Obituaries
Rev. Robert 鈥淪teve鈥� Casey, M.Div. ’76, aged 73, of Stonewall was ushered into the presence of his Lord and Savior on February 26, 2024, in Bude, Mississippi. He was born March 9, 1950, in McComb, Mississippi to Robert 鈥淏ob鈥� Warren Casey and Ida Mae O鈥橞rien Casey.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Ida Casey. Left to cherish his memory include his wife, LaBetha Spears Casey; children, Juan Richardson, Kelly Casey, Chris Casey, Nicole Tull (Rev. Richard), Robin Moon (Kelly), and Robert Casey (Lauren); bonus daughter, Jenni Galli; brother, Rev. Dana Casey (Nancy); sisters, Lisa Casey and Fay Starks; brother-in-law, Glenn Spears; sister-in-law, Julia Stegall (Bill); many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Steve received a BA in speech from Delta State University where he founded evangelistic team, Delta Light. He received a Master of Divinity from Asbury Seminary. Steve鈥檚 spiritual birthday was March 1, 1968, which launched him into more than 50 years of ministry. His pastoral assignments were in Kentucky, Mississippi, and Louisiana. For more than 21 years he served as Chaplain with Evergreen Presbyterian Ministries. He also served as a volunteer chaplain with Willis-Knighton, and officiated weddings and funerals. He faithfully conducted services MontClair Assisted Living. During his life he was an Eagle Scout, a Pro-Life champion (yes, he has been arrested for his beliefs), and an auxiliary deputy for the DeSoto Parish Sheriff鈥檚 Office. He belonged to Men of Prayer in Stonewall and the Thursday Morning Bible Study Group. He enjoyed reading his bible daily, and read through the Bible yearly. His beloved wife, LaBetha, from whom he was inseparable, was his soul mate, best friend, and the light of his life. With his life, he preached the gospel at all times, and in all ways.
Rev. William Baggett Coker, PhD, B.Div. ’65, aged 88, after a long battle with dementia, passed on Thursday 7 March 2024 from this earthly life into the presence of Jesus Christ, his Savior. A native of New Orleans, LA, he resided in Indianapolis, IN, after retiring as senior pastor of World Gospel Church in Terre Haute, IN, for 19 years. He was a member of Free Life Community Church.
Bill Coker is survived by his wife, Ann Laird, of 66 years and their four children: William, Jr. (Rhonda), John (Elaine), Rebecca Gearhart (Paul), and Thomas (Susan); ten grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren; and one sister-in-law, Louise Coker.
Bill graduated from Tulane University, 香港期期最准的一肖, and Hebrew Union College. He pastored churches in Louisiana, Mississippi, Kentucky, and Indiana; taught at d’Iberville High School, MS, 香港期期最准的一肖, and Asbury College (University), KY; and served with One Mission Society, IN. He also worked as clergy on many Emmaus Walks in Indiana. He leaves a legacy of four published books and a podcast of former sermons.
Clarence met his wife Marjorie while they were both attending The Ohio State University, and they were married for almost 64 years. After graduating with a D.V.M. from the Ohio State University School of Veterinary Medicine, he had a thriving veterinary practice in Port William for ten years. He left his practice in response to a call into ministry, attended the 香港期期最准的一肖, and earned an M. Div. degree. Clarence served United Methodist congregations in Sardinia, Batavia, Greenfield, Middletown, and Bryan, Ohio. During his ministry he was also a 鈥淣ew Life Missioner鈥� with the United Methodist General Board of Discipleship in Nashville, TN and preached in churches throughout the Midwest. He officiated at hundreds of baptisms, marriages, and funerals; and led the God-centered life of a full-time minister for many years. He was the real deal: He lived his convictions, spent time in daily contemplation and Bible study, led prayers, and reminded others of the constant and abiding strength found in God.
Clarence was one of a kind and a tremendous role model for fully living and loving the life we are given. He was deeply caring, friendly, and sociable. He never met a stranger and was truly interested in others鈥� lives. He also had an exceptionally sharp mind and a life-long curiosity and interest in learning and trying new things. Among his special interests were veterinary medicine (he kept his license until he was 91 and was signed up to audit courses when he died); music (he played trombone in the Greene County Concert Band, the Cedarville University Symphonic Orchestra, and a small band he put together); was an active member of the Port William Lions Club; and farming (he enjoyed living on the family farm for his last 30 years and managing the annual agricultural cycle). He also was a woodworker who handcrafted gifts for his children and grandchildren over the years.
We were blessed to have Clarence in our lives. We will think of him with the deepest love and admiration and honor his memory for the rest of our lives. Thank you for everything, Clarence. Breathe easy.
He was born 08/03/1940 as the son of Edward and Alice Goodwin. He grew up as a hardworking and spiritual man and received M.Div. and Ph.D. degrees in Theological Education and Philosophy. Wayne, fondly known as “Pa ah” was a United Methodist Pastor for 18 years in IL, KY, & NC. Working at 香港期期最准的一肖 for 17 years, he served as: Director Doctoral Studies; Director of Continuing Education; Professor of Church Administration and Pastoral Ministry and Counseling; VP seminary advancement. At Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary for 5 years, he served as: Founding Executive Dean; Professor and Member of the Ministry Division.
Wayne was involved in many professional activities such as: Local church consultant in areas of missions planning, leadership formation, and organizational design; Consultant and seminar leader for Salvation Army in areas of Christian leadership and Christian counseling, Consultant in distance-learning and information in Christian organizations.
In his free time Wayne would study even more of the Bible’s unceasing gravity and continue to teach Bible studies online until he was physically unable. He was gifted with talent in playing the piano; it was another way to express enjoy and worship the Lord. He loved woodworking and would always be crafting or fixing something in his shops that were also built from the ground-up. He enjoyed sports, and whether playing it or watching it on T.V. it was all about baseball, especially if it was the Braves or Cubs. He liked golf and basketball as well.
Wayne was a leader, good teacher and a faithful Christian with a loving heart who always would stand up for what he believed in. He touched many lives with unannounced charity & giving back to our community. In the lessons he taught, in the love he shared and the memories we hold dear, we trust that God is pleased to have one of his humble and compassionate angels to join him in heaven.
Surviving relatives: Peggy (wife), Deborah and TJ (daughters), Rachel, Peter, & Jayden (grandchildren). Preceding deaths: Alice and Edward Goodwin (Parents), Melvin Roy Goodwin (brother).
Connie was born on January 7, 1964, in Boone, IA, to C. Eugene Stewart and the late Charlotte McCoy Stewart. She is survived by her loving husband, Matthew Hadley, and son, Connor Hadley; sister, Christy Haider, (Jeff), Emily(niece) and Luke (nephew) of Minneapolis, MN; brother-in-law, Ray Hadley (Jen), Mackenzie (niece), Madi (niece) and Drew (nephew) of Ada, OH, and many grand nieces and nephews. She will also be missed by cousins, extended family and friends.
Connie loved children and greatly enjoyed spending time with them at the Jessamine Early Learning Village. The Village was most precious to her and she served by creating coloring sheets for them and any teacher who wanted them. She was a superhero in their eyes. She was also employed by Subway and Asbury University where she gave freely of herself to the community and the students. Her passion was people and making a difference in their lives.
Wilmore United Methodist Church was her home church. She made coloring pages for the children to using during church services as well as serving at the weekly Kids Formation gathering. She enjoyed many fellowship groups. The Lexington Emmaus Community and the Order of St. Patrick also benefitted from her unbounded creativity and faithful commitment.
Music and art allowed her to express her deeply rooted faith to the world around her. Everything she created was imbued with a childlike innocence and love. Her love of Jesus and the difference God made in her life flowed through everything she did. Into a darkened world, she poured herself that there would be light enough to share. She loved with her whole being and left the world forever changed.
As a Methodist Pastor, Patrick served Flattop Mountain Church in TN while at Bryan College, Preacherville & Lawson’s Chapel in KY as Student Pastor while at Asbury Seminary, U.S. Military Chaplain, Liverpool United Methodist, Parish & West Amboy United Methodist, Oakwood UM, Pennsylvania Ave. UM, South Corning UM, Wellsburg UM, Riverside UM and Westside UM. Patrick retired from the U.S. Army as a Lieutenant Colonel after 30 years. He was awarded Army Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal w/ 3 Bronze Stars. Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal w/ 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Commendation Medal w/ 5 Oak Leaf Clusters, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal w/ 60 Device, Army Good Conduct Medal, Southwest Asia Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Parachutist Badge and NYS Defense of Liberty Medal.
Dr. Buford 鈥淢arlin鈥� Mull Sr., aged 91, passed away Wednesday, March 20, 2024. Born May 29, 1932, he was the only child of the late William Warren Mull and Lila Beatrice Cates Mull. Marlin and Barbara (Mills) Mull were married September 24, 1950.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara; two children, Mary Beth Kensell (Ralph) of The Villages, Florida and Buford Marlin Mull Jr. (Debbie) of Brevard, North Carolina; six grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
He graduated in 1950 from J.W. Cannon High School, Kannapolis, North Carolina, and in 1963 from Southern Wesleyan University as the class Valedictorian. Marlin later did graduate work at Asbury Seminary, Wilmore, Kentucky and Columbia Seminary, Atlanta, Georgia. Southern Wesleyan University bestowed on him an honorary doctor of divinity degree in 1990, and in 2012 the Virgil Mitchell Award for pastoral excellence.
From 1950-1960 prior to entering the ministry he was part owner of the family business consisting of three furniture stores and a salvage operation.
Marlin鈥檚 pastoral ministry starting in 1963 included The Clyde Wesleyan Church, Clyde, North Carolina; Bethel Wesleyan Church, Flat Rock, North Carolina; Brevard Wesleyan Church, Brevard, North Carolina; Hayworth Wesleyan Church, High Point, North Carolina; Brooksville Wesleyan Church, Brooksville, Florida. In five of the six churches he led an intensive building project.
Denominational service included district superintendent of the North Carolina West District of the Wesleyan Church and twelve years as General Director of Evangelism and Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. During this time he also served ten years as Chairman of the Evangelism Commission for the National Association of Evangelicals. Following twelve years of denominational service he served five years as President of Wesleyan Village in Brooksville, Florida from 2001-2005.
He wrote Church Planting in the Book of Acts, Seven Principles of Better Living, Come to the Table (communion messages), Let Them Know (on church finances), and Reacting to Life鈥檚 Situations. Writings also include daily devotionals.
Reverend Alfred Warren Ragghianti, M.Div. ’97, aged 76, of Gulf Breeze, FL, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, March 1, 2024.
Al was born in Memphis, TN on August 31, 1947, to Grace (Rutschman) and Gabriel Ragghianti, Sr. He was a retired pastor, and devoted husband, father, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, and friend.
Born and raised in Memphis, Al attended Little Flower Elementary School, graduated from Christian Brothers High School, and Memphis State University. 聽Following his college graduation in 1969, Al moved to Miami and worked for Xerox and Redman Homes. Al took time off and backpacked across Europe. As part of that adventure, he traveled to Luca, Italy, and had a wonderful time with relatives on his father鈥檚 side of the family. Upon returning to the United States, he again worked for Redman Homes in Texas, Indiana, Colorado, and Pennsylvania. 聽He then took a job with Champion Homes in Nebraska, where he met and married Connie Mann.
Al and Connie were wed in The Sunken Gardens in Lincoln, NE, in 1975. After selling homes for Chief Industries for 3 years, they moved to Florida, and owned and operated Alcon Homes, Inc., before the Lord called them to full-time ministry. They graduated from 香港期期最准的一肖 in Wilmore, KY, where Al earned a Master of Divinity Degree. He was ordained, and served churches in Alabama, served as a Hospice Chaplain in Pensacola, and ministered to men at Waterfront Rescue Mission鈥檚 New Hope Home, Loaves and Fishes Soup Kitchen and Shelter, and various mission trips. Al also led youth groups and was one of the first children鈥檚 worship leaders at the Community Life Center in Gulf Breeze. AL enjoyed fishing, hunting, playing pool, horseback riding, water sports and traveling with his family. He was an avid reader, with the Bible being the only book on his Kindle. Al struggled with various health issues during the latter years of his life here on earth. How wonderful it is to know that 鈥�(God) will wipe away every tear from (our) eyes, and death will be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.鈥� And He who was seated on the throne said, Behold, I am making all things new鈥rite this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.鈥濃��(Revelation 21:4-27.)
Al is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Gabriel Ragghianti, Jr.; sister-in-law, Dale Dugas; and his mother-in-law and father-in-law, E. Nadeen (Radcliff) and Edward N. Mann.
Survivors include his wife, Connie (Mann) Ragghianti; son, Andrew Ragghianti; daughter, Allison Ragghianti; brothers, Gerald (Sharon) Ragghianti and Brian (Lisa) Ragghianti; sisters-in-law, Sandra Ragghianti; Deb (Boyd) Friesen; and Judith Mann; a host of nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.
Benjamin Lawrence Roberson, M.Div. ’97, aged 78, of Etowah, TN, formerly of Ohio, passed away Monday, March 18, 2024.
Benjamin was a graduate of Athens High School in Ohio, Ohio University, and 香港期期最准的一肖 in Kentucky. He pastored several churches in McMinn County. His first church was Pleasant Hill UMC in Decatur, TN and St. Paul鈥檚 UMC and Carlock UMC being his last. He was a member of Paramuthia Masonic Lodge No. 25 in Athens, OH; and was active in the Etowah Lions Club when he pastored in Etowah.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Mary Olive Cowan Roberson; his father, John William Roberson Sr.;聽 sister, Virginia Lou Roberson Evans.
He is survived by his brother, John William Roberson Jr.; nephews, Eddie Evans, Jim Evans, Mike Evans, John Roberson III;聽niece, Susan Roberson Smelas; four great-nephews; one great-niece; one great-great nephew; and one great-great niece.
W.F. is survived by his two sons, Paul and Greg Sanders; his daughter, Frances Clayton (Wes); his three granddaughters, Sanders Clayton, Hannah Page Bell (Conner), and Alee Harris (Ben); his brother, Ken Sanders (Ann) of Birmingham, Alabama; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and wonderful friends both lifelong and new.
W.F. was a graduate of Huntsville High School, The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, and the Security Industry Association Program at Wharton School of Business. He served in the Alabama National Guard for over a decade and was active in the community for over 60 years. W.F. valued most his relationship and journey with Christ.
Ron was born on March 29, 1942 in St. Louis, MO to Russell and Laura Stelzleni. 聽Ron graduated from Washington University in St Louis with an engineering degree and worked many positions in his chosen field.
In 1966 Ron married Barbara Doser and to this marriage 2 children were born; Barbara and Ron later divorced. 聽In 1984 Ron married Kathleen Shapkaroff, and to this marriage 3 children were born. 聽Ron and Kathy divorced in 2007.
In 1986 Ron left his job at Neenah Foundry to attend 香港期期最准的一肖 where he received a Master’s of Divinity. Ron then served Grace United Methodist Church and Christie United Methodist Church in Greenwood and Christie, WI. 聽He later served Our Savior’s United Methodist Church and Gilmanton United Methodist Church. Ron loved serving his Lord as well as the members of all of the churches. 聽He was an avid reader and enjoyed music, most notably classical music.
Ron is survived by his children, Robin (Peter) Daanen of Green Bay; Russell Stelzleni of Menasha; Michael (Tanya) Stelzleni of Mondovi, Sarah Stelzleni of Boston, MA; Jonathan (Cassandra Pereda) Stelzleni of Alexandria, VA. Ron is further survived by his brother, Lance (Debbie) Stelzleni of Scottsdale, AZ; a nephew, Nicholas (Melanie) Stelzleni and family. 聽Grandchildren, Rebecca (Brandon) Larson of Green Bay; Sophia Stelzleni, Alayna Stelzleni Mara Stelzleni and Ezra Stelzleni all of Mondovi, WI. 聽Great-grandchildren Sutton Larsen and Sawyer Larsen of Green Bay.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents Russell and Laura Stelzleni and a nephew, Joshua Stelzleni.
Stanley David Walters, B.Div. ’55, aged 92, revered scholar, pastor, and educator, passed away peacefully on March 5. He leaves behind a legacy of profound intellectual contributions and unwavering devotion to his faith. Born on July 30, 1931, in Lawrence, Kansas, Stan was the beloved son of Dr. Orville Selkirk Walters and Geneva Fern Walters.
Stan鈥檚 journey of intellectual pursuit began with an Associate鈥檚 Degree at Central College in McPherson, Kansas, followed by a Bachelor鈥檚 Degree at Greenville College in Illinois. He continued his academic journey at Asbury Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky, earning a Bachelor of Divinity Degree. Further studies led him to Princeton Theological Seminary in New Jersey, where he earned a Masters of Theology Degree, specializing in Biblical Studies. During his time at Princeton, he also served as a pastor in East Orange, New Jersey.
His thirst for knowledge led him to Yale University in Connecticut, where he pursued a Doctorate Degree in Ancient Near Eastern Languages. His dissertation, Water for Larsa, delved into Old Babylonian tablets on irrigation, showcasing his expertise in cuneiform studies.
Throughout his career, Stan dedicated himself to educating others. He began teaching at Greenville College before moving on to Central Michigan University, where he established the Department of Religion. He later served as a professor of the Old Testament at Knox College, University of Toronto, for sixteen years.
In addition to his academic pursuits, Stan answered the call to pastoral ministry. He served as a Presbyterian minister at Rosedale Presbyterian Church in Toronto, Canada, and later at First Presbyterian Church in Bucyrus, Ohio. His faithful pastoral ministry to these two congregations extended more than a decade.
Even in retirement, Stan remained committed to sharing his knowledge and faith. He served as Professor Emeritus at Tyndale University in Toronto, Canada, and as interim minister at First Presbyterian Church in Fostoria, Ohio.
Stan leaves behind his wife, Elizabeth, his children David Walters (Marja) and Connie Walters Dunwoody (Peter); Elizabeth鈥檚 children, Andrew Thomson (Sarah) and Kenneth Thomson (Allison); his brother, Richard Walters (Diana) and sister Marjorie Walters Browning (George); grandchildren Deirdre, Damaris (Joe), Rowan, Aravis (Alex), Rose, Maeve, George, Dorothy, and Isla; as well as many loving nieces and nephews. Stan will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and the countless lives he touched through his teaching and ministry.
I noted the passing away of Rev. Clarence Dinnen. I was an international student at Asbury in the early 70s and Rev. Dinnen was one pastor who hosted me and treated us very well in his pastorate in Ohio.
I was saddened by the news of Wayne Goodwin鈥檚 passing. He was always kind and helpful. Usually he would have a smile on his face when I passed him in the hall. I never had any official class under him, but I always considered him to be one of the unsung hero servants of The Christian Family. In my book that is one of the best examples of service I know of. I hope I could be half as good a servant minister as he was! My condolences to his family and friends and to the Asbury family for his passing and all of these dear servants of God who served without fanfare mostly. They deserve horns and flags and a parade in when they arrive in Heaven!!