Obituaries

Onva K. Boshears, Jr., passed away in his home on Tuesday April 28, 2026. He was born in Bloomington, IN on August 31, 1939, to Onva K. Boshears and Ruth (Hunter) Boshears. He was the first paternal grandchild and was born on his paternal grandfather’s birthday. Growing up, Onva was called “Jr.” by his family, and many of them refer to him as such to this day.

Onva was the Bloomington High School salutatorian for the Class of 1957. He went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts degree from Greenville College (now Greenville University), a Master of Science degree from the University of Illinois, a Master of Religious Education degree from Asbury Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Philosophy (Library Science) degree from the Horace H. Barkham School of Graduate Studies at The University of Michigan.

He began his professional career in library science at Asbury Theological Seminary, then continued at the University of Kentucky, and concluded at the University of Southern Mississippi.

After retiring, Onva lived in several different cities: New Orleans, LA, Lawrence, KS, Little Rock, AR, and Pittsburgh, PA. He made a special effort to learn the history of each of those cities, and he particularly enjoyed living in New Orleans.

Onva’s faith was steadfast. He loved the church, and as a knowledgeable theologian, he could talk about its history for hours.

He was an avid reader of many subjects and was especially interested in learning about all religions. He kept up with current events, enjoyed traveling and entertaining, and had an appreciation for music and movies of all genres.

Onva relished lively – and often lengthy – discussions. The concept of “an economy of words” wasn’t always on his radar. And if you happened to interrupt him during a conversation, he always remembered exactly where he’d left off. Nearly every conversation with him resulted in some sort of history lesson for the listener…whether they wanted it or not. That was just one of his many lovable traits.

Family was extremely important to Onva, and even though he lived outside of Indiana most of his life, he rarely missed a family get-together. From the time he was a young teen, he took his responsibility as the oldest sibling very seriously. He did his best to offer guidance whenever needed, and he never wavered in his determination to be a positive role model for his brothers and sisters, particularly when it came to furthering their education. This commitment extended to his nieces and nephews as well as their children.

Onva was raised in the Wesleyan tradition. He was graduated from Greenville College (now University), a Free Methodist school in Greenville, IL with a Bachelors degree. He attended Asbury Seminary in Wilmore, KY and was awarded a Masters of Divinity, the professional degree for clergy. While there, he discovered the Episcopal Church at Christ Church in Lexington. He later earned his Ph.D., from the University of Michigan, in Library Science.

After brief appointments in various library jobs, he became the Head of the Library Science Department at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, MS from which he retired in 2001. From 1977 to 1980, Dr. Boshears served as the Director of the Fay B. Kaigler Children’s Book Festival at the University. At retirement, he was given the title, Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus of Library and Information Science at the University of Southern Mississippi. He established the School of Library Service there and oversaw its accreditation.

Onva was active at Christ Church Cathedral in New Orleans during his time at Southern Miss. Upon his retirement, he became a valued volunteer chairing the Stewardship Campaign on multiple occasions, serving on the Vestry including time as Junior Warden, and created and led the St. Vincent’s Guild for acolytes there.

Dr. Boshears was known throughout the city for his entertaining at his house in the French Quarter with three stories and two kitchens. He also found time to be a member of MENSA and the Society of Mary.

Just before Hurricane Katrina, Onva visited Jonathon and Natalie Jensen in Lawrence, KS where the former had become the new Rector. Onva had grown to be good friends with Jonathon and Natalie when Jonathon served as Canon at the Cathedral in New Orleans. He stayed with the Jensen’s in Lawrence for several months and then moved there.

While in Lawrence, he was the driving force in creating the service of Solemn High Mass that had 75 people in attendance throughout his time there, mostly college students from the nearby University of Kansas.

After Lawrence, Onva followed the Jensens to Little Rock, AR where Jonathon had taken a new position. He later moved again to Pittsburgh when Jonathon was called to be Rector of Calvary in Pittsburgh. While not related by blood, Onva, Jonathon, and Natalie (with whom he shared a birthday) became family.

In Pittsburgh, he started to slow down from hosting parties and initiating new ministries but was a member of Calvary Church and active in the life of Grace Anglican Church on Mt. Washington, a parish he held with great affection.

Onva could talk to anyone about anything and blessings to the individual who asked about John Wesley, whose reading habit was the subject of his dissertation. He will be missed as a gentleman of impeccable taste, a lover of books, a devoted churchman and Christian, and friend like no other.

Onva was a devoted son, brother, uncle, great-uncle, and great-great-uncle, who will be deeply missed. He is survived by siblings Sharon Davis, Stephen (Billie) Boshears, Ron (Virginia) Boshears, and Rita (Steve) Robertson. He also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-grandnieces, and great-grandnephews.

Onva was preceded in death by his parents, a brother-in-law, a sister-in-law, a great-niece, and two great-nephews.

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Chaplain, Lieutenant Colonel, Rex Eugene CARPENTER, U.S. Air Force, Retired, of Bloomfield Hills, MI, formerly of Hampton, VA, passed away on Monday, April 20, 2026 in Southfield, MI.

Rex was born on January 30, 1944, in Wichita, KS, and raised by his parents Frederick B. and Leta M. Folsom Carpenter in Benton City, WA, along with his siblings Fred, Evelyn, Rose, and Philip. He met his wife Louise at Seattle Pacific College in Washington, and they were married in Jamestown, NY, on August 17, 1968. Rex is survived by his wife, Louise Rennells Carpenter; his son, Benjamin Bennett-Carpenter and spouse Marcelyn Bennett-Carpenter of Berkley, MI; daughter, Heather Carpenter of Brooklyn, NY; son, Joshua Carpenter and spouse Mattie Hawkinson of Oak Park, IL; son, Philip Carpenter and spouse Elizabeth Lee Carpenter of Morrison, CO; his nine grandchildren, Nicolas, Gracey, Isaac, Caleb, Levi, Eliana, Esther, Joshua, and Ruby; and a great-grandson, William.

Rex lived a life defined by service to God, to his country, and to the many people he guided throughout his years in ministry. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business/Economics from Seattle Pacific College, Master of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, KY, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington DC. Rex served for thirteen years as a pastor in the Free Methodist Church, twenty-four years as a United States Air Force Chaplain, and thirteen years as the Free Methodist Chaplain Endorsing Agent and Director of Chaplain Ministries.

In these capacities, he and his loving wife Louise of fifty-seven years served as partners in ministry across the United States, and beyond, including in New York, Nevada, Spain, Washington DC, New Mexico, California, Germany, Virginia, and elsewhere, with wide travels visiting chaplains around and beyond the United States. Rex also served three months to one year in the Middle East and Alaska.

Rex lived a life of purpose and devotion to Jesus Christ, to his family, and to chaplains in the military, hospitals, prisons, campuses, hospice, and industry. He loved the great outdoors, playing games, all kinds of sports, working hard, talking with people, and all-around having fun, seeking to make things good for everyone around him. Rex had an adventurous spirit, he was tenacious, and he gave his whole heart to every endeavor. He was very attentive to people, including family, loved ones, friends, colleagues, and anyone he encountered. He loved to tell stories and to hear other people’s stories.

He was loyal and very generous in his time, attention, interest, and resources to those around him. He was a hard worker and took great satisfaction in fixing things that were broken or not working right. Rex was an upstanding person that people regarded as a man of honor, good will, and respect. Rex held fast to the faith that gave him daily strength, hope, and encouragement. In all things, he sought to bless people and to create a spirit of teamwork, cooperation, and love.

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Dan married Sandra Hoyle on August 8, 1987, in Ravenna, Michigan. Together, they served four churches during the course of their ministry: Saranac Free Methodist Church, Grand Rapids First Free Methodist Church, Hastings Free Methodist Church, and Ravenna Free Methodist Church.

Dan spent the majority of his career in Hastings, Michigan and during that time Dan and Sandy had three children: Emily, Katelyn, and Brian. Dan loved being part of the community in a variety of ways, and the community loved him. He never missed one of his kids’ concerts, sporting events, or musicals. His dedication to his kids spilled over onto the grandkids—always cheering them on in all their activities, even from a distance. He had a passion for building and fixing things and could often be found in a nearby hardware store.

As a pastor, Dan had the unique opportunity to meet and serve numerous people from all different walks of life. He was always ready to help anyone who called on him, even when seemingly inconvenient. Dan used his love for God and people to make long-term impacts wherever he was serving. One of the highlights of his career was relocating the Hastings FM Church to a new facility and watching how God orchestrated the growth of the church. Dan also loved leading and serving at kids’ and family camps for numerous years.

In 2013, Dan and Sandy moved from Hastings to Ravenna. Dan served faithfully as the pastor of Ravenna FM Church until his retirement in 2018, when the disease he was battling (amyloidosis) left him unable to serve in a full-time capacity. However, his illness and retirement never stopped him from serving the church and surrounding communities. Dan continued his ministry as a volunteer at the Ravenna FM Church, and even worked for several months as an interim pastor, right up until the time his body no longer allowed him to do so.

Dan’s legacy will be continued by so many family members, friends, and colleagues. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Sandy; his children Emily (Oliver) Beans, Katelyn (Nathan) Ford, Brian (Owen) Graybill; his grandchildren Simon, Vivian, Martin, Aliyah, Jayson, and Zoey; his siblings Joe (Sue) Graybill and Melodee (Amy) Graybill; sister-in-law, Amy Graybill; along with many other loved ones.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Florence Graybill; brother, John Graybill; and an infant sister, Mary Beth Graybill.

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Millard Gene Greenawalt, 95, entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on May 18, 2026. Born on November 29, 1930, in Seagoville, Texas, to Cecil Edwin Greenawalt and Monnie Mae McClendon Greenawalt, Gene lived a life marked by faithful ministry, hard work, humble service, and deep devotion to God Almighty and his family and friends.

Gene graduated from high school in Seagoville, Texas. It was in high school where he met the love of his life, Claudine Noveta Gordon. Immediately after Claudine’s high school graduation ceremony, they went to the church and were married May 27, 1949.

Gene briefly worked for the John E. Mitchell Company in Dallas before heeding God’s call to ministry. So, they packed up and enrolled at Greenville College in Greenville, Illinois, with plans to prepare for their calling. They were there only one year.

Gene’s education continued at Westminster College and Bible Institute in Tehuacana, Texas. It was during this time that he also served at the Sacul Free Methodist Church. After graduation from Westminster, he taught there for one year before continuing his education at Southern Nazarene University (formerly Bethany Nazarene College). He later earned his Master of Divinity degree from Asbury Theological Seminary.

Gene devoted his life to pastoral ministry in the Free Methodist Church USA. His first pastorate was at Laurel Land Free Methodist Church in Dallas, Texas. He also faithfully served congregations in Houston and at Kimball Free Methodist Church in Dallas. In time, he was elected Superintendent of the Texas Conference of the Free Methodist Church, serving with wisdom and dedication for nine years. During his superintendent years, he also served as interim pastor in Houston, and Rockwall, and later pastored churches in Fort Worth and Rockwall before retiring from pastoral ministry in 1988 at the age of 62.

Retirement for Gene did not mean slowing down. While living in Rockwall, Texas, he began mowing the lawn for a widow across the street from the parsonage. Through word of mouth and referrals, that single yard grew into a thriving lawn care business that eventually served the community for more than 2 decades. Many of his customers were widows and those who could no longer care for their yards and Gene considered this work another form of ministry and service.

Later, he worked alongside Paul White at his local lawnmower shop, where he repaired and serviced lawnmowers in an atmosphere that reminded him of his farm upbringing in Seagoville. He greatly enjoyed the work and the people he met there.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil Edwin and Monnie Mae Greenawalt; his sister, Billie Louise Knight and her husband Howard McKenzie Knight; and his brother, Edwin Dwaine “Tom” Greenawalt and his wife Effie Jean.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 77 years, Claudine Gordon Greenawalt; his son, Timothy Alan Greenawalt and wife Talena Lee Greenawalt; grandchildren Jessica Lee Roberson and husband Colby, Derek Gene Greenawalt and wife Veronica, and Patrick Alan Greenawalt and wife Courtney; and eight treasured great-grandchildren: Alyssa Lee Greenawalt, Maliya Rose Greenawalt, Samantha Diane Roberson, Hallie Grace Greenawalt, Max Alan Greenawalt, Logan Gene Greenawalt, Zoey Mae Greenawalt, and Ellie Ruth Greenawalt.

Those who knew Gene will remember a gentle and faithful servant of God, a devoted husband and father, a compassionate pastor, and a hardworking man who never stopped serving others. His life reflected quiet holiness, steadfast faith, and enduring love. He leaves behind a legacy of Christian ministry, integrity, kindness, and devotion that will continue through generations.

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Janis Sue Kana Mackey, 71, of rural Hampden, ND, passed away May 20, 2026. She was born Dec. 7, 1954, in Grafton to Oliver “Taft” and Elizabeth Margaret (Stavert) Kana. She grew up in Grafton and graduated from GHS in 1973. Sue earned an English degree from UND in 1976 and a Master of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary in 1979. She was ordained in the United Methodist Church of North Dakota in 1980 and later served as a pastor-scholar at Drew University.

On Feb. 25, 1982, she married Ronald Mackey in Seattle. After a short time in Starkweather, they made their home on the family farm near Hampden, where they raised their sons, Travis and Kyle.

Sue served congregations throughout the region, including Starkweather UMC, Hampden UMC, Edmore UMC, Michigan UCC, Lakota UCC, Michigan Lutheran, Sarnia (Whitman) Lutheran, and Langdon Presbyterian Church. She also provided pulpit supply in many surrounding communities. In later years she enjoyed playing in the Devils Lake Elks Community Band and the Langdon Community Band.

She is survived by her sons Travis (Sarah) and Kyle (Amber), and her grandchildren William, Grace, Henry, Olivia, Regan, Freya, and Ronald; her siblings Jane (John) Borland, Marit (Joe) Vamarasi, Jody Foster, and John “Jack” (Sonja) Kana; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, several siblings and inlaws, her niece Marit, and her husband Ronald.

Sue will be remembered for her deep faith, her steady presence, and her devotion to family and community. Blessed be her memory.

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Landrum Leslie Medlock, III, age 81, passed away April 17, 2026 in Amarillo, Texas.

Landrum Leslie Medlock, III was born Christmas Day 1944 in Sweetwater, Texas to Landrum Leslie Medlock, Jr. and Sally Immo Medlock one day before his dad had to return to the war in France. He loved to say, “Mom said it was the worst day in her life.” He wasn’t sure if it was because his dad had to leave or because he was born on Christmas. Because he had the same name as his father, people sometimes called him “Little Landrum”, which he never liked, so he went by Landy.

He grew up in Roscoe, Texas where he developed his love for the great outdoors and adventure through the Boys Club. He was athletic and participated in football. He was an active member of FFA, raised Poland China pigs, and won multiple ribbons at livestock shows. He carried his love for the outdoors, athletics, and raising animals throughout his life. He fished, ran in races (often winning), rode bicycles, went rappelling, backpacked through the wilderness, and raised animals (pigs, horses, goats, cows, and chickens).

When he graduated from high school he went to Texas Technological College known today as Texas Tech. His folks wanted him to major in business, but he wanted to major in Animal Husbandry. During his senior year at Tech, he ruptured his kidney in a game of touch football with some Tech football players, and it was removed in emergency surgery. He viewed it as his first personal miracle that he survived.

After graduating, he began his dream career of farming and raising cattle. Two years later he met a young lady who would become his future wife, Benita (Farris) Medlock. At that time, she was working in Sweetwater as a child welfare case worker. Her supervisor invited him to their office to meet. Benita often said, “We met at the child welfare office, and he has been a case ever since.” They married in 1970 and began their partnership in farming, ranching, and in life.

On Easter 1972, their first child, Jenny, was born. A year later, on Easter, she developed double pneumonia, and God brought a second miracle by healing her. Later, two other children, Amanda and Andrew, were born.

In 1980, Landrum had a second dream. He wanted to move to Wyoming. So, he packed all his family’s worldly goods into his 20-foot stock trailer, and they moved to Sheridan, Wyoming. He didn’t have plans for a job or a place to live. Amazingly, his parents and Benita’s did not object to this crazy idea. In Wyoming, he worked at several jobs such as dairy farming, concrete work, and ranching. He leased a piece of land to continue his passion for raising cattle.

All the while, he remained actively involved in the church he attended. He was often asked to preach, and people would tell him that he ought to be a preacher. He would always say that he really didn’t think that was something he should do. Then one day he picked up a hitchhiker on the way to his mini ranch. Landy was dressed in his worn-out cowboy hat and boots. Despite his appearance, the hitchhiker asked if he was a preacher. Landy and Benita began questioning if this was God’s Call. A few months later he sold his cattle. Benita said, “Only God’s Call would cause him to do that.”

Yet again, he packed up his family’s goods in his 20-foot trailer now affectionally called “Covered Wagon” and moved to Wilmore, Kentucky to attend Asbury Seminary. He attended Asbury Seminary for three years and graduated with a Master of Divinity degree.

After spending three years in Kentucky, he again moved his family to Texas to begin his career as a full-time pastor. In his pastorate he served churches at Lubbock Cooper, Woodrow, White Deer, Stinnett, Lorenzo, and Pleasant Valley Amarillo. He also served as Conference Youth Coordinator where he took many young people on backpacking and mission trips.

He was instrumental in getting Refugee Services of Texas started in Amarillo enabling him to touch the lives of people from various countries including Somalia, Iraq, Iran, Sudan, and Burma. He was honored by this opportunity to serve because he felt that he was truly making a difference in people’s lives by assisting them in establishing a new home and career in the United States.

Landrum continued to be a faithful servant to his Lord and Savior by teaching a Sunday school class at Faith Southwest and participating in various activities of the church. His great desire was to see his family have a relationship with God. He did not want to be praised, because he didn’t think he deserved it. He wanted God to receive all the praise and glory. To God be the glory for a life well lived.

He is survived by his wife Benita, his sister Susan Kerbow of San Angelo, and his children: Jenny Hensler (Troy Fillingim) of Seminole, Amanda Medlock-Klyukovski (Andrei) of Kirksville, Missouri, and Andrew Medlock (Emily) of Bentonville, Arkansas. He has been blessed with five beautiful grandchildren: Madeline Hensler, Grayson Hensler, Amelia Medlock, Sam Medlock, and Gregory Klyukovski.

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Rev. Rollo Robert Royle, known simply as Rollo, was born on May 16, 1942, in Hart, Michigan, and entered the presence of his Lord on May 5, 2026, in Garland, Texas, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He lived his life with a steady Christian faith, a generous spirit, and a deep conviction that God’s call is always worth answering. Those who knew him remember a man who was faith-filled, loving, and passionate, a servant of Christ whose life pointed others toward hope, truth, and eternal purpose.

Rollo was the beloved husband of Joan Royle, and together they built a life marked by devotion, prayer, and steadfast commitment. He was a proud father to his sons, Rollo David, Jonathan Allan, and Daniel Wayne, and to his daughter, Jessica Dawn Royle. He also cherished his 8 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren; each of whom brought him joy and reminded him of the beauty of God’s continuing work through generations. Family was one of the great blessings of his life, and he carried that blessing with gratitude and humility.

Rollo pursued his education with the same seriousness and purpose that shaped every part of his life. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Missions from Nyack Missionary College and continued his studies at Asbury Seminary and Alliance Theological Seminary. His education prepared him well for a life of service, but it was his obedience to God and his willingness to go wherever he was sent that truly defined his ministry. He believed that learning should always lead to loving service, and he lived that belief with integrity.

Before becoming a missionary, Rollo served as a pastor in Mt. Clemens, Michigan, where he faithfully shepherded God’s people and shared the gospel with compassion and clarity. He later answered the call to serve as a missionary in Burkina Faso, West Africa, where he devoted 34 years to evangelism and church planting. His work there was not merely a career, but a holy assignment. He taught at Maranatha Bible School, invested in the training of others, and helped build foundations that would continue to bear fruit long after his own labor was finished. He also spent two years as a temporary bookkeeper, showing that no task was too small when it could be used in service to God’s kingdom.

Throughout his life, Rollo carried himself as a man of prayer, conviction, and encouragement. He was a Christian in word and in deed, and his life reflected the truth that faith is not only spoken but lived. He loved to play the piano and cello, and he found joy in reading, reflecting, and learning. He was also a private pilot, a reminder of his appreciation for skill, discipline, and the wonder of God’s creation. In every interest and every responsibility, he brought the same wholehearted devotion that marked his ministry and his home.

Rollo’s life stands as a testimony that a faithful life is never wasted. He served where he was planted, loved those God placed before him, and remained devoted to the call of Christ from beginning to end. His journey reminds us that the measure of a life is not found in earthly acclaim, but in obedience, compassion, and perseverance. He encouraged others by his example to trust God fully, to serve gladly, and to live with eternity in view.

Though he has passed from this life, the legacy of Rev. Rollo Robert Royle remains alive in the hearts of his family, in the churches he served, in the lives he touched, and in the many souls impacted by his witness. He finished his race with faith and now rests in the presence of the Savior he loved and served. May those who mourn him also be strengthened by the hope he proclaimed, and may his life continue to inspire all who hear his story to walk faithfully with God.

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3 responses to “Obituaries”

1. John Knighton says:

   June 2, 2026 at 10:43 am

   Laney was a big help when we did some truck farming on Judy Metcalf’s farm. Does not surprise me to see his ministries.

   Reply
2. Jonathan Smith says:

   June 2, 2026 at 11:33 am

   Maybe it’s just my phone, but the formatting wouldn’t let me read the right hand side. That was true for other links as well.

   Reply
3. Markus Dogo Madugu says:

   June 2, 2026 at 1:02 pm

   May there gentle soul rest in peace with the faithful departed and be raised to life eternal.
   My sincere condolences to all these families and love ones

   Reply