Remembering our friends

Rachel Renee Rasico Crow BA ’00 died Oct. 20, 2008, after three days in a deep coma. She was married to John Crow and was the mother of three boys, Sergei (16), Josiah (2), and Stephen (eight weeks). During their marriage, Rachel and John enjoyed many adventures together, from honeymooning in Europe to climbing 14,000-foot mountains in Colorado. They traveled to Russia to adopt Sergei, went swing dancing in Buffalo, N.Y., and built a handmade whale float in this year’s Black Creek Festival.

Anita Beth (Glaue) Johnson BA ’92 of Rock Island, Ill., died Oct. 25, 2008, in her home after a courageous two-and-a-half-year battle with colon cancer. Anita married Brian Johnson on Nov. 28, 1998. Professionally, she worked as a counselor for emotionally disturbed adolescents and as a cardiac nurse. She was employed most recently as a cardiac rehabilitation nurse at Trinity Medical Center in Moline, Ill. Survivors include her husband; children, Paige and Emily; parents, Edward and Nancy Glaue; brothers, Timothy and Russell; as well as many family and friends. She was preceded in death by her grandparents.

Esther Lillian Fair ’46 died at home on Jan. 26, 2009. She was born in Denmark to missionary parents. The family returned to the United States in 1936 just before the beginning of World War II. After World War II, Esther went to Denmark for a year with her family, where she worked with the youth and children. She later returned to Anderson to continue her education. She became a social reporter for the Andersonian where she met her husband, James W. Fair, who was the editor-in-chief of student publications. They were married on June 19, 1949. Wherever they lived, Esther enrolled in the nearest university. She attended Anderson University, Old Dominion University in Virginia, and Wayne State University in Michigan. She is survived by her husband of nearly 60 years, James W. Fair BA ’51; a daughter, Pamela Diane; a son, James Douglas BA ’77; and a grandson.

Steven S Haver BA ’66 died on March 6, 2009.  He was married to Sharon Anderson BS ’63 for 15 years. He was an outstanding biology and physiology teacher at Jefferson Schools in Monroe, Mich., for 33 years, retiring in 2003. He leaves behind three children.

George A. Freed II BA ’61 of Emlenton, Pa., died June 16, 2009. He was married to Mary Louise Bargerstock ’59, who at one time worked in the Alumni Office at Anderson University. He received his BS in history education, and then went on to take 30 hours of seminary education. While in the Anderson area, he worked at the South Meridian Church of God with youth and music, helping direct the sanctuary choir. In 1962, he moved back to Pennsylvania with his family where he served three congregations as music and worship leader over a span of 44 years. He retired from full-time work with the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation of Pennsylvania in 1994, having built a home on the Whitehall Campgrounds (a longtime dream come true). He began traveling with his wife, making many trips throughout the U.S., as well as Tri-S, World Conference, and mission trips. He is survived by his wife; three children, Trent Freed BA ’85, MRE ’89, Barry Freed ’82, Cami (Freed) Schaubroeck ’89; seven grandchildren; and two brothers, Harold T. Freed ’52 and Arthur L. Freed BA ’78.

The Rev. Jerry Dean Lewis BA ’79, MDiv ’83 died Aug. 13, 2009, after a brief struggle with an unexpected illness while vacationing in Naples, Fla. He was married to Lisa Ellen (Hembrook) Lewis and father to Jordan and Austin. Jerry’s journey as a pastor began at the Heincke Road First Church of God in Miamisburg, Ohio. He then went on to be the youth and recreational pastor at the Salem Church of God in Clayton, Ohio, before moving on to the Westlake Community Church in Indianapolis. There he was the associate pastor and eventually felt the call to become a senior pastor. He ended his ministry at the Westwood Church of God in Kalamazoo, Mich., where he began his first senior pastorate in January 2002. Jerry is survived by his wife of 24 years; his two sons; his brother, Robert Jan Lewis; his sister, Marlyn (Lewis) Parker; two nieces; two nephews; brother, Danny Schaub.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Dean and Marva Jean Lewis.

The Rev. Robert Alex Adams ’44 of El Dorado, Ark., died on Aug. 21, 2009. At the age of 19, he followed a calling to become a minister. He became the founding pastor and assisted in starting a church in Bastrop, La. Seeing the need for additional education, he sold his hogs and traveled by train to Anderson University in order to prepare for full-time ministry. For 72 years, he served churches in Virginia, Ohio, North Carolina, Florida, Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee, Alabama, and Indiana. He authored a book about his early life, My Southern Heritage, relating to the Ouachita River Basin, in August 1998. Preceding him in death along with his parents was his wife of 69 years, Alice (Snowden) Adams, in January 2008; six sisters, Ethel Garris, Ruby Adams, Ada Bowen, Sallie Canady, Alice Worley, and Myrtle Byrd; two brothers, Sam and Marcus Adams; and a great-granddaughter. Survivors include two sons, Robert and Charles; one daughter, Marilyn Sue Adams Grubbs; one sister, Agnes Adams Trimble; four grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Dr. Roscoe Snowden BTh ’41 of Anderson died Aug. 22, 2009, at his home in Anderson. He lived in Anderson for more than 50 years. He served as a pastor for 26 years in North Carolina, Kentucky, Ohio, Alabama, and Indiana. His last pastorate was East Side Church of God in Anderson for 13 1/2 years. He served as director of church services with the Executive Council of the Church of God for 17 years. Following retirement, he worked part time for the World Service Division of the Church of God, conducting wills and estate planning seminars. He received Honorary Doctorate Degrees from both Mid-America Bible College and Warner Southern College. Survivors include a son, Dr. Joe R. Snowden BA ’69; a granddaughter; sister-in-law, Mary Ann Field; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Nellie Jane (Field) Snowden ’44, DD ’73, on June 2, 2007. He married Nellie on June 26, 1945, in Middletown, Ohio. He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Alice Adams and Ruth Watts.

Madonna Elnora Persons ’55 of Columbia City, Ind., died Aug. 31, 2009, at her home. As a young woman, she had the privilege of playing the violin at the World’s Fair in 1933 and 1934. She attended Interlochen Music School in Michigan and Jordan Music Conservatory, Indianapolis, before she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in music from Anderson University. On Nov. 5, 1939, she married Reverend Milton G. Persons at the United Methodist Church, Losantville, Ind., where Milton served as minister. An accomplished violinist, she played in various community philharmonics in Muncie, Anderson, Goshen, and Manchester College. For 45 years, she served alongside Milton in various churches. She and Milton moved to Columbia City in 1991. She is survived by her son, Charles Persons; daughter, Gretchen Greubel; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Orlando and Esther (Drew) Mullenix; her husband; and sister, Lois Stephens.

Nancy (Prout) Lewellen died Sept. 10, 2009, in Anderson, following an extended illness. She worked for Anderson University Food Service. Survivors include her children, Carla Koons, David Whittaker, Sherry Vetter, Paula Lawson, and Jon Whittaker; sisters, Debbie Dodd, Joyce Shaw, Linda Ross, and Bobbie Daniels; brothers, William Parsons, Robert Biggs, and Jim Biggs; 13 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and her dog, Flower. Nancy was preceded in death by her husband, David Lewellen, who died in 2002; and her parents, John R. Prout and Vivian (Leisure) Parsons.

David Pierson Sleet, Sr., BS ’60 died Sept. 11, 2009. Shortly after his high school graduation, David received a football scholarship to play for Anderson University. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1953. While serving, David played in the 399th Army band at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. After serving in the military, David returned to Anderson University, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 1960. On Dec. 23, 1961, David married Jeannette Patricia (Jones) Sleet ’72 of Anderson. Over the course of his life, David worked as a teacher, a musician, and in quality control at Delco Remy, where he retired in 1999 after 49 years of employment. He loved spending time with family, friends, and researching family genealogy. He is survived by his wife of almost 48 years; children, John, June, James, and Jay; seven grandchildren; brothers, Mark, John, and Ernest; sisters, Evelyn, Marian, Ellen, Gloria, and June; and many nieces, nephews, and close friends. He was preceded in death by his son, David P. Sleet Jr.; brothers, Frank, Bruce, Dale, and Frederick; sisters, Rosemary, Charity, Barbara, and Donna; a special uncle and aunt; and his parents.

Dr. Delwin W. Brown BA ’57 died of colon cancer on Sept. 13, 2009. He was professor of philosophy and religion at Anderson University from 1966-74. He was also part of the student musical group, the AC Quartet, which toured for ten weeks during the summer of 1956. Delwin was first diagnosed with stage four colon cancer with metastasis to the liver and both lungs in July 2008. He finally succumbed after a valiant battle, which included an extensive regimen of ­­chemotherapy and other medical treatments. He is survived by his wife, Nancy (Terry) Brown ’59; three children, Terri, Kimberli, and Kristen; brother, James; and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Cecil J. Brown BA ’35 and Myrtle (Meyer) (Brown) Wilder BTh ’30, BA ’35.
 
Pauline Louise (Osterling) Rice ’42 died Sept. 20, 2009, at Community Northview Care Center in Anderson. Pauline lived most of her adult life in South Charleston, W.Va.; Tampa, Fla.; and Anderson. She served faithfully by her husband’s side as a pastor’s wife for more than 65 years of marriage, including their most recent ministry service at Park Place Church of God in Anderson. She was an accomplished pianist, violinist, and guitarist and used her musical talents to assist her husband in ministry. She and her husband, Hillery C. Rice, Jr., included several young people as a part of their own family during their teen years. Those they counted as their own were Sally Jane Young, Oral Withrow, and Joby Taylor. Laura (Benson) Withrow and Jeanette (Bloodsworth) Taylor were later included as adopted daughters-in-law. Survivors include her daughter, the Rev. Carolyn Kay Rice, and a sister, Eve Gilbert. Preceding her in death besides her parents, Rudolph and Nell (Perry) Osterling, were her husband and a younger sister, Joby Taylor.

The Rev. George Leonard Majors BTh ’43 died at his home in Fairbanks, Alaska, Sept. 24, 2009. At age 17, George made a commitment to Christ and then responded to God’s call to the ministry. After receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree in theology in 1942 from Anderson University, he and his wife, Marie, established a Church of God congregation in Ypsilanti, Mich., and pastored that congregation for nine years before moving to Charlevoix, Mich., in 1953. It was there that he pastored at the Charlevoix Church of God and raised his four children, George, Howard, Marilyn, and Bonnie. In 1969, the Rev. and Mrs. Majors and daughter Bonnie moved to Fairbanks, where he helped establish the Fairhill Community Church of God and the Fairhill Christian School. George was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Elizabeth Majors; his sisters, Helen Wolf and Marion Ross; his son, George Majors; and his daughter, Bonnie Majors. He is survived by his wife, Marie; his son, Howard Majors; his daughter, Marilyn Buchanan; his brothers, Walter and Robert Majors; his sister, Marjorie Truesdell; eight grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Doris E. Bebee BA ’48 of Salisbury, Md., died Sept. 27, 2009. She retired from the Caroline County Department of Social Services after more than 30 years of service. She is survived by a daughter, Linda (Bebee) Thompson; four sons, D. George Bebee, Terry Bebee, Mark Bebee, and J. Randy Bebee; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; a sister, JoAnne Gibson; a brother, Larry Turner; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Samuel G. Bebee; a brother, Daryl Turner; and a sister, Joyce Turner.

Florence E. Risley BA ’41 died Sept. 28, 2009, at the VNA Horton Hospice Center. She was born on Oct. 6, 1919 in Decatur, Ind. She graduated from Anderson University, taught for a few years, and then worked for Lowenstine’s Department Store in Valparaiso for 15 years before retiring in 1984. Florence loved gardening, especially her many varieties of roses. On May 11, 1946, Florence married Herbert J. Risley, who preceded her in death on Aug. 19, 1998. She is survived by her son, Brian Risley; brother-in-law, Hobart; and two nephews, John and David Risley. She was preceded in death by her parents, Dennie M. and Beulah A. (Cook) Lyons; and sister, Doris Lyons.

Thomas Vernon DeLay Jr. ’57 died Oct.7, 2009, at his residence. He married Bonnie L. Cain in August 1956. She preceded him in death in 2004, along with two brothers and two sisters. He graduated from Anderson University with a degree in business. He worked for the state of Illinois in the Public Aid, Lottery and Department of Revenue as a data processing manager. He played clarinet while serving in the 8th Army Band during the Korean War alongside luminaries such as Andre Previn. In addition to being a lifelong church choir member, he sang with several area performing groups, including the Springfield Choral Society and the Springfield Symphony Chorus. He was also an accomplished pilot and enthusiastic boater. Surviving are his daughter, Carla DeLay; son, Brian DeLay; two granddaughters; two nieces; and one nephew.

Ruth Eileen Campbell Leonard ’55 died Oct. 8, 2009. On Nov. 4, 1937, Eileen married Keith E. Leonard. She was a Welcome Wagon hostess in Anderson for several years and worked for the national office of the Church of God, retiring in 1973. Eileen will be remembered as an avid volunteer at Community Hospital, the Christian Center, and Village Christian Park. She is survived by her son, Jack K. Leonard; two granddaughters; two great-granddaughters; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Keith Leonard; sons, Steven and Gregg; parents, M.D. and Edna (Sprong) Campbell; brother, Devon Campbell; and sister, Dorothy Denny.

Stephen T. Hampton died in Bedford, Ind., on Oct. 16, 2009. He had been fighting cancer for the past year. A medical doctor, he practiced in Anderson for 16 years before moving to Bedford, Ind.. While he was in Anderson, he was the team doctor for all athletics at Anderson University. He also taught and provided job-shadowing opportunities for many high school and college students.  He is survived by his wife, Julie (Snyder) Hampton, whom he married Aug. 12, 1978; two daughters, Haley and Lauren; his parents, Dr. James and Frances Hampton; one sister, Peggy Annis; two brothers, David and John Hampton; and several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and in-laws. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Marc and Michael Hampton, and his grandparents.

Delcie M. (Vaughn) Hargett ’39 of Anderson died Oct. 22, 2009. Delcie moved to Anderson 32 years ago from Noblesville. She was a homemaker, pastor’s wife, Christian education director, and owned Hargett Agency LLC property management company. She and her husband, Loyd, held a pastorate at Noblesville Church of God for 30 years. Survivors include three children, Deloris Wolford, the Rev. Dwight Hargett, and Kay Trick-Anderson; 10 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Loyd E. Hargett, on Aug. 10, 1992; four brothers; four sisters; and a grandchild.

Richard E. Smith BA ’76 passed away Oct. 23, 2009, after fighting a three-year battle with lung cancer. He graduated from Anderson University and Dallas Baptist University. He held two master’s degrees. He enjoyed being a special education teacher. He recently worked at Highland Park High School. Richard is survived by his wife of four years, Susan Peterson-Smith. He is also survived by his parents, Lynn and Lorraine Smith; siblings, Judy Zack, Michael Smith, Ann Hahn, and Christa Stanley; mother-in-law, Anne Peterson; and many nieces and nephews.

Kenneth L. Hardman ’60 died Oct. 30, 2009. He had resided in Anderson since 1955. Kenneth retired in 1996 from Duo Supply Company, after 30 years of employment. Survivors include his wife, Frances (Schnuck) Hardman BA ’67, whom he married Dec. 19, 1964; son, Matthew Hardman BA ’96; stepchildren, Michael Forrest and Kathryn Forrest; two grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; and two nieces and nephews. Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, William Earl and Flossie Hardman; brothers, Lyle Hardman and Merle Hardman; sisters, Marie White and Delma Hardman; and a stepdaughter, Michelle (Forrest) Howell.

Jim Shelton BS ’63 died Oct. 30, 2009, after a courageous battle with Lou Gehrig’s Disease. He served his country in the U.S. Army Reserves. He retired from Inland Fisher Guide Division of General Motors after 29 years of service and then worked for Barber Manufacturing. He enjoyed working in the yard and tending to his roses and 388 baby trees. He is survived by his wife of four years, Vicki (Sherley) Shelton; daughter, Jamie Thomas; three grandchildren; several step-children and their families; and a sister, Marilyn Olson. He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Edith (Walters) Shelton; brother, John Shelton; infant sister, Mary Margaret Shelton; and first wife, Nancy (Turner) Shelton, in 1999.
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Keith Allen Barker BA ’71 of Bellefontaine, Ohio, died Nov. 1, 2009. In 1971, he graduated from Anderson College, where he played football all four years. Keith taught school in Key West, Fla., for 28 years and in Columbus, Ga., for two years. He is survived by his wife, Harriet, along with a son, Brent Barker; brother, Bill Barker; sisters, Rosemary Barton, Nancy Henry, and Alice Baughman; and three grandchildren.

H. Keith Flowers BA ’70 of Indianapolis, died Nov. 4, 2009, after a courageous six-year battle with cancer. Keith served five years with the United States Navy. He graduated from Anderson University in 1970 with a BA degree in accounting and had a rewarding 31-year career as a State Farm agent. Keith was an avid pilot and took great pride and joy in his plane. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Suzanne Grove Flowers; son, Brian; daughter, Amie; and two grandchildren.

H. Howard Lash of Anderson, died Nov. 4, 2009, after a lengthy illness. During 40 months’ service in the U.S. Army in World War II, he rose to the rank of master sergeant. He was a graduate of West Liberty State College in West Virginia and held a Master of Education degree from Kent State University and Doctor of Education degree from Ball State University. He joined the education department at Anderson University in 1961 and retired in 1985 as associate registrar. During his tenure, he supervised many student teachers and led students on international travel trips. Survivors include his wife, Martha (Cerbus) Lash, whom he married March 24, 1951; children, Cindy Peck ’74, Carol Hanna BA ’78, and Barbara Linder AA ’82, BA ’82; sisters, Sarah Kakasuleff and Garnetta Vaughn; three grandchildren; two great-grandsons; and many nieces and nephews. Lash was preceded in death by five brothers and six sisters.

Roger Dale Tate BA ’84 died of malignant melanoma on Nov. 7, 2009, at his home in Albany, Ind. He received a master's degree in accounting from the University of Denver. He was a certified public accountant for Capin, Crouse & Co. Public Accounting; Denver Seminary; Colorado Christian University; and Oregon University System. He married Karen Marie Moore on Dec. 27, 1985, in Anderson. Survivors include his wife; children, Kirstin, Bracken, and Cameron; parents, David and Marjorie Tate; and siblings, Randall and Ronald Tate.

Jack E. Cousins BA ’52 died Nov. 14, 2009, with his wife of 56 years, Waneta (Jackson) Cousins BS ’54, by his side. Jack enlisted in the U.S. Navy in early 1945 and served until July 1946 in the Pacific Fleet. After his service, he worked as an engineer’s assistant and heavy equipment operator in coal mining operations in Pennsylvania before attending Anderson University, where he met Waneta. He graduated in 1952 and then taught junior high and elementary school. Jack and Waneta were married in 1953. Jack continued his quest for knowledge and earned his Master of Arts degree at Ball State University and his education doctorate at Indiana University. The family moved to Boulder, Colo., in 1967 when Jack accepted a position at the University of Colorado in the education department, where he taught and supervised student teachers for over 22 years. He was preceded in death by two sisters, and an infant grandson. He is survived by his wife; their children Mike, Laura, and Mark; and seven grandchildren.

Bob Hepler BS ’57 died Nov. 16, 2009. At the end of his freshman year at Anderson University, Bob’s dream of becoming a teacher and coach was interrupted when he was drafted to the Korean War. After serving his required time in the Army, he returned to Anderson at age 24 to complete his degree. Bob enjoyed 33 years of teaching and coaching in both Indiana and Pennsylvania. Survivors include his wife, Sue Hepler; his two sons, Dan and Terry; daughter, Tracy; a granddaughter; two step-daughters, Roxanne Klepfer and Diane Simpson; a step-son, Craig Bullers; nine step-grandchildren; five step-great-grandchildren; and two nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Peggy Wertz.

Melinda Elizabeth Allen ’44 died Nov. 21, 2009, in Whitewater, Wisc. She attended Dodge City Community College for two years and Anderson University for one year. She married Leroy L. Allen on Dec. 26, 1944. Survivors include two daughters, Clarena Faye Johnson and Nita Wiley ’72; two sons, Norman Allen and Gary Allen BA ’73; 11 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren.

Jack L. Taylor BS ’56 died Nov. 23, 2009. He earned a BA degree in education. He also earned an MA degree from Ball State University. Jack was a teacher, administrator, and coach in Anderson before retiring to Florida. Jack is survived by his wife of 67 years, Faith; his daughter, Janet Klepper; his son, Jack Taylor; five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Delmar Galen “Coach” Smith died Nov. 25, 2009. Galen was a lifelong Anderson resident. He served as a volunteer coach for Anderson University Athletics. He is survived by one brother, Jerold Frederic. He was preceded in death by his parents, the Rev. F. G. Smith and Birdie Mitchell (Warner) Smith.
 
Robert F. Biggs Sr. AA ’81 died Nov. 27, 2009. Robert graduated from Anderson University with an associates degree in criminal justice. He was a Vietnam veteran, serving in the Army as Spc. E-4 from 1968-1971. Following his return from Vietnam, he worked at T-Way Department Store in Anderson. He began his 27-year career with the Anderson Police Department in 1973. He served in many areas throughout the department beginning as a patrolman and working his way to the rank of detective. From 1980 to 1983, he was assigned to the department’s juvenile division, and in 1983 he served on a burglary task force. He then served in the position of property officer until his retirement in 2000. He is survived by one son, Robert F. Biggs, Jr.; two daughters, Julie Alexander and Lora Prince; step-mother, Lorene Biggs; three brothers, Doug Biggs, Doyle Biggs, and Eugene Williams; eight grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara L. Biggs and a brother, Donald Biggs.

Sandra (Stephens) Clark BS ’64 died Dec. 14, 2009, at her Anderson residence following an extended illness. She received a Bachelor of Science Degree in English from Anderson University, a Master of Arts Degree in English from Ball State University in 1967, and PhD in English from Ball State University in 1995. She was professor emerita at Anderson University, where she taught in the English Department for 33 years. Prior to this, she taught English at Highland High School for eight years. She was one of the seven women who founded Women’s Alternatives, Inc., and was awarded the Robert A. Nicholson Award for distinguished service to the Anderson University community in 2008 and the Heritage Award through the International Student Association at Anderson University in 2008. Survivors include her husband, Ronald K. Clark BA ’64, whom she married June 27, 1964; brother, Dr. Stanley L. Stephens BA ’65; a nephew; a great-nephew and great-niece; two aunts; several cousins; and many dear friends. She was preceded in death by a son, Christopher Keith Clark in 1996.