THE
CLASSES Leone M. Nelson ’41 passed away November 29, 2013. For seven decades, she served her family, her country during World War II, her church and hundreds of people in Racine, Wisconsin, as a registered nurse. An extraordinarily compassionate person, she quickly made friends and provided a listening ear. She especially loved serving as a greeter and small group leader at Community Church of the Nazarene. After her retirement from nursing in 1985, she started and ran a wonderful little shop called “Kountry Kousins,” where once again she made hundreds of friends. Leone’s love for her Savior was always on display. She is survived by her children, Howard (Marsha) Nelson, Kathleen Seal, Cindy (Todd) Schulz, Jon (Brenda) Nelson and Bonnie (Gordy) Gibson; 14 grandchildren; 27 great grandchildren; her twin sister, Grace (Beryl) Dillman; sister-in-law, Dorothy Nelson; and many nieces and nephews who loved her deeply. She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Vernon Nelson. Don C. Gilbert ’50 passed away on April 2, 2014, at the age of 88. He was born March 19, 1926, in Toledo, Ohio, to the late Clifford and Esther Gilbert. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. In 1950, he graduated from Olivet with a degree in business administration. He worked for Sears Roebuck & Co., for 40 years, retiring from Tokyo to Hendersonville, North Carolina, in 1989. After five years, he and his wife, Carol, relocated to Lakeland, Florida, where he lived until his death. He was a lifelong member of the Church of the Nazarene and active in the Highland Park Church. Don is survived by his wife, Carol; sons, Lon (Virginia) and Timothy (Donna); daughter, Onna (Jim) Perkins; stepson, Mike Kennedy; grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Wayne Barrett Lambert ’79 passed away on May 12, 2014. He was a loving and committed husband and father, passionate about everything in which he was involved, and warm and open to everyone he met. He was born in California, but considered Dallas his home since moving there at the age of 11. He married Charlotte (Bottles) ’79 in 1982. He was a corporate executive for various companies. Since retiring last year, he served as the director of family ministries at Christ Church of Plano. He is survived by his wife, Charlotte; daughter, Emery Caroline Lambert; son Connely Barrett Lambert; and two brothers. Gregory M. Ford ’81 went home to Jesus on Friday, June 20, 2014, after battling cancer for 15 years. He grew up in Decatur, Illinois, and married Rhonda Kay Smith on October 7, 1984. He was successful in the real estate industry for 25 years and was a beloved member of Wheaton Bible Church. Greg blessed many through song by using his God-given voice to glorify the Lord. He is survived by his wife, Rhonda; children, Kindra, Kyle (Shannon) and Tyler; granddaughter, Lucy, who will be born this fall; mother, Betty L. Ford; brother, Kirk (Sheryl) Ford; and niece, Lily.
Wayne G. Gallup ’57 went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on April 8, 2014, at the age of 85. He graduated with a music degree and passionately loved singing God’s praises. He served the Trevecca Nazarene University family for 18 years in a variety of roles, but will be remembered most as “Dean Gallup.” After his retirement from Trevecca, he served another ten years at Trevecca Towers. He was a member of Trevecca Community Church of the Nazarene. Wayne’s love and legacy will long be remembered in the lives of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. All 49 of them attended his Celebration of Life service on April 19.
Dennis David Trisch ’78 passed away March 9, 2014, at the age of 62. He married Naomi Losee on October 16, 1971, at the Fairgrove Nazarene Church, and she survives him. He earned a degree in accounting before graduating from Olivet where he earned a pastoral degree in ministry. He was an active member of the Colling Nazarene Church and was instrumental in the building of its parsonage. He owned Trisch Septic and Tuscola County Vault Company since 1987. He will be remembered as a dedicated family man who was committed to helping anyone in need. Dennis is survived by his wife of 42 years, Naomi; two daughters, Tracy (Shane) Wachowicz and Rebecca Trisch; three grandchildren; siblings, nephews and nieces.
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Kenneth E. “Ken” Hawkins ’53 passed away on June 25, 2014. As enthusiastic supporters of Olivet’s mission, Ken, and his wife, Betty, have invested in the lives of countless students over the years. In addition to leading the way on the construction of Centennial Chapel, Ken provided financial assistance for the renovation of the Harlow Hopkins Alumni Center in 1995, and for the addition of the Larsen Fine Arts Center in 1981. Ken’s personal investment in God’s kingdom was equally matched by his distinguished career. He was the founder of Hawkins & Associates in Clearwater, Florida, and later became the chairman and CEO of Jones & Hawkins Insurance. A native of Louisville, Kentucky, Ken was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He is survived by his wife, Betty; daughter, Cheryl, and her husband, Mike McClain; son, Terry, and his wife, Jamie; stepdaughter, Gina Johnson; brother, Wilford; four granddaughters; and five great-grandchildren.