Alumni News

Alumni

NEWS

POTPOURRI

Steven (’90) and Becky (Swinford, ’68) Gommel celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on August 16, 2020.

Matt Hixson (’91) recently published a book entitled Gospel Spin: The Problem with the Problem of Pain. The book examines the tension between free will and the sovereignty of God. His hope for the book is that it provides encouragement and direction for those struggling with God’s purposes.

Josh Oldfield (’05) was selected to compete on the “Tap Cancer Out” fight card on October 24 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Josh fought in memory of Dr. David Reece (’70). Katie (Estridge,’04, ’06) Powell has signed a contract to write her second teaching book, tentatively titled Frustration Busters. Her first book, Boredom Busters, was released August 31, 2019, by Dave Burgess Consulting.

On July 25, 2020, Dave (’76) and Judy Maltzan celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary.

Steve Sandefur (’82) completed a 10-year ministry in Mortons Gap, Kentucky, and returned to Shaker Prairie Christian Church in Carlisle, Indiana, where he served from 1992 to 2002.

EMPLOYMENT

Mike (’15, ’17) and Olivia Jones and their family have moved to Maryville, Tennessee, where Mike has accepted the call to pastoral ministry with Mountain View Church of Christ.

John Noel (’77) moved from a 25-year Care Ministry position at Kingsway Christian Church in Avon, Indiana, to Connection Pointe Christian Church in Brownsburg, Indiana.

Ashley (Nesslar, ’05) Oldfield

joined Rayburn Cooper & Durham, P.A. in Charlotte, North Carolina, as an associate attorney.

On July 1, 2020, Shane Rayford (’98) took on the role of director of learning, talent, diversity, equity, and inclusion with Visionworks of America in San Antonio, Texas.

Trevor Smith (’17) and Kendall Hrusovsky (’20) recently started working for Red Rhino Leak Detection in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

William Smith (’17) received a promotion from head soccer coach to director of coaching at Goal Station Futbox in Lexington, Kentucky. He was also hired as an assistant soccer coach at Transylvania University.

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Alumni@JohnsonU .edu .

Paul Steiner (’93) has joined New Heart Christian Church in Lebanon, Tennessee, as their associate minister.

Nate Tarr (’14) accepted a promotion at Jewelry Television in Knoxville, Tennessee, to serve as an assistant director. Nathan has been working at JTV since September 2016.

MARRIAGES

On September 5, Stanton Smith (’17) married Emily Crout at the Mustard Seed Hill venue in Millersburg, Kentucky.

Drew Wiley (’07) and Jessica Brower were married February 14, 2021.

JOHNSON UNIVERSITY ALUMNI!

Have you had a baby in the last year? Are you expecting a baby soon? Would you like a FREE gift from Johnson University to show off your alma mater pride?

Then we have just the thing for you: Johnson University “Future JU Royal” baby bibs or “Future JU Sun” onesies!

If you would like to receive a bib/onesie and have your birth announcement included in the next Johnson Magazine, email

ALUMNI@JOHNSONU.EDU

with your current address and the birth date and name of your little one. Once you have received your bib or onesie, send us a picture so we can add it to your birth announcement.

BIRTHS

Kaleb (’16) and Bethany (Martinelli, ’15) Baker had a baby girl, Esther Suzanne, on December 19, 2020.

Aaron (’11) and Marley (Wallace, ’12) Brunsman welcomed their third son, Obadiah “Obi” Douglas, on March 27, 2020. “Obi” joins older twin brothers, Gideon Michael and Uriah James.

Adam and Heather (Trimble, ’03, ’05) Buckland welcomed their baby boy, Gavin Richard, on May 28, 2020.

Will (’09) and Diana (Rodriguez, ’09) Click are proud new parents to Lucas Santiago Rodriguez Click.

Ian (’16) and Kathlyn “Kassie”

(Abercrombie, ’16) Daniels

welcomed their daughter, Josephine Alethia, to the family. She was born October 31, 2020.

BethAnne Fisher (’05) announced the arrival of her son, Judah Gabriel, born on November 10, 2020.

Lucas (’07) and Camille (’20) Green welcomed their daughter, Penelope Sky, on July 5, 2020.

Zach (’19) and Katie (Reichart, ’18) Griggs welcomed a son, Wilder Knox, born on August 12, 2020. After being diagnosed with a congenital heart defect requiring surgery, he spent his first three weeks in the hospital. He came home September 2, healthy, happy, and ready to meet his family.

Jason (’18) and Rebecca “Becca” (Mask, ’18) Mitchell are proud to announce the birth of a daughter, Olivia Marie Mitchell, on September 27, 2020.

Cassandra (Caffee, ’06) and Jarrad Morelock had their first child, Elliott Laurel, on October 26, 2020.

Corban (’19) and Hannah Ogle would like to announce the birth of their first child, Lenora Galilee. Lenora joined the family on October 28, 2020.

Will (’13) and Hannah Pannell welcomed their first child, Graham Andrew, on July 6, 2020.

Josephine Reynolds was welcomed into the world on November 9, 2020. Proud parents are Mike (’13) and

Brianna (Lamke, ’13) Reynolds.

Robbie (’13) and Brittany (Clark, ’12) Rutherford announce the birth of their daughter Ember Kaye Rutherford. Ember was born February 16, 2021.

Trevor (’17) and Ciarra (Chiusano, ’17, ’18) Smith had their first child, a baby girl named Eleanora Rae, on September 17, 2020. They have also started fostering this year and had a placement for six months.

Raelynn Cassandra arrived November 10, 2020. She is the daughter of Lance (’12) and Kellie (Adams, ’09)

Spencer.

John (’11) and Erica (Kobel, ’12) Stricklen welcomed Caleb Edward into their family on August 7, 2020.

Ray and Bethany (Ault, ’07) Sweet are happy to announce the birth of their daughter, Lylah Joy, on December 4, 2020.

Tyler (’13) and Megan Tolbert had a son, Theodore “Theo” Thomas, on August 24, 2020.

Luke (’15) and Keri Wagner are excited to announce the birth of their son, Theodore Andrew, born on November 20, 2020.

Chris (’14) and Elizabeth (’13) Ward welcomed a new addition to their family. Anne Margot was born on December 8, 2020.

Alex (’19) and Stacie (Hubert, ’09) Wierda had a baby girl, Lily James Wierda, born February 10, 2021.

AN ALL-NEW ALUMNI

COMMUNITY

Alumni, join us in our new online community! Visit Alumni.JohnsonU.edu to see the latest news, register for events, find jobs and volunteer opportunities, and connect with us on social media.

ALUMNI DEATHS

Ted Avant (’66), 79, of Corinth, Mississippi, passed away on February 10, 2021. He served churches in South Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Mississippi—his longest was over 30 years at the Waldron Street Christian Church in Corinth. While an effective preacher, Ted excelled in pastoral ministry and established strong relationships with people both in the church and community. In addition to impacting local congregations, Ted significantly encouraged others to help students preparing for ministry by supporting Johnson University. He and his wife Marie were recognized with Johnson’s Alumni Distinguished Service Award in 2015. Ted is survived by his wife of 60 years, Marie Osteen Avant; his daughters,Teresa A. Wilkins (’83), and husband Keith, and Lanette Avant; his son, Teddy Avant and wife Christie; his eight grandchildren; his four great-grandchildren; and his two brothers. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Mitzi Avant (’87). Memorial contributions may be given to the Ted Avant Fund at Johnson University.*

Glenda Bridges (’72, ’98), 71, of Knoxville, Tennessee, passed away on January 2, 2021. She is survived by her husband, Carl Bridges (’72), a Johnson University professor; her daughter, Cynthia Coffey (’94); her son Chris; one brother; two sisters; and four grandchildren. She worked at Johnson University for many years as the Counseling Center office coordinator.

Bethaney Butler (’06), 36, passed away on October 13, 2020, in Papua New Guinea (PNG) from a sudden onset of cerebral malaria. She was the daughter of missionaries William (’76) and Robin (True, ’77) Butler, who have served in PNG for many years. Because of current travel restrictions, they were not able to go to PNG for Bethaney’s funeral. She was buried in Likan village where she grew up and was welcomed home by many hundreds of Waran people, many with bodies smeared with the white clay of mourning and wailing at their loss. Bethaney leaves a deep impact on the people, from her family in Likan to her friends in Madang. Memorial gifts may be given to Johnson University to one of three funds: Class of 2006 Permanent Fund (Bethaney’s class), Class of 1976 Permanent Fund (William’s class), or the Clyde True Permanent Fund (Bethaney’s grandfather).*

Jim Butterworth (’85), 58, of Ormond Beach, Florida, passed away on January 9, 2021. Jim met his beloved wife, Shannon (Hart, ’92) at Johnson University. He worked as an admissions counselor at Johnson for over seven years and was then an associate pastor at West Towne Christian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee, for five years. In 2016, Jim moved with his family to Ormond Beach, Florida. He is survived by his parents; two sisters and one brother; and three daughters.

Shawn Carter (’86), 56, of Syracuse, Indiana, died November 17, 2020. Shawn worked several jobs throughout his life, including touring a year with the Harlem Globetrotters and serving as a contractor to purify water in Iraq, servicing American troops. He enjoyed coaching and officiating for children’s sports and was a pyro technician for Mad Bomber Fireworks Productions. He is survived by his wife, Michelle; daughter Niqole; and sisters

Stephanie (Carter, ’82) Penwell

and Kimberly Johnson and brothers Scott Carter (’85) and Kevin Carter. Gordon Fredenburg (’59), 86, of Knoxville, Tennessee, died January 17, 2021, after a short illness. Gordon was a research and development design engineer and specialized in bringing new technology to the paper and coal industries. He is survived by his wife, Mary Louise (Vayette, ’57); three children; nine grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Stephen Garrison (’88), 54, of Anderson, Indiana, passed away on September 20, 2020, at home surrounded by his family. Steve worked in 3D plastic manufacturing, working for Delco Remy, Metro Plastics, CPS in Ohio, and Realize Plastics in Noblesville. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Lisa (Ooten) Garrison; his parents, Jim and Sandy Garrison; three children; and a sister, Angela (Garrison, ’91) Solliday.

Dot Gilmore (’55), 88, went to be with the Lord on September 20, 2020, after a lengthy illness. Dot was a member of First Christian Church of Kingsport, Tennessee, where she was a former Sunday school teacher. She worked as a secretary at various insurance companies. Dot was preceded in death by a sister Mary Helen Owens (’66) and brothers: Jimmie (’65), Roy, Gerald, Clarence, and John Gilmore. Those left to cherish her memory are her sisters Charlotte Watson and Betty Ann (’70) and her husband Mike (’70) Sanders.

Robert Greene (’43), 99, of Bel Air, Maryland, passed away on September 15, 2020, in Joppa, Maryland. Bob felt the call to ministry and attended Johnson University and Butler University. He served churches in Iowa, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Illinois. After retiring to Bel Air, he served as camp manager at Indian Lake Christian Service Camp and was on the pastoral care staff of Mountain Christian Church in Joppa, Maryland. Robert is survived by his son Stephen Greene and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife Bernice, his second wife Luella, and daughter Linda Greene.

Ramona Hill (’55), 87, of Hicksville, Ohio, passed away on December 14, 2020, in the company of friends in Spencerville, Indiana. Ramona married John Paul Hill (’53) on July 8, 1952, and he preceded her in death on September 14, 1980. Ramona was a beloved teacher for the Hicksville Exempted Village Schools for 31 years, retiring in 2008. She is survived by her two daughters, Paula Hill and Audine (Greg) Haskell.

Marcia (Ohl, ’75) Hogg, 66, of Brownstown, Indiana, went to be with the Lord on July 28, 2020, after a year-long battle with pancreatic cancer. She married Michael Hogg (’73) on December 28, 1973, and he survives. She is also survived by daughter Megan and her husband Blake and sons, Keaton and Corbin, younger sister, Lynne (Ohl, ’81) and her husband Paige (’79) Mathews. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Earl (’60) and Larry Ohl, and her sister Linda (Ohl, ’71) Roark.

Jack Holt (’54), 89, of Madisonville, Kentucky, went to be with the Lord on November 19, 2020. He originally pursued a degree in agriculture at Eastern Kentucky University, but the Lord called him into ministry, and he finished his degree at Johnson University. After graduation, he received the call to pastor Grapevine Christian Church in Madisonville, Kentucky. Jack is survived by his wife Judy, daughters Becky (Holt, ’78) and husband Lindy Knight and Brenda (Holt, ’81) and husband Scott (’82) Laskowski. Wayne Jocelyn (’64), 81, of Williamsburg, Kentucky, lost his battle with cancer on November 15, 2020. He was a faithful minister of the gospel for 65 years. He is survived by his wife Nadine, a daughter, two grandchildren, and five greatgrandchildren. He was preceded in death by three children, a brother, and two sisters.

Jessica Tierney McCausland

(’16), 29, went home to be with her Lord on October 17, 2020. She received a Master of Arts degree from Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina, in 2017. She won the Outstanding Thesis Award in April 2018 at ASU for her research on the Elkmont Historic District. Jessi is survived by her parents David and Linda McCausland, sister Rachel McCausland, and half-siblings Patience (McCausland) Murphy (Tim), Heather Nourse-McCausland (Bill), and Joshua McCausland, and her beloved fiancé Joseph Kahrnoff.

Bruce McConnohie (’81), 69, of Tampa, Florida, died May 9, 2020. He earned two master of arts degrees in Educational Technology and Bible from Johnson and a Master of Ministry from Kentucky Christian University. Bruce worked at Hillsborough County Utilities, Hillsborough County Public Schools, and pastored churches in Brandon and St. Augustine, Florida, and Laurel Springs Christian Church in Cosby, Tennessee. He is survived by his wife Lina and son Bryan.

Robert “Bob” Moorehead (’59), of Bothell, Washington, passed away on September 29, 2019.

Emily (Phelps, ’66) Nunn, 76, of Maryville, Tennessee, went to be with the Lord on October 3, 2020, at home surrounded by her family. She was a member of Maryville Church of Christ and taught a Bible class for the ladies at the church. Emily enjoyed travelling and cruising. Survivors include her husband of 54 years, Danny Nunn (’66); sons & daughter-in-law, James & Kelly Nunn and John Nunn; three grandchildren; and sister, Mary Lou Martin (’51).

Harlan Ogle (’63), 79, of Monticello, Kentucky, passed away on December 14, 2020. He had preached at Burnside Christian Church in Somerset, Kentucky. Harlan is survived by his wife, Gale (’66); three children: Todd (Laura) Ogle, Teresa Lynn (Darrell) Kinnett; and Tim (Debra) Ogle (’95); two sisters; one brother; five grandchildren; and one greatgrandchild.

Becky (Price, ’60) Overdorf, 82, of Johnson City, Tennessee, went to be with the Lord on March 19, 2021. She lived her life serving alongside of her husband Ken (’61) in ministry for over 60 years, teaching, mentoring young ministers’ wives, and leading ladies’ groups. She had a great gift of hospitality and hosted many guests for meals and overnight stays in their home. In addition to her husband of 62 years, Becky is survived by two daughters, Debbie (’81) and Paul Miller and Rachel (’84) and Paul (’87) Ronk; two sons, Randy Overdorf (’90) and Daniel (’95) and Carrie (’95) Overdorf; 12 grandchildren, and 17 greatgrandchildren.

Lola (Anderson, ’50) Roberson, died peacefully on November 15, 2020. During her senior year of high school, she met a young ministerial student from Johnson University named Joseph Roberson (’46). Upon graduation, she attended Johnson for a year, and then she and Joe married in 1947. Lola is survived by a daughter, Deborah Roberson Pendleton, and a son, Joseph S. Roberson.

Ed Simon (’52) passed away September 28, 2020, at the age of 93. After studying for the ministry at Johnson, additional studies were completed at Butler University and the University of South Florida. While in pastoral ministry, Ed served churches in Kentucky, Indiana, and Florida. He was preceded in death by his loving bride of nearly 69 years, Patricia Ann (Blanton, ’52) and nine siblings. Ed is survived by a son, Ed (’77) and wife Terry (’77) Simon, a daughter Margaret Ann Simon, three grandchildren, and three greatgrandchildren. Memorial gifts may be made to Johnson University for the Ed and Pat Simon Scholarship Fund.*

LaMoine Waldron (’49), 92, of Raymore, Missouri, passed away on December 3, 2020. LaMoine was ordained to the Christian ministry and the Christian Church Disciples of Christ of the State of Nebraska in 1954. He served pastorates in Nebraska, Kentucky, Missouri, Kansas, and Colorado for fifty years. He was preceded in death by his two brothers and his son. LaMoine is survived by his wife Vera Rose Wilkins whom he married on September 5, 1949. He leaves four grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren.

Clara Mae Weaver (’58), 84, of Seymour, Indiana, passed away on February 8, 2021. She owned her own beauty shop in Crothersville, Indiana, and later she was a tutor in the Seymour Community School System. She loved helping at local churches and was a member of the Women's Christian Missionary Society at Reddington Christian Church where she was also a youth instructor. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Bill Weaver (’56); daughter Marsha (David) Branco (’81), sons David (Julie) Weaver, and Dan (Amy) Weaver (’88); grandchildren Kristal (Nate) Biehle, Adrienne (Kyle) Conoyer, Neel Weaver, Alicia Vance (Weaver, ’16), Eric (Caitlin) Pitts, Hannah Weaver and Sam Weaver; and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her daughter Melody Cay Weave. Memorial gifts may be made to Johnson University for the Bill and Clara Weaver Scholarship Fund.*

Norman Weaver (’54), 88, passed away on October 28, 2020, in Knoxville, Tennessee. He met his wife of 62 years, Beverly (Suits, ’54) at Johnson University. Norman and Beverly ministered together for 55+ years. In addition to preaching for churches in Indiana, Arizona, Kentucky, Virginia, and Illinois, Norman served for nine years as executive director of Mission Services, Inc., traveling extensively to support missionary work around the world. After retiring, he enjoyed doing deliveries for Business Graphics for 13 years. He was preceded in death by his wife Beverly and by his brother Don Weaver (’65). He is survived by his four children, Becky (’76) and husband George (’73) Clark, Cindy (’76) and husband Greg Herrin, Marshall (’78) and wife Robin (’77) Weaver, and Dennis Weaver; his brother, Bill Weaver (’56); nine grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. Memorial gifts may be made to Johnson University for the Norman and Beverly Weaver Scholarship Fund.*

Doug Wingfield (’82), 60, of Davisville, West Virginia, died suddenly on December 14, 2020. He owned a company called Patriot Automation. He is survived by his wife, Lisa (Gabbard, ’83). He was the son of Ruth (Davis, ’62) and Charles (’60) Wingfield. In addition to his wife, Doug is survived by daughters, Rebekah (’04) and husband John (’04) Richardson, Amy (’08, ’09) and Michael (’10) Vaughan, Danielle (’11, ’12) and husband Daren Wendell; and a son, David Wingfield; ten grandchildren; and five siblings, Tim Wingfield (’87), Melody (’86) Sutherland,

Mindy (’91) Sams, Paul Wingfield

(’95), and Steve Wingfield (’84). James Wright (’20), 43, died February 9, 2021. He had received his master’s degree from Johnson in 2020. James served in ministry for 21 years, most recently as senior pastor to the Osage Hills Christian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He is survived by his wife Robyn and five children.

*Checks for memorial gifts should be made out to Johnson University with the fund name in the

memo line and mailed

to 7900 Johnson Dr, Knoxville, TN 37998, or you may give online at

JohnsonU.edu/Donate.

Ken Jones, of Newport News, Virginia, passed away on October 20, 2020, at the age of 79. He was a very talented musician, being involved in all aspects of music throughout his life including performance, education, directing, producing, writing and enjoying music. He worked for many years as a music educator and minister. Ken was a graduate of Indiana State University and the University of Tennessee. He was on the music faculty at Johnson from 1978 until 1986. He was preceded in death by his wife Donna in 2013.

Robert H. “Bob” Jones, 92, of Litchfield, Illinois, passed away October 19, 2020. He was in the pulpit ministry for 26 years and served as director of development at Johnson for 15 years. He served as chaplain of Knox Area Rescue Ministries for five years before retiring in 1997. Bob was a very talented artist, photographer, and writer. He is survived by his wife Sue. Other survivors include: a son, Eric (Crystal) Jones; daughters, Cheryl (’83) and husband Rob, (’83) Nickerson and Melanie Jones Williams (’91); 11 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son in infancy, Richard Jones, and a daughter Lisa Jones (’80).

In Memory

FORMER TRUSTEE LANIS KINEMAN

Lanis Kineman (’48), 94, of Glendale, Arizona, passed away on December 21, 2020. Lanis served on Johnson’s Board of Trustees from 1976-1997. He was instrumental in helping Dr. Bell establish the Council of 70 at Johnson, and he and his first wife Kathryn were awarded the Alumni Distinguished Service award in 1995.

Lanis preached for churches in Kentucky and Indiana; his longest ministry was at Bethany Christian Church in Anderson, Indiana (19621991). Under his leadership, Bethany’s missions giving grew from $2,000 to $100,000, and over 40 young people attended Bible college and served in ministry. Lanis introduced an internship program later adopted by Johnson requiring all students to participate in an internship before graduating. After “retiring” from very successful preaching ministries, Lanis extended his service for two decades with rewarding associate ministries to senior adults in the Phoenix, Arizona, suburbs of Chandler, Peoria, and Sun City, and a brief preaching interim at Wickenburg. His gratitude for the educational opportunity Johnson provided was reflected in the support to Johnson from the churches he served.

Lanis is survived by his wife, Nancy Kineman; daughters, Kathryn (Kineman, ’79) Ralph, and Janet Windlan; and his son, Larry Kineman (’73). He is preceded in death by his first wife, Kathryn (Turnbull, ’48) Kineman; second wife, Vanda (Rodgers, ’48) Kineman; and his son, David Kineman (’78). Memorial gifts may be made to Johnson University for the Kineman Scholarship Fund.*