Obituaries
Margery Ardele “Marge” Barnhill, aged 86, passed away Wednesday afternoon December 29, 2021, with her children by her side. Marge was born on April 6, 1935, in Le Mars, Iowa to Lowell and Edith Burkett. She graduated from Le Mars High School in May of 1953 and moved with her mother and younger siblings to Abilene, TX in June of 1953.
In November of 1955 Marge joined the Navy and served until honorably discharged on November 20, 1959. While serving in the Navy she met Edward David Robbins II and they were married on September 2, 1956. Ed Robbins was lost at sea during a catapult launch from the USS Intrepid on August 24, 1958. Marge and Ed had one child, Edward David (Rob) Robbins III, born September 30, 1958.
Marge married A.R. “Barney” Barnhill on February 9, 1962. They had two children Carolyn Rae born January 16, 1963, and Timothy Andrew born August 21, 1975. Shortly after their marriage Barney adopted Marge’s son. Marge and Barney owned and operated Barnhill Office Equipment for over 40 years.
Marge was a lifelong Methodist. She was a former member of Aldersgate UMC and a current member of First United Methodist. Marge was active in mission work in the United Methodist Church and served on several mission outreach boards and committees. She was also a strong spiritual and financial supporter of Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore Kentucky. Together with Barney she served on the executive board of the Ed Robb Evangelistic Association for over 15 years.
Marge is survived by her son, Rob Barnhill and wife Cindy, her daughter, Carolyn Rae Barnhill-Rodriguez and husband Charles all of Abilene, TX. Marge is also survived by grandchildren, Maggie Hunt (David) of Glenmoore, PA, Miranda Hamilton (Jes) of Oro Valley, AZ, Eric James Welch of Abilene, Brady Scot Welch (Maddie) of Tyler, TX, Erin Rae Welch-McFerrin (Zach) of Abilene, TX, and Layne Andrew Barnhill of Abilene, TX. She is also survived by her great grandchildren, Fletcher Hunt, Eleanor Hunt, Jaxon James Welch and Alaska James McFerrin.
Marge was preceded in death by her husband, A. R. “Barney” Barnhill and son, Timothy Andrew Barnhill. She was also preceded in death by her parents and her brothers and sisters, Gordon Burkett, Phyllis Bull, Kenneth Burkett, Jeanne Olsen, Linda Smith, John Burkett and Terry Burkett.
Jim, known at work as Ike, worked at PAFB and Cape Canaveral for 34 years on the Eastern Missile Test Range, starting out as an electronic technician and retiring as the Manager of an Engineering Group responsible for the Radar, Telemetry, and Communication equipment used in the Space Program (Contract held by RCA, (GE) and later Computer Sciences Raytheon.)
At age 52, God put a strong call on Jim’s life to work in ministry. After much prayer, he entered the candidacy program for ministry with the United Methodist Church. Having completed his BA at Barry University, he then graduated with a Masters of Theology from Asbury Theological Seminary and was ordained a Probationary Elder in the UMC and over the course of the next 13 years pastored 3 churches in Florida, retiring after being diagnosed with dementia.
Jim was an avid hunter and outdoorsman and some of his happiest times were spent out in the woods with his two sons. In 2010 he was introduced to 1000 yard Benchrest Shooting up in WV. He honed his skills and in 2014 was the West Virginia State Champion and the National Champion 1000 Yard Benchrest Shooter. He and his wife enjoyed traveling the US in their RV along with their 3 dogs, worshipping together, enjoying friends and family.
Wilbert Maynard Miller, aged 89, died December 22, 2021. He was born in Louisville, Kentucky, May 24, 1932, to James Amos and Bernice Lee Humphrey Miller. He was predeceased by his parents and by his wife, Aleene Ray Salmon Miller. He is survived by three sons: Stewart Gayle Miller (Carol Kelly), Evanston, Illinois; John Mark Miller (Kathy), Newport News, Virginia; and James Kent Miller (Libby), Versailles, Kentucky; by four grandchildren: Violet Anne Sellers Marotta (Mickey), Kathryn Elizabeth Miller, Alynne Ray Burchett (Woody IV) and James Miles Miller (Mallory); by one great grandson, Salvatore Michael Marotta; and by two brothers: Carlos Fix Miller (Nancy) and Otis Michael Miller (Linda).
Maynard graduated from Manual High School, Louisville; earned his B.A. from Asbury College, Master of Divinity from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Master of Social Work from the University of Kentucky; and did further graduate work in clinical pastoral care. He married Aleene Ray Salmon June 20, 1954, who predeceased him after their marriage of 65 years. Ordained by the Methodist Church, he served in the pastoral ministry in the former Louisville Annual Conference of the Methodist Church until he was appointed as Campus Director of the Kentucky Methodist Home for Children at Versailles, Kentucky. He then served for a time on the faculty at Asbury College, where he taught Social Work and Sociology. Because he was a strong believer in Christian outreach, he was appointed by the United Methodist Church to the Bluegrass Regional MHMR Board (now known as New Vista) for 26 years until his retirement. In his capacity as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, he was involved in psychotherapy and administration, directing successively the services in Franklin, Woodford, and Anderson Counties.
Following retirement, he was actively involved in the Versailles United Methodist Church as adult Sunday School teacher, choir member and leader of the missions program. Maynard was a Kentucky Colonel and an avid student of United States and Christian Church history. He enjoyed reading, music, writing, photography, and home maintenance. He and Aleene traveled the United States, Central America, Europe, and the Middle East. Paramount throughout Maynard’s life was his dedication to God and the Christian cause. His love for his wife was deep and unwavering, and his devotion to his family was intense and unlimited.
Carole Moore Mitchell, aged 82, passed peacefully into the presence of her Lord on December 13, 2021, after a life of deep faith, love, and service and twelve days past her 82nd birthday. She was a faithful member of the St. Mark United Methodist Church in Columbus, Georgia at the time of her death. She had previously been active in many different United Methodist Churches through the years, having been the wife of a United Methodist Pastor. She was an inspiration and mentor to many persons through the years. She was loved dearly by all who knew her, and touched the lives of many with her prayers, love, and service.
Mrs. Mitchell is survived by her children, Richard T. (Rick) Mitchell, Jr. (Deb), Dennis W. Mitchell, Rebecca G. (Becky) Mitchell; grandchildren, Ashtyn Hutchins (Stephan), Gillis Davis (Nathan), Tyndal Mitchell, and Kaitlyn Mitchell; great grandchildren, Makenzie Davis, Bailey Hutchins, Kennedy Hutchins, and one due in January; and by several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, the Rev. Richard T. Mitchell, Sr., her mother, Louise H. Moore, and her brother, J. Michel Moore.
Dr. Howard William Moore, M.Div. ’50, aged 96, of North Canton, OH passed away Monday, January 10, 2022. He was born September 13, 1925 in Ypsilanti, MI, the eldest of two children to Willis and Beatrice Moore. Howard’s mother passed away on Mother’s Day in 1940 and it was shortly after that, that Howard dedicated his life to Christ. He attended Cleveland Bible College (CBC) (now Malone University) graduating with his Bible and Theology degree in 1946. Then he attended Marion College for some additional course work to earn his AB degree with a major in English literature and a minor in science in 1947. He then proceeded to Asbury Seminary in Wilmore, KY. Throughout college and seminary, Howard participated in Gospel Quartets and ministry to others. Howard earned a Masters of Divinity degree in 1950 and a PhD in Missiology in 1995 from Trinity International University.
Howard met Mary Evelyn Mosher at CBC in 1945 and they were married in 1947. The couple had five children. Howard and Mary Evelyn served as missionaries with their children in Taiwan for over 37 years beginning in 1954. They continued to serve as missionaries in Taiwan until retirement in 1989. Then Howard was a District Superintendent for the Evangelical Friends Church-Eastern Region for about three years. After that they travelled to Taiwan for periods of time for Howard to teach at the China Evangelical Seminary until he retired to North Canton. He attended and continued to minister part time at the Canton First Friends Church for several years after that, entering full retirement at age 85. Mary Evelyn preceded him in death, in 2016. Howard was also preceded in death by their daughter, Karen (Moore) Pursley in 1987, and by his sister, Beryl (Moore) Cooper.
Howard is survived by his step-sister, Ann Pursley, his 4 children: Darlene (Gustav) Johnson, J. Wesley (Judy) Moore, Linda (Paul) Johnson, and Elizabeth (Emery) Hunt, 13 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren.
The Reverend Dr. Douglas C. Newton, aged 85, known affectionately as Dr. Doug, died peacefully at home on Tuesday after a long illness. Born January 7, 1936, in Dothan, Alabama, Doug knew from a young age that the Lord had called him to preach and he began his ministry while still in high school. After graduation, he went to Asbury College, where he met and married the love of his life, Gaynelle (Granberry) Newton. The two served their first church just over the Kentucky border in Sinking Springs, Ohio, while still in college.
After graduating from Candler School of Theology at Emory University with his Master’s of Divinity, Doug returned to the Alabama West Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church where he served faithfully for the next sixty-four years. He began as the associate pastor at Gadsden Street UMC in Pensacola and was a founding pastor at Trinity UMC in Fort Walton Beach, Florida as well as serving Destin UMC. From there Doug served the First UMC in Evergreen, AL, and the First UMC in Enterprise, AL, before returning to Florida as the Senior Pastor of First UMC in Niceville, FL. Following his appointment in Niceville, Doug returned to Gadsden Street UMC as Senior Pastor before serving as the District Superintendent for the former Selma District. Doug then became the Senior Pastor at the First UMC in Panama City, FL and later at First UMC in Atmore, AL.
When he “retired,” Doug and Gaynelle moved to Choctaw Beach, Florida, to be near friends and family and together they served the Choctaw Beach UMC together for 13 years. After Gaynelle’s passing, Doug “retired” again and moved to Wesley Gardens in Montgomery, AL. He had a special place in his heart for the United Methodist Homes for the Aging, after having served on the board and as the chairman of the Foundation of Love for many years. Of course, even then, Doug didn’t really retire, but served for a time as pastor of Snowdoun UMC.
Whether it was weeks spent preaching revivals at Camp Glory, Blue Lake, or one of dozens of mission trips to Jamaica or inviting anyone in need to sit down at a restaurant with him and Gaynelle for a meal, Doug had a way with people. He never worried much about the most important things on his daily agenda. If you were the lucky one in conversation with him, you were the most important item on his list that day.
He was proud of his children, Allen Newton (Stephanie) and Michelle Murray (Mark) but his favorite role was being Pappaw to his grandchildren: Christopher Murray (Bridget) and Riley Newton (Mary Katherine), Sarah Kate and David Newton, and his great-grandchildren Emerson and Harper. He is survived by his Brother in law Seth W. Granberry Jr. (Sally) and many nieces and nephews.
Doug found joy in people, in their stories, in living life alongside them. He was passionate about the church, going to movies with Gaynelle, playing dominoes, Nick’s Seafood, and most of all Jesus. If you knew Doug, you knew he’d never miss an opportunity to talk about how the Lord was working in his life and the lives of everyone around him. He never lost sight of the joy of witnessing God’s hand at work in those he loved.
Leigh Franklin Nygard, M.Div. ’62, aged 84, went home to be with the Lord on January 9, 2022 from Fishers, Indiana, gaining a pain-free body as well as a heavenly home after a battle with cancer. Leigh dedicated his life to Christian service and investing his time helping others.
He was born on February 8, 1937, to Oscar and Gudrun Nygard and raised in a homestead farm in Watford City, North Dakota (which he has owned and operated for many years). He graduated high school in the class of 1955 and went on to earn degrees at Indiana Wesleyan University (BA), Asbury Theological Seminary (M. Div.) and Rockford College (M.A.T.). In a ministry spanning more than 60 years, Leigh served as a pastor in Illinois, Washington and Indiana and as a counsellor at the Galesburg Rescue Mission & Women’s Shelter. In retirement, he kept busy with numerous activities, including serving as a hospice chaplain, volunteer chaplain with the Knox County Sheriff’s Department, chaplain of Billy Graham Rapid Response Team, member of the Knox County Salvation Army advisory Board, a jail and prison ministry, member of the Galesburg City Planning Commission and Knox County Pro-Life Board. Several bible studies and weekly radio broadcasts also kept him busy in his retirement.
Leigh’s hobbies included travel (all 50 states and 13 foreign countries), sports (bowling & basketball), walking, reading, playing table games and visiting children and grandchildren. A proud Norwegian, Leigh was a people person with a ready smile for everyone, quick wit and grandpa jokes.
Leigh married Judith Haynes in 1962 and they served the Lord together for 52 years. To celebrate their 50 years of marriage, the entire family enjoyed a cruise to the Caribbean which was a cherished family highlight. Judy went to heaven in 2015 and Leigh married a close family friend of 63 years, Linda Castro, in 2019 and the two spent two and a half fun-filled years traveling, visiting family and laughing. Leigh is preceded in death by Judy, his parents and two sisters. He is survived by his wife, Linda Castro Nygard; three sons – Nathan (Roxanne), Galesburg Illinois, Mark (Kim), Puyallup WA and James (Stephanie), Tampa Florida; three step-sons – Mark Castro, Fishers Indiana, Michael (Stephanie) Castro, Noblesville, Indiana and Matthew (Deanna) Castro, Bradenton, Florida. Also surviving is a brother Gregory (Elsa), Reston, Virginia, 19 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren and, unfortunately, Lutefisk.
L.D. enjoyed a 55-year career as a minister in the United Methodist Church. He earned his A.B. degree from Asbury College and master’s in divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary in 1963. He served churches in Kentucky, Kansas, and Indiana. He retired from full-time ministry from Ford Street United Methodist Church, Lapel, in 1995. That certainly did not end his career though; L.D. kept busy with plenty of interim and weekend preaching for many years after. He was an avid Kentucky basketball fan and loved to watch basketball games. Additionally, L.D. was a loving father, father-in-law and grandfather. He was proud of the family of ministers that include his son and two grandsons. Pops and Dot settled in Mooresville in 2005 to be closer to their son Dennis. His memory will be cherished by a loving family and many friends.
In addition to his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by a brother, Luther Payton. Survivors include son, Rev. Dennis (Tammy) Payton; daughter, Leslee D. Payton; grandsons, Rev. Andrew D. (Leslie) Payton and Rev. Daniel L. (Sarah) Payton; great grandchildren, Jayden, Paige, and Ella Payton; Emily, Carter, and Luke Payton.
Donald Lawrence Spicer, M.Div. ’55, aged 94, of O’Neill, died Sunday, Jan. 23, 2022 at Arbor Care Nursing Home in Neligh due to complications of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Actively involved in the church, his family extended the Wessington Presbyterian Church and the children were baptized there, becoming members. After 1937, the family attended an American Sunday School choir.
Don attended several schools in Beadle County, SD and the Berkshire and Brown Schools in Hand County, SD. His education was interrupted during World War II to help operate the farm while his two brothers served. During that time, he enrolled in the American School of Correspondence Chicago to finish high school.In 1947, Don attended Wessington Junior College until 1950, then Greenville University in Greenville, IL from 1950-1952. From 1952-1955, he completed his education at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, KY where he received his M.Div. degree.
On Aug. 16, 1947, Don married Bethel Jean Orr. During their union, they conceived nine children, two of which only survived a few hours after birth: Jonathon and Hope. They were not childless though, Don and Bethel adopted four children – Debora joined them in 1954, followed by David in 1957, Danny in 1963 and Melody in 1965. Not only were they blessed with their children, they also fostered 96 children.
In 1948, Don and Bethel joined the Free Methodist Church and he was ordained in 1952. After graduating in 1955 from Asbury Seminary, Don was appointed to the Rapid City, SD Free Methodist Church. The family then moved to Grand Forks where he helped design and build a church for the members there. He served other churches during his time in the ministry in Minneapolis, MN; Mason City, Iowa; Stillwater, OK; and Woodward, OK.
In 1982, Don was transferred to Bethany Free Methodist Church near the small village of Amelia until he retired in 1996. He returned to the ministry, this time serving the O’Neill Wesleyan Church for another six years before retiring officially on Dec. 1, 2002. During his 43 years of active ministry, he was an active member in the area of Christian education program for the denomination.
Following a long and debilitating illness, his faithful and devout wife Bethel passed away on Aug. 27, 2001, just after their 54th wedding anniversary. On Dec. 25, 2002, Don got married a second time to his longtime friend, Mary Newland in Temecula, CA. Their union was cut short when Mary died on April 6, 2003. This prompted Don to move back to O’Neill where he bought a house.
Upon his return, he befriended Elizabeth Ryding at the Golden Age Senior Center. Their friendship quickly developed into a companionship. Don asked for the blessing of her eldest son to take her hand in marriage, and they married on Jan. 1, 2006 by Elizabeth’s eldest son, Rev. John Ryding at Christ Lutheran Church. Elizabeth and Don made their home in O’Neill and attended both the Lutheran Church and Wesleyan Church in O’Neill, active in both congregations.
Don is survived by his wife of 16 years Elizabeth Ryding-Spicer of O’Neill; four children Debora Spicer of Wichita, KS, David (Robin) Spicer of Stillwater, OK, Danny (Stacy) Spicer of Woodward, OK, and Melody (Chuck) Halverson of Billings, MT; three stepchildren John (Kathryn) Ryding, David (Irene) Ryding and Marilyn (Peter J) Giammaria; one cousin Mary; nieces, nephews, grandchildren, step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren; and one sister-in-law Ruth Spicer.
He was preceded in death by his parents Elmer “Lawrence” and Edith Spicer, two wives Bethel and Mary, one son Jonathon, one daughter Hope, two brothers Warren and Lyle Spicer, one sister Doris, one niece Gloria Spicer and seven unborn children.
Todd Arthur Tatum, aged 60, Topeka, passed away Tuesday, January 11, 2022. Todd was born November 20, 1961 in Topeka, KS, the son of George and Jeannine (Hartley) Tatum. He graduated from Hayden High School and Washburn University in 1996 and received his Masters Degree from Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, KY.
He was employed by the State of Kansas Printing office for 15 years and later worked on staff with the ministry of Good Works in Athens, OH. He served as a pastor at Galmey Community Bible Church in Wheatland, MO. He retired from full time ministry in 2017.
Todd’s motto was love God, love people. He was also a street minister serving the homeless and those in recovery. Todd never met a stranger. Todd enjoyed travel and had friends in every corner of the country. His love of music and the Grateful Dead took him to many concerts and music festivals where more friendships began.
Todd was a past member of the Christian Motorcycle Association. His love language was riding his motorcycle, golf, fishing, camping, and sharing his love of Jesus Christ.
Survivors include his father, George (Nell) Tatum, Hot Springs Village, AR; sister, Lea Tatum-Haskell, Topeka; niece, Anne Haskell; nephew, David Haskell; great-niece, Kendall Jean Haskell; step-brother, Cass (Vicki) Brewer; step-sister, Robyn (Mark) Jamison; and dear friends, Kevin and Kenneth Watt, Jim Halloran, Jeff Welsh, Carole Hawke, Pat Moriarty, Dale Usery, Mike Luellen, Jacob Stallings, Marta Murphy, Robin Figgs; and numerous other friends and family. He was preceded in death by his mother, Jeannine Tatum.
Janice R. Van Valin, aged 94, daughter of Asa and Lucy Greenman, went to be with her Lord on Thursday, December 16, 2021. She and her husband, Forrest, were residents of Clark Retirement Community, Grand Rapid, MI, since December 2002. She is survived by her sister Donna Francis, also at Clark, daughter Sharon (Skip) Dieter of Colorado Springs, CO, sons David (Sue) Van Valin of Linden, MI, and Dan Van Valin of Wyoming, MI, 10 grandchildren, and 16 great grandchildren.
Janice was born near Williamston, MI. She met Forrest on her first day at Greenville College, Greenville, IL, when Forrest carried her trunk to her dormitory room. They married on August 17, 1951, after they had both graduated from Greenville College. She taught school while Forrest attended Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, KY. Following his ordination, they served pastorates in Cheboygan, Port Huron, and Lansing, MI. As a pastor’s wife, she was a good hostess, making special meals for the people of the churches she and Forrest served. Janice purposed to serve each family at least once a year.
After the family moved to Flint, MI, in 1965, Janice again began teaching in public schools, serving many years in classes of underprivileged children. There were many challenges and uncomfortable times, but she received a lot of satisfaction in making a difference in their lives. In retirement, after completing a total of 23 years in public schools, she taught several dyslexic students privately.
Janice’s main hobby was quilting. She, also, did a lot of volunteering at Clark, working in the Chatter Box (coffee shop), working in the greenhouse and perennial garden, and helping Forrest make name plates for the residents’ apartment doors. In later years, and even through her last week, she made many baby quilts for premature babies. She was awarded many “pins” for her volunteer hours. Janice will be missed by all who knew her.
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