Obituaries
William Hazelton Bicksler, M.Div. ’58, aged 89, was born to Paul and Florence Bicksler on May 19, 1933, in Fredericksburg, PA, and died January 11, 2023. He was raised in Lebanon, PA, until going to Houghton College (NY). He was a Free Methodist missionary to Taiwan for 37 years where he mastered Mandarin Chinese and taught at China Evangelical Seminary in Taipei and Holy Light Theological Seminary in Kaohsiung. Both institutions train full time ministers for pastoral and missionary work in Taiwan, Southeast Asia and the world. Besides authoring several books, he served on the committee for Old Testament translation for the new Chinese Bible. He was also professor at Marion College (now Indiana Wesleyan University), and pastored churches in Kentucky and Vermont. He received his Masters of Divinity at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky and received a PhD at Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts.
He was predeceased by his first wife Marith Bicksler in 1999. He is survived by his wife Evelyn Bicksler, children David Bicksler (Diane), Linda Bicksler, Kathi Walker (Kerry), step-children James Wesley Spurling (Pamela), David Spurling (Debra), Connie Tafoya (Ernie), Katherine Keaney (James), grandchildren Nicholas Walker (Jamie), Zachary Walker (Ashley), Alyssa Fain (Hayden), Christie Bicksler, Paul Bicksler, great-grandchildren Eli Walker, Thomas Walker, Nova Walker, and numerous step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.
Dr. Jay Paul Cook, D.Min. ’88, aged 70, affectionately called Pastor Jay or Dr. Jay, made his triumphant transition to Glory on December 19, 2022, from his residence in Newark, Ohio, surrounded by his loving family. Dr. Jay was born April 22, 1952 in Pittsburgh, the son of the late George Sturley and Virginia May (Cupples) Cook. He is survived by his wife of 46 years Mary Beth (Seibert) Cook, whom he met at WV Wesleyan College. He is also survived by a son Joshua Paul Cook and his partner Allison Fortney of Newark, OH; daughter Miriam Beth (Cook) Keenan and her husband Devin Allen Keenan of Fuquay-Varina, NC; grandchildren: Emily Clare and Logan James Cook of Newark, OH, Addilyn Mae and Quentin Allen Keenan of Fuquay-Varina NC; brother James Sturley Cook of Yalesville, CN; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Karen (Talbot) Cook of Yalesville, CN, Iva (Seibert) and Charles Keller of Richmond, VA, Mary Alice (Seibert) and David Merryman of Summersville, WV, Susan Seibert of Richmond, VA and John Seibert of Clarksburg, WV; eight nieces and nephews; eight great-nieces and great-nephews; and one great-great niece.
Dr. Jay is a 1970 graduate of Munhall High School in Pittsburgh; he was awarded a BA in 1974 from WV Wesleyan College; a Masters of Divinity in 1978 from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary; a Doctor of Ministry in 1988 from Asbury Theological Seminary. In 1979 he was Ordained as an Elder and Full Member of the Western PA United Methodist Conference. Dr. Jay faithfully and compassionately served the United Methodist Church for 46 years with appointments at: W Washington Edwards Chapel, Union Valley Charge, Dayton-Smicksburg Charge, Venetia Wrights, New Castle Croton, Albion Grace and Johnstown Westmont. In 2010 he retired from the Western PA UM Conference and moved to Summersville, WV. From 2010-2021 he served under retirement status the WV UM Church Conference appointments of Richwood Faith and Macedonia. Dr. Jay also enjoyed many years of coaching high school boys’ basketball and community baseball and girls’ softball teams. He was also a member of the Western PA First Spiritual Responders and received the Scouting Order of the Arrow – Vigil Honor.
Frances Todd Haslam, aged 91, or Stanwood, WA, passed away surrounded by loving family in the early morning hours of December 15, 2022. Frances Mae Todd was born in Brookhaven, MS on November 22,1931. She was the only child of Fred Hampton Todd and Goldie Mae (née White) Todd.
Frances (know later in life as “Fran”) dedicated a life of service to the elementary school students she taught and to the Free Methodist Church which she lovingly and skillfully served in various capacities during her adult life. She was known for her genteel sweetness, southern cooking and hosting skills, and an unexpectedly sly sense of humor – known for occasional “storytelling”. These were coupled with a strength of will that one doctor described to be “tough as nails”. She was a wonderfully warm, supportive, and loving mother, grand- and great-grandmother.
Frances grew up in Jackson, Mississippi where she excelled in school, graduating early from high school and earning her degree from Belhaven College at the age of twenty. The following fall of 1952 she enrolled at Asbury Theological Seminary where she met the love of her life, Robert Bruce Haslam. They were wed on August 2, 1953, which was the beginning of a 62-year romance.
After Bob graduated from seminary in 1954, he and Fran served two Free Methodist churches where Bob pastored first in Dearborn and then in Bangor, Michigan. While there, Fran was recruited to substitute teach in a local elementary school which introduced her to an almost 20-year career in childhood education. From 1960 – 1964 Fran and Bob served as Free Methodist missionaries to the Philippine Islands, playing critical roles in the establishment of Light and Life Bible College in Butuan City, Mindanao.
After returning to the U.S. Fran taught school full-time in Winona Lake, Indiana while Bob served as an Executive in the World Missions Department of the Free Methodist Church. Frances taught kindergarten and 3rd grade for many years, later serving as a reading specialist. During this time, she obtained a Master of Education Degree from the University of St. Francis in Ft. Wayne. Her skillful, patient, and empathetic presence positively impacted the lives of many children, some of whom remained in touch with her throughout her life.
For many summers during these years, Frances joined her husband as co-leader of Free Methodist World Missions tours in Central and Southern African countries, South America, and the Caribbean.
In 1982 Frances went to work for the Christian Education Department of the Free Methodist Church. And from 1988-97 she served as Director of the Marston Memorial Historical Center of the Free Methodist Church of North America, including overseeing the move of the entire collection from Winona Lake to Indianapolis, Indiana. She was lovingly dedicated to the preservation of Free Methodist heritage and history.
Fran’s was a life of devotion, as a gentle, kind, generous and thoughtful wife, mother, teacher, church member and friend. She was dedicated to serving others not out of obligation, but out of love.
Frances will be lovingly remembered by son, Daniel Haslam (Cynthia) of Everett, WA; daughter, Karis Haslam (Byron Merrick) of Baltimore, MD; four grandchildren, Rev. David Haslam (Jessica), Marcus Haslam, Philip Merrick and Sheridan Merrick and three great-grandsons, Micah, Rowan and Duke Haslam. Frances was preceded in death by her loving husband and life partner of 62 years, Rev. Robert Bruce Haslam in 2015.
Wilbert S. Hoffman, M.Div. ’62, aged 90, of North Port, Florida passed away on January 22, 2023. Wilbert, fondly known as “Hoppy” was born to Silas and Alice Hoffman on October 9, 1932. He spent his life as a Methodist pastor throughout Southern NJ and Southwest Florida with his main objective to evangelize and tell people about the Lord. Wilbert is survived by his wife Donnabelle and their four children, Michelle Craker (Dennis) Anderson, SC, Stephen (Sandra) Pittsgrove, NJ, Timothy, Louisville, KY and Melody Hamilton (David), Versailles, KY…eleven grandchildren, Stephanie, Heather, Jennifer, Ashley, Joshua, Andrew, Nathaniel, Timothy (Cole), Bonnie, Evelyn, Lillian and fifteen great grandchildren, Emmett, Ava, Jayce, Elisha (Zeke), Clara, Aiden, Hope, Levi, Jacob, Lillian, Abigail, Elijah, Judah, Luke and Noah. Wilbert grew up in Port Norris, NJ where he later became an oysterman working for his father until he owned his own boat “The Patience” and continued working as an oysterman until the Lord called him into the ministry. He graduated from Asbury College and went to Asbury Seminary where he began his ministry in Fintville, KY and Salem Methodist church. He joined the South Jersey Methodist Conference and pastored at the United Methodist churches at Millville, Westville, Audubon, Williamstown, Cape May Court House and back to Millville. He spent 36 years in the ministry and continued preaching even after retiring.
Elaine Rae Kilmer, aged 74, the daughter of Russell M. Vanderhoof and Bernice L. Ammerman Vanderhoof was born on September 5, 1948, in Lexington, KY, during the time her father was attending Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, KY. As the child of a Free Methodist pastor, she lived in Dallas, TX; Bowman’s Creek, PA; Wilkes-Barre, PA; Kingston, NY; Nescopeck, PA; and Mason City Iowa.
Elaine graduated from Mason City High School (Mason City, IA), class of 1967. She attended Roberts Wesleyan College (N. Chili, NY) for three semesters. In 1969 she was inducted into the Army. She did Basic Training at Fort McClellan, AL, Medic Training at Fort Sam Houston, TX, and On-the-Job-Training at Walter Reed, Washington, DC. She was stationed in Fort Lewis, WA, and Ft. Ord, CA. In 1971 she married Hans J. Lenz. Both received orders and went to Vietnam. They were divorced in 1973.
While in Vietnam, Elaine was a MASH (Mobile Army Surgical Hospital) nurse and was honorably discharged from the Army upon her return to Ft. Ord, CA. She returned to college and received a B.A. from Spring Arbor University, Spring Arbor, MI, (1976). She joined the National Guard in Chicago while living in Woodstock, IL, and was in attendance at O’Hare International Airport when the DC10 crashed with no survivors on May 25, 1979. She lived in El Paso, TX, for a short time before moving to Greenville, IL, where she resided for the next 34 years. She joined the Army Reserve unit in St. Louis and was put on active duty to attend a Respiratory Therapy School in Ft. Sam Houston, TX. It was there she hurt her back and subsequently received a medical discharge with disability. She retired from the Reserves in 1989.
In 1992, Elaine married Daniel Andrew Kilmer, and spent seven years with “the love of her life.” Following diagnosis, treatment, and remission of cancer in 1997, Elaine became a cancer survivor. Her husband, however, died of cancer two years later in 1999. Raising no children of her own, Elaine’s affections spread out to her siblings’ children and she became an amazing role model to them and the next generation.
During her years in Greenville, Elaine worked at Hillview Manor Nursing Home (later, Greenville Gardens) and volunteered at the Pregnancy Support Center. She taught computer classes for adults. She was a Charter member and life member of AMVETS Post 140, serving as chaplain of the organization since it was started, and was the recipient of the Bond County Veterans Appreciation Award in 2001. She was a member of the Free Methodist Church, where she loved teaching the children and singing in the choir. She also served as a nurse for the F.M. camp for handicapped children. She sang in presentations of Handel’s Messiah more than 30 years. She took classes and received and a Master’s degree from the University of Phoenix (1998).
Beginning in 2010, Elaine became a “snow-bird” on the Florida Holiness Campground in Lakeland, FL, during the winter months. She loved Florida and became a permanent resident there in 2013 and lived there the rest of her life other than the three years from 2019 to June 2022 when she lived in St. Charles, MO. In Lakeland, she sang in the choir and was a faithful member of the handbell choir for 10 years. She was a volunteer nurse at the Talbot House Free Clinic for six years. Following a series of strokes in December, 2022, she died peacefully in her own beloved trailer home on the Florida Holiness Campground.
Elaine’s gift of caring for others found an outlet in missions over the years. During spring break in 1969 she went to Spanish Harlem in New York City as part of a VISA team (Volunteers in Service Abroad). She served as a nurse on subsequent VISA/missions tours to Puerto Rico, The Dominican Republic and Haiti (summer 1976), Brazil (summer 1979) and on two later mission trips to Mexico (summer 1985) and Bolivia (summer 2011). She served as a missionary nurse under the Free Methodist Mission Board for one year in Rwanda where she “left her heart” (May 2006-March 2007). While there she also taught Secondary School Level Computer, did hospital administration and community outreach.
Among her many interests was a love for music—listening and singing and playing handbells. She enjoyed fishing and had several “fishing buddies” in Greenville throughout her years there. Her wedding anniversaries were celebrated each year fishing with Dan. They also spent many hours together watching the nearby nesting eagles. She appreciated good programs and movies. Favorites included Fiddler on the Roof, It’s a Wonderful Life, and Babylon 5. And she never missed Jeopardy if she could help it! She was not a sports fan, but always watched the Army/Navy football game, cheering vigorously for Army. She was a true scholar and an avid reader in a wide variety of genre. She spent hours each day studying the Word of God.
Elaine loved the USA. She was passionately patriotic and thoroughly educated herself in the politics and government of the United States from an early age. She kept herself knowledgeable of current events around the world as well. She prayed for scores of missionaries and financially supported some, along with children in the third world. She loved Israel and from the age of 8, was immensely proud of the fact that a nation (the modern State of Israel) had been born the same year that she was born. A highlight of her life was her trip to Israel in January 2018.
Above all else, Elaine loved her LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ. She first “gave her heart to Him” at four years of age, and served Him faithfully and wholeheartedly throughout her lifetime. Near the latter years of her life, she began studying the Jewish roots of Christianity and began to call herself a “Torah-Observant Christian who loves Yahweh with all of her heart.” She attended the Festival of Sukkot in Chandler, OK, for several years. She attended Beit B’Resheet Messianic Congregation in Overland, MO, and the congregation Beit Tehila in Brandon, FL. She loved to sing and dance and blow her shofar. Throughout her lifetime, she immersed herself in the Word of God, and endeavored to love the LORD her God with all her heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love her neighbor as herself, serving Him faithfully in nine countries around the world.
Elaine is predeceased by her parents, Russell and Bernie Vanderhoof, and by her husband, Daniel Kilmer. She is survived by her sister Colleen Peters of McPherson, KS, her sister Lenore (Don) Sweigard of Wilmore, KY, her brother Dale (Becky) Vanderhoof of Larned, KS, four nephews (David Peters, Andrew Sweigard, Aaron Sweigard, Nathan Vanderhoof), two nieces (Rachel Giles and Sarah Ekeland), their spouses and children (11 grand nieces and nephews).
Dale Eugene “Gene” Pickard, M.Div. ’75, aged 75, died January 18, 2023, at his home in Haviland, Kansas. He was born March 21, 1947, in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, the son of Dale and Louva Maude (Bailey) Pickard. Gene graduated from Mt Pleasant High School in 1965, and attended Barclay College, Asbury Seminary and earned a Doctorate in Missiology from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He also attended the Spanish Institute in Costa Rica. He was a College Professor and Missionary. Gene was currently teaching Greek at Barclay College. He had lived in San Antonio, Texas, Kentucky, Costa Rica, Guatemala, California and Haviland. He was a member of The Friends Church. On June 28, 1970, Gene married Myra Williamson in Sturgis, South Dakota. She survives. Other survivors include one son Jason Pickard and wife Esther, Edmond, Oklahoma, one daughter Heather Haase and husband Ryan, Haviland, five Grandchildren Axton, Asher, Ainsley and Andyn Pickard and Westen Haase, one brother Larry Pickard, Kalona, Iowa, and lots of nieces and nephews, He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Sandra Pickard and a sister-in-law Bonnie Pickard.
Rip Soldiers of the cross
I also was born in Mount Pleasant, Iowa in 1946. I enjoyed reading about the legacy of Reverend Pickard