBMC).
A dedicated family man, businessman, and philanthropist, Malcolm would often say, “You can’t outgive God”, and lived his life as a testament to this truth found in the scriptures (Malachi 3:8-12). Along with Nadine, he supported various churches, ministries, missions organizations, and individuals in spreading the Word of God. Malcolm’s passion for giving led him to make several trips to former communist countries including Russia, Romania, and the Czech Republic, where he helped support area Christian churches and taught principles of ethics in business to local business leaders using the 10 Commandments as the basis of these principles.
Malcolm co-authored a book in 2009 with Dr. Jerry Pattengale, IWU University Professor, titled, Leading Business by the Book. In 2014, he wrote a second book titled, A Layman Looks at End Times Prophecy, using notes from his 40+ years as an adult Sunday school teacher.
In addition to Nadine, he is survived by their four (4) sons, Steve (Kaylynn) Evans, Jeff (Rita) Evans, Mike (Debbie) Evans, and Scott (Deena) Evans; nine (9) grandchildren, Tiffany Evans, Drew Evans, Tyler (Jennifer) Evans, Caleb Evans, Nik (Shannon) Evans, Seth Evans, Kyle Evans, Kris Evans, and Taylor (Sierra) Evans; seven (7) step-grandchildren; one (1) great-granddaughter; three (3) step-great-grandchildren; and sister, Agatha “Gaty” (Raymond) Murphy.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Doris (Vickers) Evans; sister, Joan (Elijah) Cockman; and brother, Eugene (Eileen) Evans.
Edgar R. Farmer, MDiv ’70, aged 82, of Mansfield, Ohio passed away on Monday, March 29, 2021 at Winchester Terrace Nursing Home. He was born in Hillsville, Virginia on December 7, 1938 to the late Willie and Beryl Farmer. Edgar received a Masters Degree of Divinity at Asbury Theological Seminary. Having dedicated his life to the Lord, he served in various places: Kodak MC Circuit, Assistant Pastor at Dueber MC in Canton, McGonigle and Millville MC while in Seminary, Mount Zion UMC in Canton, a missionary with Red Bird Missionary Conference, Park Church in Madison, and Wildare UMC in Cortland. Edgar returned as a missionary with the Red Bird Missionary Conference, then retired to Kodak, TN. He briefly served at Wesley Chapel. He also helped volunteer and serve at youth camps such as Children’s Bible Bowl Camp, was Chaplain of a youth traveling choir, and served on the board at Sychar Family Camp. Additionally, he was Chaplain of a minimum security prison and was on the National Board of Home Missions and Community Developers of UMC.
He is survived by his wife, Kathy (Casler) Farmer; son, Joseph Farmer of North Carolina; granddaughter, Morgan Farmer of North Carolina; brothers, Willie (Shirley) Farmer and John (Mary Louise) Farmer; sister, Mary (Jimmy Long) Farmer; nieces and nephews, Craig (Pat) Farmer, Eric (Tanya) Farmer, Mary Elizabeth and Cindy (James Grimshaw) Farmer.
Rev. Raymond J. “Ray” Hahn, MDiv ‘52, aged 94, of Greensboro NC., passed away on Thursday, January 28, 2021. Ray was born in Pineville, Kentucky to Jennings and Lillian Hahn. He served in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Theater during the closing months of WWII. After the war he attended Asbury College and graduated with a Masters in Divinity. Ray was a 40 year minister in the Western North Carolina conference of the United Methodist Church. Upon his retirement, he was associated with Muir’s Chapel United Methodist Church in Greensboro. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, wife Gloria, twin sister Rhodora, brothers Ronald and Donald, and sisters Christine and Julia. Left to share many years of fond memories of Ray are a brother Willard and sister-in-law Geralyn, his children, Gary Hahn (Jane), Dianne Hahn Berberich (Jake), granddaughter Julian, and grandson Michael Hahn (Heather), great granddaughters Lily & Ella. The family wishes to thank Friends Home for their dedicated care and attention to Ray for many years. They truly loved Ray and cared for him and the family until the end.
Andrew H. Hines Jr., Friend and Trustee of the Seminary, aged 98, of St. Petersburg FL went to Heaven on February 21, 2021. He is survived by his children, Andrew Hampton Hines, III (Shelly), Elizabeth Renee Dale, John Bradford Hines (Holly), Daniel Howland Hines (Karen), his 14 grandchildren, his loving second wife, Evelyn Kuttler Hines, one great grandchild and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Ann Groover Hines, his parents, Andrew Hampton Hines, Sr. and Louise Howland Hines, his sister, Frances Kolner (Jim), his brother, Robert Howland Hines (Jane) and his son-in-law, Dave Dale.
Andrew H Hines Jr. (Andy) was born in Lake City Florida and grew up in Trenton and Alachua. He received a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering with High Honors from the University of Florida in 1947. He was named a Distinguished Alumnus in 1973.
During WWII Andy served in the Army Air Forces as a navigator in B-17 bombers. His plane was shot down over Vienna and he spent seven and a half months as a POW. After the war he joined the Air Force Reserves and retired as a major.
In 1947, Andy married Ann Groover of Jacksonville and joined General Electric in research and development, spending four years living in the Northeast and Midwest. In 1951, he and Ann returned home to Florida and settled in St. Petersburg where Andy went to work for Florida Power Corporation as an assistant production engineer. Rising through the ranks, he became President of Florida Power in
1972 then, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Florida Progress Corporation. During his career in the electric utility industry, Andy was active in many state and national trade groups, including the Edison Electric Institute where he served on the Board and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, where he was a life member. Upon retirement in 1990, Andy formed Triangle Consulting and served on the boards of Templeton Mutual Funds and Mutual Series Funds. Long past retirement, Andy kept his registration as a professional engineer current attending required continuing education classes well into his late eighties. He said, “You never know when you might need a job”.
Andy was active in civil affairs. A few of his many civic affiliations include serving as Chairman of the United Way, Suncoasters of St Petersburg, where he was honored as Mr. Sun, the Boy Scouts where he received the Silver Beaver Award, All Children’s Hospital Trustee, St Anthony’s Hospital trustee, Tampa Bay Research Institute Chairman, Director for the Tampa Bay chapter of the Red Cross, and board member of the Florida State Fair Authority.
A big supporter of education, Andy served as a board member on the University of Florida Foundation. He also was a past UF National Alumni Association President. He served as Board Chair for Rollins College and as a Trustee for Florida Southern College. He was a member of the USF St Petersburg Advisory Board and the USF Foundation. He served 11 years as Executive in Residence at Eckerd College. He was also on the Florida Council on Economic Education. He held honorary degrees from Stetson College of Law, Rollins College, The University of South Florida, Florida Southern College and the University of Florida.
Andy had a strong Christian faith. He held various positions at Trinity United Methodist Church including Lay Leader and Sunday School teacher for over fifty years. He was a licensed Lay Speaker for the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church and a Life Trustee for Asbury Theological Seminary.
He loved his family and boating, especially cruising on a series of boats he owned over a forty-seven-year span all named “Small World”. He was a member of the St Petersburg Yacht Club for over 50 years. Andy completed the “Great Loop” circumnavigating the eastern half of the US. He cruised on his vessel to Mexico, New Orleans, and the Bahamas. One of his favorite spots was Warderick Wells in the Exumas, Bahamas. He loved writing poetry and published a book of his poems. We loved to hear him whistling; it was a sure sign he was happy.
In his heart Andy remained a simple country boy from rural north Florida. He was loved by all who came to know him. Andy’s kindness and interest in people was genuine and many looked upon him as their mentor. He leaves behind a legacy of the lives he touched along the way.
Reverend W. Laurens Hudson, MDiv ’65, aged 82, of Kennesaw, died Tuesday, March 2, at home, surrounded by his wife and children, just two days before his eighty-second birthday, of liver cancer. A graduate of Asbury Theological Seminary, he was a Methodist preacher and co-founder of the National Association of Wesleyan Evangelicals. He is survived by Patricia, his wife of fifty-eight years; his daughter and son-in-law, Laura and Greg Patterson; his son Steve; and his grandchildren, Brian and Katy Patterson.
Although he was a 7th generation Christian, he noticed a change in his Hindu roommate while studying at Madras Veterinary College. He asked him what had changed, and he said he had become a Christian. Sam then realized that he wasn’t really a Christian and was led to Christ by the witness of his roommate. Sam was moved by the Spirit in his early twenties to get the crowd’s attention in a Madras bazaar. Despite his embarrassment he sang loudly and proclaimed at the end of the song, “He is alive!” He tried to walk away, but someone grabbed his sleeve and asked him about Jesus. That was the first person Sam led to the Lord.
After completing his veterinary degree, Sam enrolled at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky and studied sacred music. He earned a Master of Divinity and started a Master of Theology from Asbury. Then Sam returned to India and was pastor of Emmanuel Methodist Church in Chennai (Madras) from 1961-1968. He then returned to Asbury to finish his Master of Theology and went on to the Candler School of Theology at Emory University to earn his Doctor of Divinity in 1971. He again returned to India as pastor of Emmanuel Methodist Church from 1971-1974. In 1974, Sam Kamaleson became vice president of World Vision International, where he led pastor’s conferences in dozens of countries and continued to work in various capacities before retiring in 1996. Some estimate that Sam has spoken to more church leaders in more countries than anyone in the world. When praised for his mentorship to so many, Sam would take no credit at all: “The real mentor is the one I am talking about as the living Christ: The whole world thinks that [I am] mentoring others, but [I am] only reflecting the attractiveness of the Christ.”
Sam’s quest to preach took him on many adventures. He did real missionary work in India in the 60s and 70s and later, with the use of his lndian passport, was able to preach and conduct workshops in communist countries unnoticed. He also met with danger in Central America where he encountered armed rebels on back roads in El Salvador who prayed over him and allowed him to continue on his journey to preach the Word.
After serving abroad Sam returned to India to found and lead two organizations including Friends Missionary Prayer Band, which sends Indian missionaries throughout India, and to create what can truly be called Sam’s legacy, Bethel Agricultural Fellowship. Founded in 1963 to house and educate poor, orphaned children in India, Bethel expanded to include a hospital, school, library, and farm. Recently in 2017 and 2018, Sam returned to Bethel with his son Sunderraj (Mark), his daughter-in-law, Sara, and his grandchildren to support the community with much needed hands-on work and supplies. Sam’s granddaughter Cullie Parsons brought 350 pounds of books collected from children at Savannah Country Day School to stock the children’s library at Bethel.
In addition to his public life of service in Christian communities around the globe, Sam remained a most humble man and delighted in the personal relationships he formed with his beloved family and friends. He was devoted to his wife and children and always put their needs above his own. He also had a special way of communicating that made everyone he met feel that they were worthy of his time, praise, blessings and friendship. One thing was perfectly clear to anyone who met him; Sam was a man who had been touched by God.
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4
Sam is survived by his son, Sunderraj (Mark) Kamaleson, M.D. (married to Sara) and their children Russel Parsons, Elizabeth Parsons, Catherine Parsons, Franklin Samuel Kamaleson, Sunderraj Kamaleson, and Neelum Adela Kamaleson; daughter Nirmala Ruth Loisel (married to Doug) and their children Matthew Loisel (married to Brittany) and Leela Loisel; daughter-in-law Nicole and her children Barclay Kamaleson (married to Bethany), Cedric Kamaleson, and Cade Kamaleson (engaged to Lillian Keane). He was preceded in death by his wife Adela Kamaleson; son Manoharan Kamaleson; and grandson Jonathan Loisel.
Jean Elizabeth (Ewart) McCracken, MDiv’ 87, aged 85, trusting in Messiah Jesus, passed away on Monday, March 15, 2021, at her home in Strasburg, Ohio. She was a member of Barrs Mill Church of God. Jean was born in Rochester, New York, on July 4, 1936, to William Barron and Eleanor (Wonderlic) Ewart. On Oct. 4, 1956, she married Thomas Herbert McCracken. She earned a bachelor of science degree from Indiana State University in Terra Haute and taught science in Delaware County. She also earned an M.A. (with honors) in cross-cultural communications from Wheaton College Graduate School, and a masters of divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary. She and her husband were missionaries of the Church of God in the West Indies and Brazil. They were privileged to work in team with excellent national leaders and missionaries, especially in discipling, church-planting and pastoral training. In addition to her husband of 63 years, she is survived by her children, Daniel Vernon McCracken of Georgia, Stephen Dale McCracken and his wife Milagros of Atlanta, Elizabeth Lucile McCracken-Harness and her husband David of Cheverly, Maryland, and Esther Elaine Hawkins and her husband Paul of Wooster, Ohio; grandchildren, Ben, Seth, Sam, Jonathan, James, Alex, Grace, Ian, and Andre` Toma’s; great-grandchildren, Conner, Jordan, Kaleb and Hanna; she was awaiting the arrival of her first great-great-grandchild. She is also survived by her sister, Lucile Ewart Silliman of Missouri.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her young daughter, Rebecca Lenor McCracken.
Reverend William Walter Mayo, MDiv ‘56, aged 83, passed away at his residence on Monday, March 24, 2014. William was born in Abernathy, Texas on October 8, 1930. He married Joyce Vesta Amerson on August 25, 1951 in Lakeview, Texas. Brother Mayo was a member of Evangelical Methodist Church in Sweetwater where he was Pastor from 1984 to 2002. He was a missionary from 1964 to 1972 in Burundi, Africa. He then became Regional Director of the World Gospel Mission and was a Missionary Evangelist before coming to Sweetwater in 1984. He was a minister for over 60 years.
Martha Jane Moe, Master of Religious Education ’50, aged 95, of Wilmington North Carolina, passed away Tuesday, January 26, 2021. Martha was a 1950 graduate of Asbury Theological Seminary. She was greatly loved and cherished by many.
Rev. David Morgan, MDiv ‘76, aged 78, passed March 19 in Alton, IL. Rev. Morgan served 30 years of active ministry, retiring in 2004 from Sesser-Valier-Greenwood. He served an additional four years in retirement. He was preceded in death by his wife, Alice Faye Morgan, who died Feb. 8, 2018.
Richard Alfred O’Driscoll, DMin ’93, aged 90, was born June 24, John the Baptist Day, 1930 in Seattle, Washington. He died February 27, 2021. He was the fourth and last child of John Walter and Olive Davidson Driscoll. In mid-life, Dick visited the birthplace of his grandfather, County Cork, Ireland and restored the “O” to his name. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Shade Marie Rushing, and their 6 children, Peter (Marie Solange), Tod (Cara), Mary, and Joel (Jenny) O’Driscoll, Sarah (Jim) Johnson and Joanna Rosler, as well as l6 grandchildren. Dick fulfilled the destiny that God intended for him, but he did not discover that destiny until he was 27. After serving in the military during the Korean War, he planned a teaching career and used his GI Bill for a Masters in History at Washington State University. A life-changing experience happened while he was on a trip to Europe. In a Paris hotel Dick almost died of pneumonia, being saved by God through penicillin at the American Hospital. After this, he began to think deeply about the questions of life. He saw the movie, A MAN CALLED PETER, whereby Peter Marshall almost lost his life had not God stayed his foot from falling into an abyss in Scotland. At that time Dick knew himself to be lost eternally without God. At 27 he gave his life to his Father in Heaven, and God called him into the ministry. Just as John the Baptist pointed the people of his day to Jesus, Dick was always pointing people to Jesus. It was once said that he never officiated a funeral without giving those attending the opportunity to accept God’s free love gift of eternal life through His Son, Jesus Christ. He had great compassion on the people who did not know Jesus or who had never accepted his love and forgiveness for their sins and thus would be lost for eternity. Whether he met them on the street, in an elevator, in an airport, in the jail, or in a hospital, he was never embarrassed or ashamed to ask them if they wanted to accept Jesus as their Savior and Lord. He first church was a Congregational Church in Los Angeles. He ministered there for four years, many times walking through multi-racial blocks and apartment buildings inviting people to come to church. He made friends with a Samoan pastor and congregation nearby and invited them to worship with his church once a month. There was great rejoicing, and a little taste of Heaven when staid, elderly English and Scottish born members participated in a Samoan luau complete with a roasted pig! In the summer of 1960, Dick attended Union Seminary in New
York City. While there he met Shade Marie Rushing, a Methodist social worker from Arkansas. Dick and Shade married the next summer. In the early days of his ministry Dick longed for what the disciples had which he read about in the Book of Acts in the Bible. He knew he did not have the supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit and the power of God to witness and to minister. Shade had received the baptism of the Holy Spirit and told Dick about this second gift of God following salvation. Shortly after their marriage he sought and received this wonderful gift as described in Acts 2:4. After this experience, Dick said, “I could feel Jesus in the car sitting in the seat next to me, and I could talk to him while driving.” After continuing in the Congregational Church for one more year, Dick and Shade both were drawn to the Anglican liturgy which they had been introduced to at Union Seminary by their professor in Systematic Theology. In the fall of 1962, Dick started his studies at the Episcopal seminary, Church Divinity School of the Pacific in Berkeley, California. Upon receiving his Masters of Divinity, he was ordained an Episcopal priest. His first Episcopal parish was in the San Joaquin Valley of California at Corcoran. Here again Dick’s heart went out to the people on the fringes of humanity. The town had a “boot hill” where there was no running water, and where a black community lived. One member of Dick’s church was from this community and had to walk a long distance carrying water to her home. Dick got together with the Presbyterian pastor and other concerned people, and together they worked with the town officials until water came to “Sunny Acres” their new name for “boot hill.”
After a short time in Costa Rica and a year in Shade’s hometown in Arkansas where Dick ministered at Full Gospel Business Meetings and church missions, he was called to St Luke’s Church in the Ballard area of Seattle. It was there that he was a part of the great worldwide charismatic movement whereby both Protestant and Catholic Churches experienced renewal of the gifts of the Holy Spirit as referenced in the Bible, in 1 Corinthians, chapter 12:7-10. He began to weekly pray with a pastor of another denomination who had experienced the gifts of the Holy Spirit. This was the beginning of what evolved into the Charismatic Presbytery of Seattle, pastors from differing denominations joining their hearts and prayers together to reach Seattle for Christ. For several years this group sponsored mass meetings in both Catholic and Protestant churches throughout the Puget Sound area, bringing charismatic leaders from around the world to Seattle. He ministered at St Luke’s for 18 years. These were the years of the hippie movement, the drug culture, and Vietnam. Dick saw people healed of sicknesses and delivered from drugs and demon spirits. A man came to St Luke’s the one Sunday that Dick preached on the reality of Hell. This man was later apprehended for murder, and Dick led him through to salvation and the baptism of the Holy Spirit in the Seattle jail. He was transferred to a prison in Montana and there brought about a revival that included the warden. Later he was acquitted and became a missionary. While at St Luke’s Dick did pastoral ministry in the 22 hospitals in Seattle. He loved praying for the sick and he led some to salvation on their death bed including a famous Olympic swimmer. He was part of the inner healing movement at St Luke’s, and he introduced one night a month for inner healing prayer for those with deep emotional hurts, having himself been healed of deep wounds from childhood. As a young teen Dick worked with the horses on the race tracks up and down the West Coast. He remembered those years and had compassion for the people who worked at the Longacres track in Seattle. He said they have no church and are not shepherded by a pastor. When he heard about the Racetrack Chaplaincy of America, he established it at Longacres and volunteered as a part time chaplain there for several years until a full time one could come.
He later introduced the Racetrack Chaplaincy in Australia. In 1983 Dick wrote the book, Pop’s Primer published by Logos. He wrote it to help parents raise their children to love God, and he used illustrations from his years on the racetrack and in the rodeo arena. In 1986, St Paul’s Episcopal Church in Haymarket, Virginia called Dick to be Rector. During the beginning of his 9 years there, he instituted a weekly community Bible study which Shade taught, as well as an inner healing prayer ministry. Soon St Paul’s began to be known for the Bible Study and for inner healing prayer. Dick always reached out to fellow pastors in neighboring churches. He was eager to pray with them and have fellowship, believing strongly in ecumenism. Because of this St Paul’s had sweet fellowship, often with a neighboring black church. The congregations would exchange flowers on Easter and also celebrate Thanksgiving together along with the Methodist and the Baptist churches nearby. Dick studied in person and by distance learning at Asbury Theological Seminary and was awarded a Doctor of Ministry at age 63. Being 35 miles from the Capitol, he had the opportunity to do research at the Library of Congress. For his thesis, he wrote a screenplay, “A TIME TO KEEP” about his boyhood hero, Earl Dew, the 1940 champion jockey of America. It has as yet to be produced as a fulllength movie, but it has won awards in major screenplay contests. On retiring in Edmonds, Washington Dick sought out another place to volunteer ministry, the Port of Everett. Here again he had compassion on the people who had no church or pastor, the crews who worked on the large container ships. Dick told them about Jesus and gave them Bibles or literature in their own language. He fulfilled his destiny, he completed the course, the life that God planned for him. He could say with Saint Paul, the words that have echoed down the centuries ” I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” ll Timothy 4:7,8
Hector Ramirez, MDiv Student, aged 67, joined his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Monday, March 22nd, 2021. Hector was born in Bananera Izabal, Guatemala on August 9th, 1953 to Olga de Paz and Armando Ramirez. Before immigrating to the United States in 1975, Hector played for the Guatemalan soccer team, El Condor. After he moved to New York City, he quickly committed his life to the Lord and committed his heart to his soon-to-be wife, Norma Ramirez. He was a faithful and reliable employee for thirty years at Hostess Cakes, but his true passions lay in educating himself in all subjects, particularly in biblical studies. Always an enthusiastic learner, Hector earned his Bachelor’s degree from the Bible Institute at Bay Ridge Christian Center and was recently working on his Master’s degree through Asbury Theological Seminary. You could always find books in Hector’s hands, his car, his desk, and in his Amazon wishlist. Hector’s desire to grow intellectually was only eclipsed by his eagerness to serve and be a blessing to others. He sought any opportunity to lend a hand whenever and wherever he could, beginning at his first church, La Cruzada Evangelica through his time at Bay Ridge Christian Center, and even until his last days at Santuario Las Escrituras.
Hector is survived by his wife, Norma; children, Brenda (husband, Daniel), Orlando, and Giovany (wife, Eleana); grandchildren, Tatiana, Andres, Victoria, and Sofia.
Thomas B. Reaves, aged 80, of Fayetteville, died March 2, 2021. Tommy Reaves was born December 26,1940 in Cumberland County to the late Nelle and L.E. Reaves, Jr. Also preceding him in death were his brothers, L.E. Reaves, III and Robert B. Reaves. He was a graduate of the UNC School of Pharmacy and worked in his family pharmacy and later at Womack Army Pharmacy. He received a Master of Divinity degree from Asbury Theological Seminary in 1980. Tommy was a faithful member of Village Baptist Church and he participated in many mission trips where he shared medical knowledge and his testimony. He also volunteered at the Care Clinic. Tommy, a mason of 29 years, will be remembered as a kind, caring Christian, always available to help and encourage others and share his many talents, one of which was as an extraordinary pianist and artist. Tommy is survived by one brother, Franklin Bing Reaves of Atlantic Beach, FL; two sisters, Harriette Reaves of Fayetteville and Dorothy Ball (Harold) of. Roswell, GA.; and eight nieces and nephews.
Dr. James A. Reinhard, MDiv ’57, aged 88, of Greenville, IL passed to his heavenly home in the early morning hours of Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at his home in Greenville. A private family celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, March 13, 2021 at 11:00 am at the Greenville Free Methodist Church. The family is inviting any family that can not be present, and friends, colleagues, former students and parishioners to join them in this memorial celebration via an on-line streaming event at the time of the service. Dr. Reinhard was born on May 12, 1932 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Arnold William Reinhard and Arminda (Wulliman) Reinhard. He grew up in Ft. Wayne, graduating from South Side High School. He is a 1954 graduate of Greenville College (University) and received his Masters of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary in 1957. Dr. Reinhard completed a PhD in Religious Studies from the University of Iowa in 1971. He married his college sweetheart, Marilyn Marjean Cassabaum, on June 6, 1953. They spent the majority of their years in Greenville raising four children who all attended Greenville College. Dr. Reinhard taught religious studies at Greenville University from 1957 to 1994. Upon his retirement from teaching, Dr. Reinhard continued his passion for preaching and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. He remained active on the Greenville University campus for many years, meeting new students, attending conferences and sporting events. He was an avid Lady Panthers basketball and softball fan. Dr. Reinhard was a much loved professor who will be greatly missed by former colleagues, community friends, and the thousands of students that he taught and mentored over the years. Often referred to as a professor with a pastor’s heart, Dr. Reinhard had a passion for both teaching and preaching. Dr. Reinhard had a strong desire to connect with his students on an individual basis. He was well known for his practice of memorizing each of his students’ names, even in his large lecture classes of 60+ students, by the second day of class. Upon hearing of Dr. Reinhard’s passing, many of these former students have posted on-line tributes of the many ways in which he has impacted their lives and supportively guided and encouraged them to pursue their passions. Many considered him their mentor, counselor, friend, or surrogate parent while away from home.
Dr. Reinhard was a Jesus Christ follower and loved to preach the Gospel. He took a sabbatical leave in 1978 to pastor the Hillside Free Methodist Church in Evanston, Illinois and made many lifelong friends there. Throughout his teaching career and beyond, Dr. Reinhard filled the pulpit frequently at many area churches and churches across the country. He was frequently asked to speak at other colleges, conferences, and camp meetings. Many of Dr. Reinhard’s sermons, such as Balloons Belong in Church, Anticipate Your Regrets, and A White Stone with a A New Name, among many others, are still remembered by many students and parishioners. Dr. Reinhard has also officiated at the wedding ceremonies of countless students, all of his children, and many of his grandchildren. Dr. Reinhard will also be remembered for founding The Simple Room, a local Greenville youth ministry, in 1983. Dr. Reinhard was teaching a Creative Evangelism class at the time. He and his students were searching for a way they could creatively share the gospel in their local community. While doing so, they noticed that many young people were unsupervised after school. They decided that they just needed a room…a simple room, where students could gather in a safe and trusting environment, and where they could develop healthy relationships and learn life skills. And so, The Simple Room was born, and is now in its 38th year of providing supportive guidance and mentoring to the youth of Bond County. Dr. Reinhard was also a committed husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was dearly loved by all of his family. His children saw him as a kind and wise father encouraging his children to put “God First” as was displayed on an aluminum plaque made by Jim’s father in their garage foundry. He encouraged them to love others and explore new ideas. He disciplined and taught with grace, even as he corrected their grammar. He treasured his wife – he saw them as a team – she typed his dissertation, helped plan B&C trips, made cookies and treats for students, sports teams and grandchildren and served alongside him in many different roles at Greenville College and was his beautiful caretaker during his last days on earth.
He was referred to by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren as their “totally awesome” Papa. He will always be cherished for his presence and the interest that he took in their lives, as he and his devoted wife of 68 years, Marilyn, crisscrossed the country attending every play performance, concert, graduation, wedding ceremony, and any other milestone event that was important to them. Jim Reinhard is survived by his lovely wife, Marilyn; a daughter Sheri (Reinhard) Doe and her husband, Denis of Bartlesville, OK; a son, James S. Reinhard and his wife, Stella of Salem, VA; a son, Mark A. Reinhard, of Glen Carbon, IL; a son, Brian K. Reinhard and his wife, Carla, of Greenville, IL; He had 16 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren whom he dearly loved. Also very special to him were his 3 nieces and 2 nephews and their children and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his only sister, Sharon (Reinhard) Black and her husband, Dale Black, and his beloved granddaughter, Noelle (Reinhard) Howard.
Martha B. Spining, Friend of the Seminary, aged 85, loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend, has finished her race and has heard the words, “Well done my good and faithful servant” on March 15, 2021. A resident of Greenwood she was born on January 1, 1936 in Nashville, Tennessee to the late Vernon S. and Faith (Clarke) Brogden.
She was a member of Christ United Methodist Church, received her BA from Maryville College (TN), and was a Girl Scout leader for many years. She worked at H&R Block for 10 years as a tax preparer and also at Perry Meridian High School for 5 years in the guidance department as their secretary.
She loved spending time with her family, supporting missions, traveling, reading, interacting with her friends at Greenwood Village and bringing a smile to everyone she met.
Martha leaves behind to treasure her memory her children, Dottie (Jan) Heman and Steve (Kelly) Spining; three grandchildren, Craig (Kathryn) Heman, Angie Hartvigson and Brian (Stephanie) Heman; four great grandchildren, Liam, Jameson, Brynlee, and Dylan.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 31 years, Arthur M. Spining, III; son, Charles D. Spining; brother and sister-in-law, Morris H. (Katherine “Kitty”) Brogden; sister and brother-in-law, Marianna (Ed) Heerschap.
Reverend James Harold Woods, MDiv ’63, aged 85, of Pembroke, was called home by our Lord and Savior on March 17, 2021. Born July 27, 1935 in Robeson County, he was the son of Curtis and Mary Brewer Woods. He was married to Rosa Dial Woods for 54 years. As a servant of God and his community, he was a teacher, a minister, and advocate for his tribe. James graduated from Pembroke State University in 1960 and was one of the first Native Americans to attend graduate school at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. He received a Master of Divinity degree in 1963. He served as the head of the Science Department at Magnolia High School for three years and also as a School/Home Coordinator. It will be while working at Magnolia that he would meet his wife, Rosa. In 1963 he became a part-time minster at Cherokee Chapel Holiness Methodist Church, becoming full-time in 1969 until 1974. He continued his ministry at New Bethel Church (1974-77), Hopewell Holiness Methodist Church (1977-85), and then returned to New Bethel Church (19852001). He served as Bishop for the Lumber River Holiness Methodist Conference for several years, first from 1982-85 and again from 1988-1996. Rev. Woods served his community in many ways, including his ministry with the Prisoners’ Friend Society and as Chairman and Board Member of the Lumbee Regional Development Association. He also served as a board member for the Robeson County Church and Community Center. He also played a role in the multi-racial coalition to break double voting for the Robeson County School Board. Rev. Woods was predeceased by parents Curtis and Mary Woods; brothers, Joseph Wynn, Dorlester Wynn Jr. and Steve Locklear; sisters, Mary Sue Locklear, Curtisy Lou McGirt, and Elizabeth Wynn. He is survived by his wife, Rosa Woods; children, Jean Kolbeck, Joan Goedel, and J. Cedric Woods; 7 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; brothers Murphy Woods, Noah Woods, Sam Wynn, Hardy Wynn and sisters, Effie Locklear, Tammy Wynn, Mildred Maynor, Evelyn Morgan, Alice Hunt, Rebecca Oxendine and Margaret Hiraldo.
James “Jim” Crosby Wright, aged 67, passed away March 9, 2021 in Minneola, KS. Jim was born October 13, 1953 at Medicine Lodge, KS. He is the foster son of Don & Judy Kerstetter and biological son of Richard & Ellen (Jones) Wright Meacham. He was a resident of Comanche, Reno, and Meade Counties in Kansas. Jim and wife, Laurie, lived at Rocking Rafter W Ranch in Fowler, Kansas. He graduated from Protection High School in 1971 and attended Asbury Theological Seminary, Kansas State University and Hesston College, with an Associate’s Degree in agriculture and an Associate’s Degree in nursing.
Jim married Laurie Schroeder on March 31, 1980 in Newton, KS, at Salem United Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife: Laurie (Schroeder) Wright of Fowler, KS; one daughter: Dr. Jodi (Wright) Pitts, husband Travis Pitts of Ingalls, KS; one son: Jarett Wright, wife Emily (Washburn) Wright of Overland Park, KS; three grandchildren: Lily Wright, Tryan Pitts, and Jaxson Pitts; his foster mother: Judy Kerstetter of Protection, KS; two sisters: Barbara Wright of Burrton, KS and Patti Critchfield of Burrton, KS; three brothers: Mike Meacham of Burrton, KS, Doug Kerstetter of Protection, KS, and Devin Kerstetter of San Antonio, TX; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jim worked as a trauma nurse at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, KS for 20 years. He was a flight trauma nurse for Eagle Med for 5 years in Western Kansas. He most recently worked as a registered nurse at Minneola District Hospital and Ashland Health Center. He was preceded in death by his parents: Richard Wright, Ellen (Wright) Meacham and Don Kerstetter; one sister: Deborah Wright; and one brother: Edwin Wright.
We pray that God may comfort the bereaved families. You have fought well and kept faith, RiP our dear brothers and sisters!
May the Lord comfort the families and friends of these who have been promoted to glory. What an encouragement they are to us.
I sang with Dr. Sam Kamaleson in the King’s Men Quartet while in seminary with him. Dr. E. Stanley Jones referred to him as “the greatest bass to come out
of India”. He also sang with us in The Seminary Singers.
I look forward to seeing him again in heaven.