Obituaries

The Reverend Colin McGregor Crouch, 78, died on Thursday, July 24, 2025. He was the beloved husband of Linda Lou Crouch and father to Chad (Amy) Crouch, Chris (Amy) Crouch, and Lainie (David Kaiser). He was Grandpa/PawPaw to Preston, Caitlyn, Camden, Mason, Deacon, Beckett, and Sloane Clover.

Colin was raised in Grove City, Pennsylvania and moved to Kentucky to attend Asbury College, where he met his wife of 57 years. He earned his Masters of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary in 1972 and served the Lord as a pastor in the Christian and Missionary Alliance denomination for over 40 years. In his retirement, he worked as a “handy man” and looked for ways to minister to his customers in tangible ways.

He was known for his charisma and jokes. He liked to make someone laugh as much as he loved to tell you about Jesus or how proud he was of his family. His life verse was Isaiah 41:10 which says, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Even as he navigated Leukemia at the end of his life, he clung unwaveringly to the Lord’s sustaining grace, eagerly proclaiming God’s faithfulness at every turn.

---

Rev. Dale Linhart, 87, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2025. A devoted pastor in the United Methodist Church, Dale faithfully served congregations in Swayzee, New Paris, Churubusco, and LaGrange.

Born on July 16, 1937, in Cleveland, Ohio, Dale was the son of Howard and Julia Linhart and grew up in the Minerva area.

He attended Taylor University and later graduated from Asbury Theological Seminary. Throughout his life, Dale enjoyed playing tennis, gardening, and supporting the local high school sports teams.

Dale is survived by his wife of 49 years, Marian Lehmer Linhart; his children, Dr. Terry Linhart (Kelly) and LeAnne Koteskey (Keith); and his grandchildren, Lauren (Austin) Conrad, Jayson (Taylor) Linhart, Tyler (Hannah) Koteskey, Sean (Grace) Linhart, and Kristen Koteskey.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Enid, in May 1974. Dale is also survived by his sister, Marjorie Coleman, and his brother, Rev. Bruce Linhart.

Much of Dale’s greatest joy came from his growing family, and nothing brought a bigger smile to his face than holding or hearing about one of his great-grandchildren. Zephaniah Linhart, Ava Conrad, Evie Linhart, Anthony Koteskey, Brynna Linhart, Harper Conrad, and Elizabeth Linhart were constant sources of delight and pride over the last five years.

In 1967, he led and coordinated the Ralph Bell Crusade, a Billy Graham Evangelistic Association ministry, in Wells County. He notably coordinated the New Paris sesquicentennial parade, which featured former Governor Otis Bowen as grand marshal.

In addition to his pastoral ministry, Dale was a longtime volunteer firefighter and an active community member. He often assisted local farmers during planting and harvest seasons and helped local contractors who needed an extra carpenter. Dale was known for his ability to connect with everyday people. In the 1960s, he advanced Christian camping for young people and advocated for ministry to single parents, an underserved community in the 1970s. His heart for global missions shaped his pastoral ministries, and he and Marian were generous supporters of many missionaries, Trans World Radio, and the Fort Wayne Rescue Mission. They were passionate advocates for Christian higher education, establishing scholarships at Taylor University and Bethel University and regular donors to Moody Bible Institute and Asbury University.

In retirement, Dale and Marian traveled extensively and spent winters at Avon Park, Florida. Before moving to Hubbard Hill in 2023, they lived at Heritage Pointe in Warren, after many years living in Huntington.

---

Rev. Dr. Patricia Jo Breidenstein Dye Looper, aged 85, of Morganton, North Carolina passed away on Wednesday, July 2, 2025.

She was born on April 26, 1940 in Altoona, Pennsylvania; the daughter of the late Joseph Budd and the late Mickey Varley Breidenstein. She is a graduate of Highland Park High School, Dallas, Texas. Dr. Looper received a B.A. degree from Thomas A. Edison State University, Trenton, New Jersey; Master of Divinity Degree from Columbia Theological Seminary, Atlanta, Georgia; and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Asbury Theological Seminary, Wilmore, Kentucky.

Prior to being ordained an Elder in the North Georgia Conference of The United Methodist Church, Dr. Looper was an award-winning Realtor and owner of her own real estate company in Spartanburg, SC.; and later owner of a motivational training company, PbL Consultants. Dr. Looper was active on many district and conference committees while serving Methodist churches in Griffin, Riverdale, Graysville, and Milledgeville, Georgia. She also has served churches in Morganton and Golden Valley, North Carolina. In 2023, Dr. Looper transferred her ministry credentials to the Global Methodist Church and served Bethel Road GMC until illness caused her to retire.

Dr. Looper is a former member of the National Association of Parliamentarians and International Toastmistress Clubs. She is a published poet and writer of both fiction and non-fiction. Four of her books have been published. She wrote several plays and participated in community theater in acting roles and also as director. She wrote and directed five Follies shows at Grace Ridge Retirement Community, where she also was an active volunteer, serving for many years as a coordinator of the Grace Ridge Chapel services. Dr. Looper organized and led the Burke County library-sponsored Burke Writers League.

In addition to her parents, Dr. Looper was preceded in death by her husband, R. Daniel Looper; her son, Patrick Varley Dye; her grandson, Caleb Andrew Dye; and her sister, Michal B Yongue.

She is survived by her sons, Michael LeMay Dye (Rosa Boland) of Lexington, South Carolina; Donald William Jr. (Anita), of Lawndale, North Carolina; Joseph Sterling (Rebecca) of Jefferson, Georgia; two step-daughters, Susan Looper Roberts of Raleigh, North Carolina and Joy Looper Bolger and her husband, Lt. General (retired) Daniel P. Bolger, also of Raleigh; a brother-in-law and his wife, Robert N. and Lorelei Looper, Houston, Texas; seventeen grandchildren; two great grandsons, two great granddaughters, three nephews, two nieces and three grand-nephews.

---

For 74 years, Rev. Dr. Lanie Bower Price lived with joy, purpose, hospitality, deep intuition, and boundless grace. On August 9, 2025, she left this world surrounded by the family and friends she so deeply cherished.

Born Marion Elaine Bower on April 23, 1951, to Marion Violet Mackenzie and William Bower, she graduated from Quincy High School in 1969. She went on to earn her B.S. from the Philadelphia College of Bible in 1973, her M.A. in Religion (with emphasis in Pastoral Care and Counseling) from Asbury Theological Seminary in 1975, and both her Master of Divinity (1977) and Doctor of Ministry (1978) from Drew University. Early in her career, she was chosen as one of only 18 young ministers from the Northeast to participate in a groundbreaking videotaped series on revitalizing the local church. She also co-founded the tree of life school of spiritual direction for clergy and Laity with Rev. Sandra Murphy.

Lanie is survived by her husband, Fred Price; son Jonathon Price and his wife Sarah; daughter Joy Basagic (Price) and her husband Grant; and three grandchildren: Lana, Welsey, and Belle.

Lanie began her ministry in 1976 in Glendale, where in just one year she grew the congregation from four parishioners to a packed sanctuary. From 1977 to 1981, she served in Willingboro, as associate pastor, developing child, youth, and young adult ministries. From 1981 to 1985 in Mt. Ephraim, she led the community to face an unrealized drug problem with courage and compassion. From 1985 to 1988, she served at Zion United Methodist Church in Clarksboro, N.J., as co-pastor with her husband, Rev. Fred Price, before accepting a call to missionary service in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In many places she served, she was met with initial skepticism — sometimes because she was a woman, sometimes because she challenged the status quo — but answered with a steady presence and gracious spirit that won over even her strongest critics, turning them into her most devoted partners in ministry— a pattern that would repeat throughout her life.

In the DRC, Lanie taught at Mulungwishi Theological Seminary and later at the Likasi School of Theology. She also served in countless other ways: offering hospitality to visitors, transporting the sick to the nearest hospital, counseling couples, starting a preschool, and leading programs for women. Even when evacuated from Congo, she continued her ministry by training pastors in Meru, Kenya. She had remarkable gifts of cooking and sewing and was an accomplished seamstress who sewed her own wedding gown. She loved coffee — not just as a drink, but as a daily ritual to be savored and shared in hospitality with others.

Returning to the United States in 2001, Lanie became pastor of Pitman United Methodist Church. In December 2003, a devastating fire destroyed the church building. That night, she reminded her congregation: “The church is not burning down — a building is burning down. The church is here, standing with me. The church is not a building, but the people.” In the years that followed, she shepherded the congregation through a season of “wandering,” holding services in borrowed spaces — other churches, a middle school, a theater, and a storefront — until the completion of their new home at 758 N. Broadway.

In 2008, when Fred accepted a position in New York City, Lanie pastored her final church, St. John’s in Hazlet, New Jersey, before retiring in 2013.

Throughout her ministry, she was a steadfast companion to those in need — walking alongside people for the long haul, offering not judgment but grace. She dreamed vividly, and those dreams were not just for herself — she delighted in helping others interpret the meaning of their own, listening intently for the ways God might be speaking to and through them. Her gift for weaving the language of dreams into the language of faith gave comfort to the weary, courage to the hesitant, and fresh vision to those who could no longer see the road ahead. She was a beacon to the lost, a safe place for the hurting, and a warm embrace for anyone who felt they did not belong.

Today, we give thanks for her “transfer of membership” from the Greater New Jersey Annual Conference to the Church Eternal. Her light — and the dreams she carried for the world — continue to shine through the countless lives she touched.

---

Gordon Elwyn Tasker, aged 94, of Winfield, KS, went to meet his Lord and Savior on April 26, 2025 at Cumbernauld Village, with his wife by his side.

Gordon was born on July 10, 1930 in Miami County, OH, at his family home, to parents Marvin “Tap” Liller and Priscilla Brownlee (Mitchell) Tasker. He attended Elizabeth, OH township schools and graduated high school in 1948. He attended Asbury College, graduating in 1953. While in college, he met the love of his life, Jo Ann Bullock. The couple married on June 5, 1954. Gordon was drafted in 1954 and spent 18 months in the United States Army, stationed in Japan. When he returned, he attended Asbury Theological Seminary, graduating in 1958. While in seminary, Gordon began preaching in Hinton, KY. Later, the family moved to Kansas and Gordon served as a minister in Kensington and Agra (1958-1962), Glasco and Simpson (1963-1968), Kiowa (1968-1974), Leoti (1975-1981), Pleasant Valley UMC in Wichita (1981-1986), and retiring from Kingman (1986-1997) in 1997. The couple retired in Winfield, KS. He enjoyed going to sporting events, golfing, fishing, and reading. Gordon continued to serve the United Methodist Church, teaching Sunday School and other ministerial duties.

Gordon is survived by his loving wife (Jo Ann); his four sons: Keith Tasker (Kellie), Dave Tasker (Leigh Ann), Paul Tasker, and Steve Tasker (Sarah); his fourteen grandchildren: Sheila (Kevin), Zachary (Paige), Megann (Albert), Harmony (David), Noah (Britt), Cyruss (Abby), TJ, Dailey (Austin), Tucker; Deacon (Cassandra), Annelise (Jake), Lucas (Jenna), Gabriel “Tap” (Noella) and Jacob (Sara); his sister, Garnett Weirkert; seventeen great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brother (Murlin Tasker) and a great-granddaughter.

---

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Terry A. Van Gilder, who died peacefully on July 24, 2025 in Mobile, Alabama. He was a devoted husband and friend to Rosemary Van Gilder for almost 68 years of marriage and a loving father to Julie and Jeff. He will be dearly missed by all that knew him.

Terry Van Gilder was born on January 4, 1937 in Plymouth, Indiana. Early in his professional life, Terry worked as a banker at numerous banking locations in Indiana and Alabama for over 20 years. GOD knew that HE had other plans for Terry beside finances and banking. GOD took a hold of Terry’s heart and LIFE and at age 39, he accepted Jesus into his heart as Savior and LORD! Things were never the same again. After a few years in graduate school (Asbury Theological Seminary). He was known for his love for people, his personal kindness to everyone and the song that he was always singing, “Bless You LORD…” He had a passion for never knowing a stranger every where that he went, a passion for his church family wherever GOD had planted him and a passion for sharing the gospel of Christ to anyone that he came in contact with. Brother Terry served as pastor at Mt. Vernon UMC, Freeport UMC, Barrett Road UMC, Blountstown UMC, Evergreen UMC, Summit Park UMC and Brownsville Assembly of God Church.

Terry is survived by his wife Rosemary from Mobile, Alabama his daughter Julie from Mobile, Alabama and son Jeff from Montgomery, Alabama. He is also survived by his brothers Lynn, Bruce, Ren and Kirk, his granddaughters Melody and Zoe and his grandsons Jeremy, Taylor, Tanner, Trenton and Tate.

We will cherish the memories of Terry A. Van Gilder and his love and guidance will forever remain in our hearts and lives.

---

Reverend John (J.) William Woods age 53 of Harriman, formerly Port Wentworth, Georgia passed away Thursday, August 14, 2025, at the Roane Medical Center after a short illness.

He was the Pastor of the Harriman Global Methodist Church. Before moving to Harriman Reverend Woods Pastored at Camp Ground United Methodist Church in Bonnieville, Kentucky and several churches in Walterboro, South Carolina. He Graduated from Groves High School in Garden City, Georgia; the University of South Carolina Buford and received his master’s degree from Asbury Seminary. He enjoyed Golfing and Camping.

He was preceded in death by father Bernard Woods, grandparents W.P Harrell and Reta Evans Harrell.

Survivors include his daughter, Parker Woods, mother, Shirley H. Woods, sisters, Reta Woods, Sally Woods Ulmer and several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.

---

See all articles

---

2 responses to “Obituaries”

1. Denman A Jones says:

   September 3, 2025 at 12:11 pm

   Fred Price and I were class mates at Geneva college.
   Following college we went different directions and I lost track of Fred. But I always remembered Fred. Sorry to read of the passing of his wife. My condolences and prayers certainly reach out to him.

   Denman Jones

   Reply
2. Allana Turner says:

   September 4, 2025 at 4:19 pm

   I pray for the families of each person who passed away and ask Jesus to comfort and grace them with peace which surpasses their understanding.
   As they lay their loved ones to rest I pray for strength and for them to cherish their memory in Jesus name.

   Reply