Obituaries
Robert F. “Bob” Andrews, aged 63, died Monday February 13, 2023 in Louisville, KY from complications of COVID-19.
Bob came to Lexington from Rochester, NY in the early 1980s originally to attend Asbury Theological Seminary. After leaving Asbury, Bob immersed himself in Lexington’s cultural scene doing hair and makeup for the Lexington Opera House and UK’s Spotlight Series, stage lighting at Cafe LMNOP, creating window displays at Deja Vu clothing store, and opening the first of his many businesses, The Paisley Peacock, a vintage clothing, alternative fashion, and bead shop close to campus. The Paisley Peacock was followed by Retail Hell, Thingamabob’s, Heresy Music Club, and finally Recyclopath. Bob was blessed with tremendous energy and a passion for food and continued to work as a chef in many local restaurants including, most famously, Cheapside and Mia’s. Many of his legendary recipes are still remembered today.
Bob left Lexington in 2015 after experiencing serious health issues, eventually settling in Providence, KY where Teen Challenge of Western Kentucky benefited from his energy, creativity, and generosity. In Providence, Bob reconnected with his Christian faith, attended Liberty Praise Chapel, and made many more friends.
Bob was predeceased by his parents Robert L. and Caroline M. Andrews, and his brother, Thomas Andrews (Mary). He is survived by his five siblings: Robin French (Michael), Russell Andrews (Cindy), Laurie Andrews (Sarah), Renee Gaudio (James), their children and grandchildren and a multitude of loving friends, especially his lifelong friends Sharon Boyd Hayes and Curtis Grace. If you met Bob even once, you were not likely to forget him.
Mrs. Erb graduated from West Middlesex High School in 1953 and Sharon General Hospital School of Nursing in 1956. She worked as a registered nurse briefly at Sharon General Hospital and then in Lexington, KY, while her husband attended Asbury Seminary. She and her husband served as missionaries in the Philippines from 1965 to 1969.
Janice was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She devoted much of her life to raising her family (including several foster children) and serving faithfully alongside her husband as a pastor’s wife. From the early 1970s until recent years, Jan and Jim opened their home regularly for Christian gatherings and small groups including many young adults.
Raised on a small farm, Jan often spoke fondly of her childhood and the simple pleasures of growing up in the country. She was known as a kind, caring and praying person who gave a listening ear to others. She also spoke with gratitude about the opportunities to travel and minister in many countries with her husband.
Survivors include a son: Jeffrie Erb (Diana) of Utica, KY; and two daughters, Julie Clarke of Mercer; and Janeen Weisman (John) of New Wilmington. Also surviving is one sister, Shirley Mae Garrett of Greenville. Completing the family are nine grandchildren, Phillip Erb, Olivia Gold, Isaac Weisman, Lucas Clarke, McKenzie Watkins, John-Mark Weisman, Logan Clarke, Lydia Tarleton and Jonah Weisman; and four great-grandchildren, Chase Boling, Averie Weisman, Jude and Riley Gold. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and two sisters, Jo Lene Mitcheltree and and Joyce Criddle.
Harold Carson Holland, aged 88, elder son of Harold Ray and Florence Rebecca (Carson) Holland was born September 20, 1934, in Lincoln, Nebraska, and departed this earth life on March 29, 2023 in Richmond, Kansas.
Harold grew up on the family farm in Southern Jefferson County, Nebraska graduating from a one room country school in 1948. He attended and graduated from Fairbury, NE High School with Honors in 1952. His secondary education included Nebraska Wesleyan University, Lincoln, NE and a Bachelor’s Degree from Houghton College, Houghton, NY in 1956. Harold also graduated with a Master’s Degree from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. As an Ordained Pastor, he attended Asbury Theological Seminary, Kentucky and graduated from the Candler School of Theology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA.
Harold was united in marriage with Mary Alice Heimer, Gypsum, KS in 1962. To this Union, three sons were born, Bruce, Brian and Brent. As an avid sports enthusiast, Harold followed his sons’ and grandchildren’s sports and other school activities with great interest.
Harold fulfilled God’s Calling upon his life as a Pastor in one Nebraska County and five Kansas Counties. After early retirement, Harold was employed in Retail and Insurance. Harold, Mary and their challenged son, Brent, moved to Ottawa, KS in 2006.
Harold, or Hal, as he was often called in later life, is survived by his wife of sixty anniversaries, of the home; three sons, Bruce, Denver, CO, Brian and his wife, Karen, Overland Park, and Brent, Ottawa; five grandchildren, Reed, Knoxville, TN, Caitlin and her husband Kyle, Denver, CO, Blake, Overland Park, Riley, Alamosa, CO and Kenzie, Overland Park; his brother, Cecil and his wife, DeAnna, Filley, NE; several nieces and nephews; other family members and friends in the USA, the UK, Sweden and Ireland.
Calvin Pitts, B.Div. ’61, aged 89, husband of Wanda White, passed away on February 20, 2023, Sadieville, KY. Calvin was born on November 11, 1933, in Ryan, Oklahoma, He was the youngest son to the late Joseph Stanton Pitts and Pearl Jackson Pitts.
The Pitts family moved to Lexington, KY where his father pastored the First Church of the Nazarene. After his father joined the army the family moved to Wilmore, KY. Following World War II his family went to the mission field to witness and minister the people of the Philippines from 1940-1951.
Calvin returned to America to attend Bethany Nazarene college from 1952-1956. He pastored the Church of the Nazarene of Port Acres, TX and then continued his education at Asbury Theological Seminary. While there he served as student body president.
He later became the minister of music at the church of God in Anderson, IN. He later became the pastor of a church in Middleboro, OH and served as a missionary in Mexico.
Upon returning to the U.S. he taught high school aviation and aerospace in Culver City, CA. During this time, he also attended flight school. Following his flight education, he worked for NASA in public relations and began his flight career with Delta, and then DHL.
Calvin was a devout Christian, loyal friend, intelligent scholar, avid reader, educated theologian, and most importantly a person that cared deeply for others and lived life to the absolute fullest.
In addition to his wife he is survived by 2 sons Darryl and Steve Pitts, step-daughter Sharon Lynn, and step-son Robert Lee Clark, 3 grandchildren Kate, Rachel, and Melissa, a brother Joe (Virginia) Pitts, a sister Joyce (Mike) Welch, and several nieces & nephews.
He enjoyed reading, eating tasty food, spending time with friends, tending his yard, and sports.
In 1999, Nadine heard the call to ministry. She graduated from Asbury Theological Seminary and was appointed as Pastor at Zellwood United Methodist Church where she served for 14 years.
Nadine enjoyed traveling with friends, trips to the beach, going to the movies, playing board games and Scrabble with her mom and learning to speak Spanish. Her greatest joy was visiting, celebrating and worshiping with family and friends.
Nadine blessed so many during her entire life with her gift of discernment and counsel, by living in the Fruit of the Spirit Gal 5:22.
Nadine is predeceased by Father – Charles W. Richmond, Mother – Ellen Cecil Richmond, Brother – Gregory Richmond, and Sister – Marlene Richmond. She is survived by Brother – Douglas J. Richmond, Nephew Douglas C. Richmond, his wife Nicole and their three children. Nephew – Blake Richmond, Denese Richmond, Barbara Gurley, Chris & Chelsea Bodden.
I’m saddened to see that David Ashworth passed in early March. We were roommates in Larabee-Morris for a year. “Absent from the body, present with the Lord.” II Cor. 5:8