Remembering our friends
Omer Blevins BTh '54 died Oct. 20, 2002, at his home in Fort Wayne, Ind. He was a retired minister of the Church of God, serving churches in Oklahoma, Indiana, North Carolina, Michigan, Illinois, Florida, Alabama and Kentucky. He worked for Indiana Auto Auction part time after retiring and enjoyed leading JOY Ministry (Just Older Youth) at Park Forest Church of God. He is survived by his wife, Wiletta (Fleenor) Blevins '50; three daughters, Carol L. Blevins, Cyndee (Blevins) Bentley BA '94, and Debba (Blevins) Haupert BA '82; a sister, Iona (Blevins) Asher BA '54; and two grandchildren. His daughter, Debba, writes, "We send sincere thanks to all the wonderful friends from AU who sent cards, attended the memorial and have blessed us with their thoughts and prayers."
Delena Goodman BS '45 died Dec. 22, 2002, at Fair Haven Christian Home in Decatur, Ill. Delana held master's degrees in religious education (Oberlin College) and library science (University of Illinois). For 31 years, she served as the librarian for the AU seminary library. She retired in 1983 as a full professor. After retirement she helped establish the library at the Kima International School of Theology in Kenya. Survivors include one brother, E. Walter Goodman, Jr., and several nieces and nephews.
The Rev. Kenneth Kinion Sr. BA '48 died Dec. 28, 2002. He was an Army veteran of World War II. He earned a master's degree in health, physical education and recreation from Indiana University. He spent most of his career as a minister, educator and coach. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Jewel Ruth (Luke) Kinion '43; children Leslee (Kinion) Amondson '66, Kenneth Kinion Jr., Roger Kinion and Jennifer Herd; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; and one sister, Geraldine Catron.
James Merzouk BA '56 died Dec. 25, 2002, at his home in West Virginia. Originally from Algeria, he came to the United States at age 23. He retired from professional boxing to pursue an education. Following his time at AU, he earned master's degrees in Spanish and Latin from Ball State University and in French from Middlebury College. He taught foreign languages for 44 years. He was also active in his community and church. He is survived by his wife, Marion Merzouk; three sons, Frederick Merzouk, Jim Harger and William Harger; one daughter, Annette Frey; three grandchildren; and two sisters.
Elizabeth Plants died Nov. 4, 2002. She lived in Grand Rapids, Mich. During her lifetime, she was active in her local church, the State Women of the Church of God and the Girl Scouts of America. She also coordinated migrant ministries in western Michigan. In 1991, an AU scholarship for Christian Education was established in honor of her and her late husband, the Rev. Forrest Plants.
