Obituaries
Donald N. Bastian, B.Div. ’56, aged 98, of Brampton, Ontario passed away on April 4, 2024, at Woodhall Retirement Community.
He is predeceased by his beloved wife of 75 years, Kathleen G. Bastian (nee Swallow), his four siblings and their spouses, and by son Donald G Bastian.聽 Surviving family include his loving children and their spouses: 聽Carolyn D. Gonyou (Douglas) of Brampton, Ontario; June (Yamamoto) Bastian of Toronto, Ontario; Robert W. Bastian (Janice) of Downers Grove, Illinois; and John David Bastian, of Surrey, British Columbia. 聽In addition, he leaves behind grandchildren Jonathan (Beth) Kathleen (Douglas), and Emily; Ian (Chloe) and Robyn (Richard); Zachary (Lisa) and Charis (Ben); and 16 great-grandchildren. He will also be lovingly remembered by his many nieces, nephews, and other relatives in the Bastian and Swallow extended families.
Bishop Bastian was born on December 25, 1925, in the then-tiny hospital of Estevan, Saskatchewan. His parents were immigrants from the deep poverty of the coal fields of Lancashire, England.聽 As the fourth child of five, he remembers the harsh conditions of the prairie, especially in Winter.聽 He interrupted his high school studies to attend Moose Jaw (later Aldersgate) Bible College, and then finished secondary school at Lorne Park College in Port Credit, Ontario.
In Ontario, Donald met the love of his life, Kathleen G Swallow.聽 Together, they expended extraordinary effort to rise above their meager circumstances.聽 In no small part due to Kathleen鈥檚 exertions as the loving support and infrastructure of his life, Bishop Bastian became the first in his family to complete a bachelor鈥檚 degree (Greenville University in Illinois) and then a Master of Divinity (Asbury Seminary in Kentucky). Across his lifetime, he was also granted four honorary doctorates, the final one from 骚狐视频.
Together, Bishop Bastian and Kathleen served Free Methodist churches in Lexington, Kentucky, New Westminster, British Columbia, and Greenville, Illinois.聽 He was elected to the bishopric of the Free Methodist Church 鈥� USA in 1974.聽 Later, he became the inaugural bishop of the Free Methodist Church in Canada, having led the latter body from being part of the American church, to Jurisdictional status, and then to the standing of a full general conference.
Bishop Bastian was a pastor鈥檚 pastor, mastering his calling through biblical preaching of great power and influence; attentive pastoral care for his congregation of all ages; and skillful administration.聽 His second-to-last book is entitled The Pastor鈥檚 First Love and his final book, a memoir, is From Kitchen Chair to Pulpit.
Fredene Kay Daeschner, aged 82, died surrounded by loved ones on the eve of Resurrection Sunday and what would have been her 62nd anniversary.
When asked a few months earlier what she wanted people to say about her when she was gone, she didn鈥檛 hesitate: 鈥淭he truth!鈥� she declared.
So here goes鈥�
Whether you knew her as Fredene, Mom, Grammy or Gram, you鈥檇 know she was loving, kind, funny, clever, full of life, nurturing, and loyal; an incorrigible spoiler of pets and small children and an unassuming spiritual mentor to more people than she realized. At the same time, her Swedish heritage meant she could also be stubborn and more than a little feisty鈥攏ot least because of the near-constant pain she endured during decades of afflictions, including a stroke, a heart attack, fibromyalgia, and cancer.
However, the far more important Truth she would want us to ponder as we celebrate her life is Jesus鈥� uncompromising declaration to those who know they need saving: 鈥淚 am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me.鈥� (John 14:6) Her favorite Bible verses included Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.” 聽These eternal truths proved to be the sustaining constants of her life.
Born the day after Christmas in 1941, Fredene had to grow up quickly as the eldest child in a small farming family in McPherson, Kansas. By the age of 11, she could turn out full meals for the family and farmhands, and she also became an accomplished seamstress, sewing everything from buttons and zippers to full-fledged dresses. When she was 19, she fell in love with J. Ross Daeschner, a farmboy who dreamt of becoming a cowboy after finishing his stint in the Air Force. Within months, they were married, moving to Texas and California before J. left the military to manage ranches in Kansas and Colorado.
Having been raised a Christian and soon with two young children of her own, Fredene gradually became disillusioned with the diluted religion of mainstream churches in the 1970s. She sought something more and eventually found it: a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. And in time, it ended up being through her faith鈥攁nd that of her mother鈥攖hat her husband and children were later won to Christ, ensuring to this day that her grandchildren and great-grandchildren would be trained up to know the way they should go (Proverbs 22:6).
After J. nearly died in a ranching accident, the Daeschner family moved back to Kansas, where they settled down to run a successful caf茅-restaurant centered on Fredene鈥檚 homestyle cooking. When her now-Christian ex-cowboy told her the Lord was calling him to the ministry, she initially resisted being uprooted yet again. However, she soon threw herself into helping support him and the family as they relocated to Kentucky, where J. graduated from Asbury Seminary in 1988. As if she weren鈥檛 busy enough in her new career as a minister鈥檚 wife, Fredene finally completed her own university degree at the age of 50, earning a bachelor鈥檚 in Gerontology and working with Alzheimer鈥檚 and special-needs patients until her own illness forced her to retire. Even then, Fredene continued to regale kids with her children鈥檚 sermons (鈥淭he Wonderful World of the Upside Down鈥�) and often commented that she鈥檇 been blessed to see far more of the world than she鈥檇 ever expected growing up as a small-town girl, having traveled to various parts of the US, with jaunts to England, France and Germany.
At the beginning of the Covid pandemic in 2020, when nursing homes were going into lockdown, Fredene accompanied her soulmate on one final journey: she willingly had herself admitted to the same nursing home as J., sacrificing her freedom (and love of cooking) so that he wouldn鈥檛 be alone. They lived in adjoining rooms until J.鈥檚 death on New Year鈥檚 Day 2021.
Fredene leaves behind her children and their spouses, Julie and Rev. Jeff Buck of Greenwood, IN, Jeff and Aline Daeschner of Gilford, CT, Ngoc and Kim Chi Ly Van Nguyen of Atlanta, GA,, Kim and Darrell Hawkins of Lexington, KY, and Dmetrius Conley-Williams of Lexington, KY, as well as a sister, Aleta Kite of Oceanside, California, and a brother, Rick Lindbeck of Escondido, Calfornia, IN, and 11 grandchildren plus eight great-grandchildren (and counting), plus her nephews and many dear friends.
Although we will miss her steadfast love, advice and feistiness, we are very thankful to know that Fredene鈥檚 long years of suffering are now over and that her faith in the Resurrection has finally become sight.聽 As one of her granddaughters put it, we also think it鈥檚 pretty cool she made it to Paradise just in time to celebrate Easter 2024 with Grandpoppy.
Mary attended Asbury College in Wilmore, Kentucky, where she met Rev. Bill Moon whom she married in September 1947. Both Mary and Bill felt called by God to serve overseas and were commissioned as United Methodist missionaries in 1952.
Their first assignment took them to the rural area of Tandur, India to do educational and church work. Together they worked to establish a school, dig wells, provide housing for teachers, and build churches. During those years, Mary raised support for many students to attend school, led women鈥檚 groups, headed adult literacy programs, distributed food and clothing to many in need, and helped with famine and cyclone relief.
A later assignment in 1960 took them to the city of Hyderabad where they had a fruitful ministry with both the adults and youth until Bill鈥檚 death in 1966.
With faith and remarkable courage, Mary chose to remain in India. She moved to Kodaikanal, a hill station in southern India. There she was a community leader, teacher, and librarian at the Kodai International School which serves children of missionaries, nationals, business people, and diplomats. Mary鈥檚 life beautifully displayed the grace, compassion, and love of Jesus. Little wonder that students, faculty, and the Indian community alike loved Mary in return.
In 1979, Mary returned to the United States and was joyfully united in marriage with Rev. Joe Davis (ATS ’48), a former missionary to the Congo in Africa. Together they continued to serve the church in Kentucky and on several mission fields around the world before landing in Asheville, North Carolina.
Mary and Joe shared 35 wonderful years together. In 2013, Joe outran us to our Heavenly Father鈥檚 house. Now Mary joins him as she has been 鈥減romoted to glory.鈥�
She is survived by six children: Ted (Jackie) Moon, Jack (Edie) Moon, Bob (Betty) Moon, Becky (Jon) Lowe, Warner (TingTing) Davis, Diane (Jim) Keegan; 8 grandchildren, and 14 great grandchildren along with countless friends.
Following his retirement from GM, he served as a United Methodist Church minister in Kentucky and Tennessee for an additional 15 years. Ray was outgoing, talkative, caring, friendly, and nurturing. Growing up, he led singing and Bible studies at church, ultimately becoming a minister in his later years. An avid reader, he greatly enjoyed reading historical fiction, thriller novels, and, of course, the Bible. He especially enjoyed reading the Jack Reacher thriller novels, which led to a special bond with his son due to their mutual love of the series. He also enjoyed woodworking, scrolling through Facebook, and sports of all sorts, especially the Atlanta Braves, the Tennessee Titans, and the University of Tennessee teams.
Ray had a competitive spirit, even with his grandchildren, and loved a fast-paced game of ping pong. In addition, whenever getting together with family, he always looked forward to playing the dice game Zilch and the card game Five Crowns. He also loved the traditional family get-togethers during Christmas and the many outdoor barbecues when the weather was nice.
While he wasn’t the type to go on vacations, Ray was always proud that he made it to the Holy Land. He was also proud of becoming a Methodist minister, whereby he left a steady job at GM and followed his faith and love for the Lord to spread the word of God through his love and care of people. Among many things, he will also be remembered for his collection of crosses and nativity scenes.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Dorothy Hartman, and one brother, Mark Hartman. He is survived by his son, Nathan (Holly) Hartman; daughter, Emily (Neil) Art; four grandchildren, Sydney Hartman, Spencer Hartman, Jordan Art, and Lily Art; three brothers, Michael (Susan) Hartman, Charles Hartman, and Robert (Amy) Hartman; three sisters, Jean Hartman, Judy (Dan) Alexander, and Merry (Rick) Thornsburg; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and close friends.
Brian lived on a farm north of Boelus, Nebraska. He attended Country School District 66, then Boelus Public School. Due to very difficult economic times, the family moved from the farm to McCook in 1957. Although there were several moves, Brian鈥檚 heart always remained at the farm. His mother taught school in McCook and his father was a Civil Engineer.
In 1959 the family moved to St. Paul, NE. Brian attended the United Methodist Church in St. Paul, and it was there, under the ministry of Reverand Bill Halstead that he gave his heart to serve his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This decision directed the remaining course of his life.
Brian graduated from St. Paul High School along with his brother Barry in 1966. Brian attended the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, graduating in 1970 with a degree in Agriculture. He also received a commission in the United States Army at that time, as a Second Lieutenant.
Brian received the call to ministry in 1968, which led him to enter Asbury Seminary in 1970. He met the love of his life, Debby Clarke in 1972. He graduated from Seminary in 1973 and married Debby in June of that year. He was ordained as an elder in the United Methodist Church in June 1974.
He served United Methodist churches in the Clay County Parish 1973-1979. He also served Beaver Crossing and Salem United Methodist Churches 1979-1982. In 1976 he was approved by the United Methodist Church Army Counsel as an Army Chaplain. He served in the Nebraska National Guard until 1979.
Brian completed all the requirements for Clinical Pastoral Education. He worked as a Training Chaplain Intern at both Immanuel Hospital in Omaha and at Bryan East Hospital in Lincoln. He served as a Protestant Chaplain at St Joseph Catholic Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky 1982-1985. He also served as a National Guard Chaplain and a VA Chaplain in Lincoln.
In 1985 he returned to rural Nebraska and started the home fellowship, Vineyard Ministries, which he served for 18 years. At that time, he also became a Licensed Mental Health Therapist working for Methodist Health Systems in the Employee Assistance Program.
In 2006 Brian was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma and was unable to continue working. He spent the rest of his life still forming meaningful relationships and caring for others in a pastoral way.
He is preceded in death by his parents Lawrence and Thelna Houston and his sister Linda Litwin. He is survived by his wife of almost 51 years, Debby Houston, three children: Laura Chambers (Scott), children: Katie, Ian, and Samuel; John Houston and four children: Grace, Evie, Olivia, and Jack; and Daniel (Rachel) and three children: Wyatt, Garrett, and Emma. His life was marked by his love for God and a deep desire that all will know HIM.
He was born April 14, 1942 at Union Hospital in eastern Ohio to Elmer Reuben and Virginia Ellen Lembright. Elmer was an industrial arts teacher at Dover High School and Virginia was a homemaker. His parents taught Wynn to love God, see His image in others, and to forgive with ease. Wynn was encouraged to work from a young age and earned his first paycheck from Judy’s Greenhouse in Dover at age 12, which involved climbing into pipes with a rope tied around his ankle to pull him back out. In his spare hours, he loved spending time with his sisters and cousins at the Lembright family farm among the rolling hills near Ragersville.
Athletics were also a passion. While size prevented him from realizing his dream of becoming a jockey, it did lend itself to football and he soon established himself on the high school team, which eventually led him to the University of Toledo where he played football and majored in engineering. It was during this time that he met his wife, Bonnie, who was also a student, and just happened to be sitting a few pews ahead of him at church in a “pretty yellow dress and hat.” After college, he was drafted by the NFL’s New York Giants and then went on to work for Eli Lilly and Company. He and Bonnie continued to date and were eventually married on March 19, 1966.
Soon after, he felt called to go into ministry. In a season of hesitancy, his supervisor at Eli Lilly sat down with him, read ‘The Road Not Taken’ by Robert Frost, and then urged him to follow his calling. He finished ministry training at Princeton Theological Seminary in 1972 while pastoring a small church in New Jersey. During this time, their daughter Holly was born, and the growing family moved to Philadelphia where he began his work for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). Their son Jonathan was born soon after and this remained home for the family until 1983.
He then returned to his Midwest roots after taking a position at Taylor University in聽. The small college town became their home for the next 25 years, with Bonnie teaching 1st grade in nearby Gas City. If you knew Wynn, you most certainly knew of his love for Taylor. During these years he continued his investment in people on campus, in the local community, and also those far away through outreach trips to India, Australia and through his work with Project Mercy in Ethiopia.
In 2011, he and Bonnie moved to Nashville where he became involved in New Hope Academy and found a rich sense of community there, within their local church, and with various fellowship groups he helped to lead. He also loved nature and spent as much time as possible in the wilds of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula with his kids and grandkids. In his cabin on Piatt Lake he prominently displayed William Cowper’s quote, “Nature is but a name for an effect, whose cause is God.”
The world is a better place because of Wynn. His life was characterized by a love for people and a passion for Jesus. He lived intentionally, faithfully and fully with the years he was given. He was loved and will be missed greatly, but we also rejoice greatly in his homecoming and return to the Shepherd and Guardian of his soul (1 Peter 2:25).\
Rev. Harold Nelson, aged 100, was retired from the Great Plains Conference. Born September 14, 1923, he died April 4, 2024.
After serving as a tail-gunner in World War II, Nelson attended Asbury Seminary and graduated from Drew University Theological Seminary.
He was pastor of churches in Gypsum-Roxbury, Phillipsburg, Winfield, and McPherson, and was Hutchinson District superintendent from 1972-1978. He served Hutchinson Trinity as associate after his retirement and did pastoral care at McPherson First until 2017.
Nelson married Evelyn Eisenhauer on July 25, 1948. She preceded him in death.
Survivors include聽three children, Sonia Nelson (Jeff Mackey), Douglas Nelson (Janice) and Anita Wiley (Jack); five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Margaret was born on January 27, 1925, in Austin, Texas and stepped into Heaven on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024, in Spring, Texas. She worshipped her risen Lord and Savior in person on Easter morning!
Margaret Randerson, aged 99, was the fourth child born to Luther and Dimple Winn Randerson. She told of many great memories of growing up in Austin. Her family life revolved around fun times spent together, helping others, and attending church. Margaret graduated from Austin High School in 1943. After working a few years, she went on to graduate from Asbury College in Wilmore, Kentucky in 1950.
After tutoring and teaching her favorite subject, Math, for a few years, Margaret started working at Shell Oil Company in 1954. Margaret loved being a 鈥渃omputer,鈥� working in their Corpus Christi, New Orleans, and Houston offices. Margaret had especially fond memories of her international work trip to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1980. After retiring in 1988, Margaret enjoyed many Shell retiree gatherings throughout the years.
Margaret loved her Lord and Savior and was active in many church congregations. Margaret especially treasured her time as a member of Ashford United Methodist Church in Houston where she loved her church family, supported countless mission craft sales, and participated regularly in her Body Recall class. Most recently, Margaret was a member of The Woodlands Methodist Church where she enjoyed senior events, Bible studies, the Friendship Sunday School class, and the hymns at the Traditional worship service.
Margaret embraced the mission of 骚狐视频 in Wilmore, Kentucky and cherished her relationship with many seminary staff. She was recently honored by Asbury for her faithfulness and years of generous giving.
Margaret was known for her bright smile, her contagious sense of humor, her ubiquitous cup of coffee, and her love of sports cars, fast driving, and the Houston Astros. She also loved using her computer to make homemade cards to brighten others鈥� days. She and Mary Grace spent many happy Thursdays with her great-great niece and nephew in The Woodlands.
Margaret is survived by her sisters Elizabeth Randerson Morris and Mary Grace Randerson, cousin Leland Walton, nieces and nephews Deborah (Gary) Norwood, Joe Dale (Jo Nell) Morris, David (Linda) Morris, Jerry (Kari) Morris, Mary Margaret Randerson, Joe Berry Randerson, and David Winn 鈥淒W鈥� Randerson, great nephews Jeffrey (Elizabeth) Morris, Dale (Rhie) Morris, Ethan Morris (Sheri Kimes), Matthew (Isabel) Norwood, and Tyler Norwood, and great-great nieces Katherine Morris and Sophia Norwood, and great-great nephew Joey Morris.
Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Luther W. Randerson and Joe M. Randerson, her sister Greola 鈥淛ackie鈥� Randerson, her brother-in-law Frederick Dale Morris, her sisters-in law Jeane Osenbaugh Randerson and Nell Woods Randerson, cousin-in-law Sarah Walton, and her long-time treasured friend, Fred Gossett.
Brian was born on April 25, 1957 to Charles Rex and Margie Chatterton Short in Garnett, Kansas. His childhood was spent in Topeka, KS with his older sisters Barbara and Brenda and his younger brother Brad. Following his graduation from Highland Park High School, he attended Kansas State University where he fulfilled his childhood dream of playing saxophone in a Big 8 marching band. While attending K-State he met Belinda Minor, who became his beloved wife of 41 years. During his time at K-State he became involved with The Navigators campus ministry. Upon graduating, he answered Christ鈥檚 call to serve by spending the next two years as a missionary in Taiwan. Brian returned to the US to marry Belinda and to attend Asbury Seminary, where he graduated with a Masters of Divinity in 1984. After seminary, he worked on staff for The Navigators for several years, directing college ministries in both Illinois and Missouri. 聽In preparation for continuing his mission work overseas, he completed a Master鈥檚 Degree in Teaching English as a Second Language in 1991 from the University of Central Missouri.
In 1992, Brian and Belinda, along with their four daughters, Katie, Emily, Abigail and Amanda, returned to Taiwan, where they served as missionaries for four years and welcomed their fifth daughter, Victoria. During their time in Taichung and Kaohsiung, Brian lead campus ministries and taught English in local schools and universities. In 1996, once again following Christ鈥檚 call, Brian and Belinda, moved with their family to Tennessee to join the Eastern Orthodox faith at St. Ignatius Antiochian Orthodox Church, in Franklin. There they remained faithful members for 22 years. Brian was actively involved in many aspects of church life including teaching Sunday school, singing in the choir, and helping with youth, college, and men鈥檚 ministries.
In 1997, Brian began his 25+ year career in the mortgage industry. He was a business owner, industry leader, and educator. Brian founded Integrity Mortgage Group, served as the Executive Director for the Tennessee Association of Mortgage Professionals, and was an active member and leader in his local BNI and Franklin Noon Rotary Club. He enjoyed teaching certification and continuing education courses for mortgage professionals across Tennessee and nationwide.
In 2017, Brian continued his lifelong calling to serve the Lord and was ordained Deacon Andrew and assigned to serve at St. Anna Antiochian Orthodox Church in Columbia, TN, where he was a founding member. After serving as a deacon for three years, he was ordained to the priesthood and continued his ministry at St. Anna. Fr. Andrew delighted in meeting with parishioners and catechumens, visiting with the sick and elderly, and serving the Divine services. During his time at St. Anna, the parish flourished.
Brian was a devoted and loving husband, cherishing his wife and always wanting her by his side. He was also a loving and proud father. He never missed an opportunity to tell anyone he spoke with about his five girls. Brian treasured his relationship with his son-in-law Alex. Being an Eagle Scout was one of Brian鈥檚 proudest accomplishments. He enjoyed growing trees in his backyard (affectionately referring to them as 鈥渉is boys鈥�). When the weather was nice he would find any excuse to go out on his motorcycle. He was always looking forward to his next vacation with his family. His humor, quick wit, and love for adventure were the things he was best known for. He never met a stranger. His ministry to people and desire to spread Christ鈥檚 Gospel was the foundation of his life.
Preceded in death by his mother, Margie Chatterton Short; grandparents, Charles John and Hazel Irene Young Short, Reuben Arthur Chatterton and Mabel Madelyn Whitaker.
Survived by his wife of 41 years, Belinda Joyce Short; daughters, Katherine Short, Emily Short, Sister Aemilia (Abigail) Short, Amanda [Father Alexander] Mackoul and Victoria Short; father, Charles Rex Short; sisters, Barbara [Dorothy Gager] Short, Brenda [William] Clarkin and brother, Bradley [Marilyn] Short.
Receiving his Masters in Divinity from 骚狐视频, Eric served many churches, beginning his ministry in Ohio. In North Carolina, he had served as pastor of Cedar Square Friends Meeting in Archdale and Up River Friends in Belvidere before his current pastoral appointment at Nahunta Friends Church.
Fun-loving and full of energy, Eric was someone that you loved to be around. Always pleasant in his demeanor, he truly enjoyed being around people. He was the most extraverted introvert. Eric loved sports and especially when it was the UNC Tar Heels. He always found joy in the simple pleasures of a Tar Heel win.
In all that Eric did, he offered glory to God. Never one to be in the spotlight, he enjoyed work behind the scenes and serving the church in every way he could. You could always find Eric sweeping the floors or washing down the tables after a meal with his church family. He made it his priority to share the love of Christ to all he met, finding in Eric a generous friend. God鈥檚 Word was the guidepost for Eric鈥檚 life, and he shared it with all who would listen.
Time on the golf course was most enjoyable for Eric. Whether he hit them straight or not, it was always a pleasurable time. Most of all, he enjoyed life lived with family. Where they were, he wanted to be. They were his biggest blessing and he honored them with his commitment and love. He loved being a father to all four of his children and G-Daddy to his two grandchildren, Finley and Zeke, and found so much joy when they were around. They were a welcomed distraction during his sickness.
Eric is survived by his wife of 27 years, Marsha Coffman-Woods; children, Nicholas Evan Woods and wife, Chelsea, Colton Elliott Woods and wife, Rachel, Jace Kerigan Senter-Woods, and Jovi Madison Woods; grandchildren, Finley Woods and Ezekiel Eric Woods; father, Gary Woods; mother, Joy Meeks; brothers, Steve Woods and Matt Woods and wife, Nivine; nephew, Rowan Woods; mother-in-law, Vicki Wells; and brother-in-law, Michael Coffman.
The family would like to express their appreciation for the compassionate care provided by Dr. Samar Kasbari and the staff at Southeastern Medical Oncology Center. They helped Eric fight the good fight and gave us many more treasured years together than expected. Love and heartfelt thanks is also expressed to the staff of the transfusion center at Wayne UNC Healthcare. The love and selflessness shown during Eric鈥檚 transfusions was truly a blessing in our lives. Special thanks goes especially to his church family, Nahunta Friends, who cared for Eric and his family in so many kind and thoughtful ways through the years and during this time of loss.
Leave a Reply