Obituaries
Ned George Brause, M.Div. ’85, aged 66, of Holland, passed away on February 27, 2025 in Grand Rapids, MI.
Ned was born in Lima, OH to Dorsey Wayland Brause and Doris Lucille Brause on June 19, 1958. He attended Taylor University for one year and went on to earn four post-high school degrees: a B.A. in Bible from Greenville College, a Masters of Divinity from Asbury Seminary, an Electrical Engineering Technology Associates Degree from ITT Tech, and a Masters in Management from Indiana Wesleyan University. After a year as pastor at the Free Methodist Church in Birds, IL, he eventually worked as an electrical engineer at Group Dekko in Kendallville, IN for 17 years and at Underwriters Laboratory in Northbrook, IL for 12 years. He was a model railroader and an avid reader of a wide variety of subjects: i.e., Christian literature, historical novels and biographies, wartime fiction and mystery novels. Ned was a talented singer, musician and tuba player. He played sousaphone in his high school marching bands in NJ and NY. In college, Ned was the student director of the Greenville College Band, at Asbury Seminary he sang and toured with their “Singing Seminarians”. Ned Brause was a musically gifted, spiritually faithful man you could count on, diligent, ready-with-a-smile man and he will be greatly missed.
Ned is survived by his wife, Linda P. Brause; two sons, Nathan James Brause and David Dorsey Brause, both of Holland, MI; his sister, Ann Brause Barkley, (Don) of Laguna Niguel, CA; nephews Taylor Barkley (Rachel) , Camden Barkley (Catherine), Colson Barkley (Haylie) and Elizabeth (Barkley) LeGris (Danny). Ned is also survived by his uncle, John Oswalt, (Karen), aunt, Marvel Oswalt Johnson, and cousin, Elizabeth Oswalt West, along with husband Tim and son Jonathan. The Wests have been a dedicated and sacrificially-loving support since the Brause family moved to Holland in 2015. He is preceded in death by his parents, Dorsey and Doris Oswalt Brause, of Mission Viejo, CA.
Thomas Edward “Ed” Davis, Jr., B.Div. ’59, aged 91, of Indianapolis, passed away March 7, 2025. He was born September 29, 1933 in Macon, Georgia to the late Thomas E., Sr. and Rosa Belle (Flowers) Davis. Ed received his bachelor’s degree from Greenville College now Greenville University, Greenville, Illinois. Ed married Janice M. Soybe August 6, 1955 and was a teacher at Lorne Park Junior College, Ontario, Canada for four years.
Ed received his Master’s Degree in Theology in 1959 from Asbury Theological Seminary. He pastored three churches over 30 years, Ritter Avenue Free Methodist, Indianapolis, Attica Free Methodist, Attica, and Spraytown Free Methodist Church, Seymour. During this time, Ed was also a claims adjuster for State Farm Insurance for 30 years, retiring in the early 1990’s.
Ed and Janice were longtime members of Aldersgate Free Methodist Church where they both enjoyed singing in the choir. After retiring they traveled the world and traveled the country in their RV based in Lakeland, Florida.
Ed is survived by his children, Stephen Lee Davis (Susan) and Angela Fay Meier (Allen); grandchildren, Ethan Edward Davis, Daniel Meier, Timothy Meier and Christopher Meier; and sister, Ruth Carey (Ed). He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 68 years, Janice M. Davis; sister, Anne Billings; and brother-in-law, Lee Billings.
Paul Dickinson, M.Div. ’68, aged 81, a devoted minister, loving husband, cherished father and grandfather, passed away in Lakeland, Florida on February 24, 2025, at the age of 81.
After graduating from Asbury College and Asbury Theological Seminary, Paul served as a Methodist Minister in the Florida Conference for 40 years. Paul was a lifelong tennis player and enjoyed backpacking and playing basketball with his grandchildren.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents Lewis and Blanche (Houser) Dickinson, his sister Mary Nordmark, his wife Sarah (Farlow) Dickinson and his grandson Ryan Dickinson.
He is survived by his brother Lew Dickinson, children Mark (Janet) and Amy Brown (Paul), six grandchildren and one great grandchild.
He was born in Maple Grove, just outside of Rimersburg, on April 16, 1935 to the Reverend W. Bruce Hankey and Pauline K. Hankey (Womeldorf).
Rev. Hankey was a 10th-generation Pennsylvanian. He grew up in Rimersburg, and worked with his father at the Ford dealership in Rimersburg.
He graduated from Union High School in 1953. He matriculated at Clarion State Teachers College and graduated in 1957.
He married Nancy Janice Buzard on June 14, 1958. They enjoyed 61 years of marriage. She preceded him in death on September 14, 2019. She has been waiting impatiently for him ever since.
They moved to Wilmore, Ky. where he studied at Asbury Theological Seminary and received his Master of Divinity degree. He was ordained in the United Methodist Church in 1960, following in the steps of his father and paternal grandfather, and accepted his first parish, in the Western Pennsylvania Conference at Johnsonburg, where he served from 1960-1966.
He moved to Lakeside in DuBois, where he preached until 1970. Grace Meadville was his home pulpit until 1982. Cochranton, Fallowfield and Cambridge Springs were his final three parishes until his “retirement” in 1997, when he and his wife settled in Grove City. In the earlier days of his ministry, Wesley Woods United Methodist Camp in Warren County was a fixture in his summers. In his “retirement,” he continued to preach – first at West Sunbury Presbyterian Church and then at Pleasantview United Methodist in Wesley until six weeks before his passing.
He’ll be remembered as a gentle soul with a wicked sense of ironic humor. He enjoyed traveling and visited all of the Lower 48. He loved the National Parks. His big favorites were Yellowstone, Yosemite, Crater Lake and Grand Canyon, where he was awed by what his Creator had made. He and Nancy were fortunate to have had a parishioner at the Fallowfield Church endow a trip to the Holy Land. It was a trip that meant the world to them.
He was a devoted fan of all things Black and Gold and attended many games over the years, including the 1974 All-Star game. He watched the Pirates beat the Reds for the pennant in 1979 and looked on as his kids and their friends ran on the field afterwards to celebrate with the other fans. A few days later he watched the Buccos give up 6 runs in the 8th to the Orioles in Game 4 of the World Series and walked out of a quiet but full Three Rivers Stadium with the Pirates down 3-1. It was bleak, but he remained hopeful, and all turned out well.
His love of the Pirates led to one of the most embarrassing moments of his career. He was consoling a recently bereaved family in October 1960, just months after his appointment to Johnsonburg. The family had Game 7 of the World Series on with the volume down. As he was about to lead the mourners in prayer, Bill Mazeroski hit the home run that he’s known for. Reverend Hankey let out a whoop of joy that he couldn’t contain.
He was a voracious reader of history and politics and enjoyed “discussing” the issues of the day.
He loved his pets, both canine and feline.
He is survived and already mightily missed by his daughter, Polly of Grove City; his son, Ronald Hankey and daughter-in-law, Rita Melhem of Falls Church, Va.; his grandson, Holden Hull of Crafton; his granddaughter, Natalie Hankey of New York City; his brother, Ray and sister-in law, Etta Fay of Renfrew; his naughty pup, Daisy; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Brian Todd Jones, M.A. in Youth Ministry ’02, aged 51, of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, died March 14th after a heroic battle with ALS.
Brian was born on March 5, 1974, and grew up in Mullens, West Virginia. Brian’s parents, Nancy and Allen Lindsay, were endlessly proud of Brian from the start. His bright mind, thoughtful heart, and incredible talent have always been gifts to behold. From his gifted and talented days in school, to working for the FBI, attending Asbury Theological Seminary, and working at several churches as a pastor, Brian worked to make everything he was a part of better than he found it.
In 2001, Brian met his wife Danielle (Hample) while they were both on staff with Youthworks. It was love at first laugh. Brian’s quick wit and sarcasm, seamlessly woven with his deep and unmistakable faith, captured Danielle’s equally sharp and faithful heart from the start. The two of them fell in love strategizing over how to best share the Good News with teenagers through
youth groups in Newnan, Georgia and Edina, Minnesota.
Brian’s greatest achievement was becoming a father to Campbell and Charlotte. As he described it, his heart “literally melted” when his life changed for good on the days they were born. Together, the Jones family laughed, loved, served, and savored every day they had as a family of four.
Brian’s unmatched creativity and strategic mind led him to co-create a mission called Innové. He worked with churches around the country to help social entrepreneurs with good ideas to serve
the world get what they needed to succeed. Brian believed the best social incubators are churches because they are filled with gifted and faithful people who care about their communities. Brian was an avid collector of 80’s toys, Marvel comics, and information of every kind. He was passionate about following Jesus, loving his girls, serving his neighbors, and lifting up others as a church consultant, mentor, business owner, husband, father, and friend, and he will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Born into a missionary family, Don himself was called into ministry, and completed his undergraduate education at Mount Vernon Nazarene College (now University – Class of 1983, B.A.). He completed his post-graduate education at Nazarene Theological Seminary (Class of 1988, M.Div.) and Asbury Theological Seminary (Class of 2009, DD). He served as pastor of Springwater Church of the Nazarene (Springwater, NY 1988-1994), Christ Community Church (Syracuse, NY 1994-2008), and Coshocton First Church of the Nazarene (Coshocton, OH 2008-2013). Don served with The Church of the Nazarene Foundation 2013-2019, then returned to pastoral ministry at Parkside Church of the Nazarene (Westlake, OH 2019-2025).
Outside of ministry, Don loved sports, especially golf which he played as often as he was able. He was an avid reader, coffee drinker, and coin collector. He is also remembered for his love of photography, especially of vacations to Hilton Head Island and sunrises on Lake Erie. But more than anything, Don loved God and loved people, and his ministry was a daily passion he instilled in everything he did rather than a job confined to a church building. To meet Don was to truly meet a carrier of the joy of Christ, and the impact he had on the world is immeasurable. He was an inspiration to all who knew him.
She was born on August 30, 1939, at Trask, IN, daughter of Frances Margaret Wolfgang and Rigdon William Sheppard.
She graduated from Roll High School, Blackford County, IN, in 1957. Carolyn Wolfgang married Stanley Ralph Lewis on June 3, 1964. Together, they had a son and a daughter and lived in Belgium, Switzerland, Burundi, E. Africa, Hutchinson, KS, and Marion, IN. Carolyn spent two years at Taylor University before transferring to Ball State University in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in home economics.
She graduated in 1962. After teaching for a year, she began taking classes at Asbury Seminary in pursuit of a call to missions. In 1963, she lived in Honduras for the summer as an intern with World Gospel Mission (Marion, IN). And then in 1968, Carolyn and Stan were appointed as missionaries to Burundi, E. Africa, by World Gospel Mission, serving until 1981. Carolyn continued to pursue teaching, along the way completing a master’s degree in social studies from Ball State University (1986) and acquiring professional teaching licenses in social studies, home economics, and French. She was a longtime member of Lakeview Wesleyan Church, Marion, IN, involved and committed. She was passionate about her family, immediate and extended, missions and prayer, and travel – starting with a brief plane ride at age 16, across Latin America, Europe, and Africa; and in retirement on to China at age 73 and then Peru, hiking to Machu Pichu at age 78.
She is survived by son, Stephen (Anderson, IN); brother, Michael Smith and wife, Mignon (Gilbert, AZ); son-in-law, Matthew Van Order (Hamilton, MI); four grandchildren, Sara, Carter, Brandon, and Joshua Van Order (Hamilton, MI); niece, Melanie Parkinson; nephew, Jeremy Smith, and a host of cousins. She was preceded in death by grandfather, (Pa) Clarence Heber Wolfgang (August 6, 1966); grandmother, (Mom) Amelia (Swarts) Wolfgang (January 28, 1972); nephew, Michael Emmett Smith Jr. (May 25, 2008); mother, Frances Margaret (Wolfgang) Smith (March 28, 2016); daughter, Christina Suzann (Lewis) Van Order (March 23, 2023), and husband, Stanley Ralph Lewis (July 29, 2024).
Billy Eugene Loflin, aged 91, went peacefully to be with Jesus on March 3rd, 2025, at home with his family.
Billy was born on September 1st, 1933, in Montgomery County, NC to Eli Bradley Loflin and Virginia Fine Loflin. He graduated from Troy High School in the Class of 1953. He attended John Wesley College and Southern Pilgrim College.
Billy was a dedicated, hardworking businessman and entrepreneur. He entered the homebuilding business in the early 1960s in Michigan and later in the Southeastern US.
He was a founding director of Owosso Savings Bank in Owosso, Michigan. He founded Select Homes in Asheboro in 1984, and continued providing quality, affordable homes until the closing of Select Homes in 2022. Billy had a passion for automobiles and planes. He purchased his first plane in 1958 and was an avid pilot who also enjoyed buying and selling planes and automobiles.
Lending his business leadership and his interest in missions, Billy served on the boards of Owosso College, Marion College (now Indiana Wesleyan) and Asbury Seminary, as well as the United States Plastic Corporation.
Billy was a member of Fayetteville Street Baptist Church for many years.
He is survived by his wife, Kim Loflin, and his sons, Mike, of Port Charlotte, FL, B. Dale, of Asheboro and Byron (Anne) Loflin of Greensboro, and his daughters, Kathy Sanders (John) of Rockville, MD and Brittnee Hinkle (Doyle) of Asheboro, NC. He had great pride in his grandchildren, Brendan Loflin (Lea), Jonathan Loflin, Theresa Pippin (Stephen), Bradley Loflin (Georgia), Amanda Loflin, Megan Sommers (Joe), Michael Loflin (Amanda), Aurora York, Tucker Loflin, Jack Sanders, Steven Loflin, Jr., Jessica Pigg (Max), Vanna Hinkle and Vaeda Hinkle, and great grandchildren, Peter, Lucy, Addy and John Loflin, Luke and Ben Pippin, Atlee Loflin, Millie and Virginia Sommers, Rhodes, Keats and Shaye Loflin, Landon, Larissa and Lacey Pigg, and Elijah Loflin, and many other Fine and Loflin family members.
Billy is survived by his brothers Joe Loflin and Robert Loflin (Joan) and his sister Vangie Crisco.
In addition to his parents, Billy was predeceased by his brothers, Wes, Clarence and Douglas Loflin, and sisters, Dorothy Hill, Marlene Efird, and Carlene Varner, brothers-in-law, Frank Varner, William Hill and Ron Crisco and by his son, Steven B. Loflin, Sr., his daughter-in-law Debby Loflin, and his great grandchildren, Mabel Sommers and Bo Pippin.
Born on July 18, 1942, in Muncie, Indiana, Stephen demonstrated an early passion for learning and ministry. He completed high school in Felsmere, Florida, in just three years and continued his education at Taylor University. His theological journey led him to Asbury Seminary and later to Luther Rice Seminary, where he earned his Doctorate of Ministry. His deep commitment to the Word of God shaped his life’s work as a preacher, teacher, and author.
Stephen dedicated 57 years to evangelism. His ministry took him across all fifty states and to numerous countries as a missionary evangelist. From 1986 to 1994, he served as the Chair of Evangelism at Nazarene Bible College, mentoring future ministers with his unwavering passion for spreading the Gospel. He also authored numerous books and commentaries—intense studies that reflected his deep understanding of Scripture.
In 2009, Stephen founded the Cross Style Church of the Nazarene in Lebanon, Tennessee. His commitment to compassionate ministry extended beyond the pulpit; he also served as Chaplain of the Wilson County Jail in Lebanon. Cross Style Life Recovery is a highlight of his ministry, leading men and women from jail and addictions into a life saving relationship with Jesus. Known affectionately as “the Ultimate Jesus Pusher,” he lived out his faith with conviction and love.
Stephen married Delphine Oliver on August 13, 1961. Their marriage spanned over 63 years—a testament to their enduring love and partnership in ministry. Together they raised two children: Stephen C. Manley (Kim) and Vangie Manley Walls. He was a cherished grandfather to Aaron Williams (Ana), Jacie Williams Epperhart (Cole), Kaleigh Mae Manley, and great-grandfather to Paislee Williams, Posie Epperhart, Rainer Williams, and Oaklee Williams. He is also survived by his sister Judith Owens of Anderson, Indiana, and brother Michael Manley (Jan) of Hixson, Tennessee. He was preceded in death by his parents, George (1978) and Georgia Edwinna Manley (2004).
Beyond his ministry work, Stephen was an avid runner who prioritized health and wellness throughout his life. Remarkably healthy for 81 years, he first showed signs of illness on April 1, 2024. On May 21 of that year, he was diagnosed with Glioblastoma—an incurable brain cancer—which he faced with courage and faith.
Dr. Manley’s unwavering dedication to Christ continues through those he mentored and ministered to throughout his lifetime. His memory will remain a guiding light for all who knew him.
George Roger Schoenhals, B.Div. ’64, aged 85, was born March 8, 1939 in Huntington, Indiana to Mildred and Lawrence Schoenhals. He joined Stephanie in the family, a friend for life and adoring older sister. Raised in a home filled with faith and music, Roger had plenty of love to cushion the falls of his rambunctious and mischievous childhood. He never lost his hunger for adventure.
After graduating from Queen Anne High School, he attended Seattle Pacific College. Over the summer, while manning the Granite Mountain Fire Lookout, he was compelled to read the gospel of Matthew, surely an answer to his parents’ prayers when they gifted their son the small Bible to carry up the mountain with him. Over the next months, the sparks of faith grew and Roger embraced God’s grace for his greatest adventure of all—a lifelong journey walking with Jesus.
After college he enrolled at Biblical Seminary in New York and at Asbury Theological Seminary in Kentucky. During this time, he began a pastoral internship at Ferndale Free Methodist Church in Michigan, where a young woman named Sandra Quantrell was helping lead the youth group. That summer he gained more than ministry experience—he met the love of his life who would be his companion for the next 58 years!
Roger and Sandy married on August 15, 1964. Seven years into their marriage, while pastoring in Ellensburg, baby Jonathan was born. Soon after, the little family moved, along with their malamute dogs, to Warsaw, Indiana. There they welcomed daughter Sara, and eventually Anna and Julia. During the family’s years in Indiana, Roger worked in publishing for the Free Methodist denomination and planted a church. These were special years, with proximity to family and a rich community of friends.
In 1980, Roger moved his family to the Seattle area where he would pastor North City (now Shoreline) Free Methodist Church. While his pastor’s heart and investments in the local church never diminished, his vocation shifted a few years later toward charitable gift planning. Roger served as the Director of Planned Giving at Seattle Pacific University and in 1990 launched his own business and publication, Planned Giving Today, from the family’s dining room table in Richmond Beach. His entrepreneurial spirit and gifts as a compelling author and communicator had an indelible impact on the industry and community of charitable gift planners across the United States and Canada.
With their children grown and off on their own adventures, Roger and Sandy moved to their off-grid home up Icicle Creek Road above Leavenworth, Washington, affectionately known as Alpenglow. Their mountain home was an oasis for family and friends, and a home base for many hikes and morning cook outs at “Breakfast Rock,” where Roger loved to treat others to a fully-loaded scrambled eggs breakfast. Roger continued writing, and turned his attention increasingly to inspirational exposition of scripture and storytelling. He was an early adopter, pastoring a virtual community of sorts through devotional emails, intercession, and the daily call to “Pause And Pray At 3” (PAPA3). During this time, he also published the books that would be most precious to his family, as they catalog both his daring escapades and dependence on God.
In 2019, after enjoying a few years in Wenatchee, Washington, Roger and Sandy returned to live west of the mountains in the welcoming Warm Beach Senior Community. Within a year the family was facing Sandy’s diagnosis and journey with Lewy Body Dementia, and then Roger’s battle with the disease. In God’s good mercy, the most brutal phase of the disease was also the fastest for Roger.
On February 14, 2025, Roger Schoenhals, surrounded and held by family, transitioned into his eternal home for a beloved Valentine’s Day with our Lord and with his beautiful bride. We are quite certain that as he took in the splendor and glory of God’s presence, he proclaimed with gusto, “Now THIS is living!”
Among the many hats that Roger wore were faithful husband, pastor, businessman, dog trainer, forest ranger, fisherman, explorer, pilot, traveler, and author. He will be missed as a devoted dad, papa (grandpa), and loyal friend. He is survived by children Jonathan Schoenhals (Karin), Sara Schoenhals Martinez (Joe), Anna Schoenhals Kalepo, and Julia Cohalan (Tim); grandchildren Naomi, Josiah, Isla, and Eamon; and many other loved ones.
Rev. Dr. Wesley E. Vanderhoof, M.Div. ’68, aged 84, was born at home in Dover, New Jersey, on December 16, 1940, and was embraced peacefully into the arms of his Savior on February 23, 2025, at Strong Memorial Hospital. In his 84 years of life, he became known for showing both his serious exterior and his joyful soul.
He met his future wife Nancy at Roberts Wesleyan College (now University) while pursuing a Bachelor’s in English. They married in August of 1962 after she graduated. Following his graduation in 1963, he earned a Master’s from the University of Iowa, a Master’s of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky, and a PhD from the University of Buffalo.
Wes dedicated his life to the pursuit of knowledge, teaching others, and following the Lord. He pastored two congregations in the Catskills before returning to Roberts in 1968. During his 35-year tenure at his alma mater, he taught Old and New Testament Classes before becoming Registrar. After his retirement in 2003, he spent his days doing what he loved most: playing Solitaire, completing crossword puzzles in pen, eating ice cream, and spending time with family.
He is predeceased by his parents Edward and Jeannette (Swingle) Vanderhoof. He is survived and deeply missed by his wife to whom he was faithfully devoted for 62 years, Nancy (Shaffer); his children Marna (Robert) Distaffen, and Kara (Richard) Burke; and his seven grandchildren: Kaleigh, Hannah, and Rebekah Distaffen, and Wesley, Emma, Cameron, and Andrew Burke.
He is also survived by his brother, Donald (Roe) Vanderhoof, and sister, Madelyn (Robert) Andrews, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.
Boppa, as he was known by his grandchildren, has left a lasting memory on everyone who knew and loved him. His legacy will live on through his children, grandchildren, students, and dear friends, and he will always be remembered for his quick wit and gentle nature. He was a great man–a mountain of a man in a tiny body–and he will be missed fiercely.
Ronald J. Woughter, M.Div. ’87, aged 72, of Greenville, passed away Wednesday afternoon, March 12, 2025, at his residence.
He was born in Elmira, NY, on May 2, 1952, and was the son of the late William and Marjorie (Wilson) Woughter. Ron had attended the United Wesleyan College, Allentown, PA, and Asbury College, Wilmore, KY, then went on to attend Asbury Seminary, where he obtained his master’s degree in theology. He was an ordained minister with the Free Methodist Church and had been employed by the Greenville Record Argus and Quick Print, Hermitage. He loved studying the Bible, riding his motorcycle and fellowship with friends and family over a hearty meal.
He is survived by his children, Sherrie Woughter, Hermitage, Traci (Chad) Dailey, Greenville, and Steve (Artee) Woughter, Newark, OH; stepchildren Tommy (Amy) Ritchey, Greenville, Bryan Ritchey, Pittsburgh and their mother Elaine (Haws) Woughter; a brother, William (Joyce) Woughter, Killeen, TX; a dear friend, Melody Dickson, Greenville; and nine grandchildren, Haley Henry, William Woughter, Presley Souders, Meher Woughter, Chase Dailey, Vincent Ritchey, Jacob Dailey, Aubrey Ritchey, Soren Souders; and one great grandson, Jaelon Kane.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Patty Woughter.
Don Lain was a longtime friend and sold me my first motorcycle. He was a man of God and man of great integrity and humor. We both greatly admired the amazing Evangelist Dr. Stephen Manley and I think Don would be honored to share this page with him. I heard Dr. Manley preach many times and always appreciated his easy style and relatability. Our world was blessed to have two great servants of God.