The Reverend Lewis Timothy Chesser, 76, of Cranston, passed away on Monday, March 16, 2026. He retired as pastor of First Baptist Church Delaware. He also served the First Baptist Church (Marion, IN) and Lancaster Baptist Church (Madison, IN), as well as other churches in Wisconsin, Oklahoma, and Ohio.

He was the loving husband of the late Kathy (Hope) Chesser for 54 years. Born in Doraville, Ga, he was the son of the late Arnold and Hazel (Bailey) Chesser.

Tim was a graduate of Mercer University (Atlanta, GA) and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (Louisville, KY).

Tim was a graduate of Mercer University, and the South Baptist Theological Seminary. He retired from the First Baptist Church in Delaware, Ohio, after serving churches in Indiana, Wisconsin, Oklahoma, and Ohio.

In retirement he served as the interim Pastor of several local Congregations, where he was much beloved. He was an avid golfer and pickleball player, a voracious reader, and a lover of cars. But nothing gave him more pleasure than spending time with his family. He also never knew a stranger and treated everyone with kindness and respect.

Reverend Robert E. Adelsperger II (Pastor Bob), 61, passed away peacefully into the presence of the Lord on February 12th, 2026. He pastored Perry Chapel Church in Warsaw, Ohio. He was born in Tiffin, Ohio, on January 19th, 1965.

He graduated from Bowling Green State University with a B.S. in Education. Afterward, he completed his Master of Divinity at Ashland Theological Seminary. Following his ordination, he faithfully served as senior pastor at American Baptist Churches in Chenoa, Illinois (1993 - 2001); Peru, Indiana (2001 – 2022); and at Perry Chapel Church in Warsaw, Ohio (2022 – 2025).

Bob is survived by his wife Diane and his children: Andrew (Amelia) and Seth (Arielle), grandchildren: Cora and Ada, two siblings: Mark Adelsperger (Bonnie) and Jenny McKee, and parents: Robert and Kathryn Adelsperger. He also had many loving nieces and nephews. Bob’s life revolved around his relationship with his Lord and his family. He was a devoted husband and involved father, leaving many wonderful memories behind him.

Robert Ginn was lovingly known as Dr. Ginn to many who were blessed by his dedication to teach the Bible. His life was filled with the bright colors of his extensive Daylily gardens, conversations with family members, and hours and hours of study which covered every page of Scripture multiple times over the 80 years of ministry that God granted to him. Robert Stephen Ginn, 99 years of age, of Fayetteville, North Carolina died at home, surrounded by family that adore him on January 13th, 2026.

Bobby Ginn was born in Aroostook County, Maine November 3rd, 1926, to Flora and Lemuel Ginn. He was the youngest of four children, Doris, Ken, Geraldine & Bob. His family was blessed by the Lord as they grew potatoes in the Northern part of Maine, 10 miles from the Canadian border. Those were the days when harvesting potatoes was an all-hands-on-deck, family activity. School let out during harvest season and all the kids would participate in picking the potatoes. It was hard work and Bob remembered discussing with his father how happy he was when the job was finally done! His father replied, "But wouldn't it be nice if there were just a few more." (It was Depression time and everyone was struggling to make ends meet.)

Reverend Wendell E. Mettey, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and founder of Matthew 25: Ministries, went home to be with the Lord on October 6, 2025. Wendell pastored Walnut Hills Baptist Church and later Montgomery Community Baptist Church.

Wendell was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1945, the youngest of four children born to Joseph and Mary Mettey. He loved sports and played baseball and football throughout his school years, earning honors as an all-star pitcher and quarterback. But at fifteen, his life took a difficult turn when he lost his beloved father and grandmother within a short time. At this time, Wendell’s faith began to take deep root.

Not long after, Wendell met the love of his life, Michelle, who became his anchor and companion for 64 years. In his words, she was “a gift from God.” Together, they built a family grounded in faith, service, and love.

Reverend Donald R. Hall, 88, of Altamonte Springs, FL passed away September 15, 2025. Don served many churches in Ohio, Michigan and finally in Florida.

Don was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on July 22, 1937. He graduated from Westen Hills High School in 1955. He attended Carson-Newman and received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Asbury University (College) in 1959. He also received a Bachelor of Divinity from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1963. Don married Marilyn R Hall (Fasold) on August 22, 1959.

Don ministered in many churches during his career in ministry. Lincoln Park Baptist Church in Cincinnati, Ohio; Kirkersville Baptist Church in Kirkersville, Ohio; First Baptist Church in Wellston, Ohio; Judson Baptist Church in Toledo, Ohio; Wilkshire Hills Baptist Church in Bolivar, Ohio; Huntly Memorial Baptist Church in Niles, Michigan; First Baptist Church in Tipp City, Ohio; and the American Baptist Church of Lakeland in Lakeland, Florida.

Don also had a passion for Traveling and Baseball and is survived by his son, Steven R. Hall of Altamonte Springs, Florida.

Please keep the Hall family in your prayers.

Gary William Boggs, age 73, originally from Plain City, Ohio went to be with his Heavenly Father on September 12, 2025. He was born on February 7, 1952 in Plain City, Ohio to the late Donald H. Boggs and Helen Bishop Boggs.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Tom, and many other family members. Gary is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Patricia Anne Boggs, and a large extended family of cherished in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews as well as 34 foster children who brought him great joy.

Gary was a 1970 graduate of Jonathan Alder High School in Plain City, Ohio. Throughout his early years, Gary participated in spelling bees, boy scouts, basketball, baseball, and building model cars & planes. Gary was academically and musically gifted. He knew how to play the piano, sousaphone, and the string bass. One of Gary's first jobs was as a paperboy, where he earned the honor of being named “newsboy of the year - junior division” for the state of Ohio. Later in life, Gary enjoyed fishing, bowling, and watching Jeopardy. He was a church camp director for many years. Gary received his Master of Divinity from Ashland Seminary which led to his pastoral career of 40+ years.

Pat would like to give a special thanks to: nephew Jeremy Boggs, George & Sandy Spohn, Sharon Mason, Chelsi Hosea, Pastor Rob, and VITAS Healthcare.

Please keep the Boggs family in your prayers. 

Rev. James “Reg” Reginald Martin, 88, of Zanesville, died at 7:32 P.M. on Sunday, June 22, 2025, at the Genesis Hospice Morrison House, Zanesville. He was born December 2, 1936, in Edneyville, North Carolina, a son of the late William A. and Mabel Jane (Jackson) Martin. Reg attended college at Berea College in Kentucky and later graduated from Andover Newton Seminary School. He began his ministry at the 1st Baptist Church in Wilmington, Vermont, and went on to serve as Reverend in Lockport, and Cuba, New York, followed by ministries in Cambridge and Mount Gilead, Ohio, before eventually settling as Reverend at the First Baptist Church in Zanesville, Ohio.

James was passionate about faith and community. He especially loved participating in The Living Word Outdoor Drama in Cambridge, Ohio, where his dedication and spirit brought stories to life. Beyond his ministry, he enjoyed staying active, he loved to run, play golf, and go camping always embracing the joy of the outdoors.

He is survived by his wife, Gloria J. (Pavia) Martin, whom he married, January 19, 1963; a son, Craig Martin of Zanesville, OH; a daughter, Lisa (Steve) Bock of North Lewisburg, OH. ; Two grandchildren, Rachel Bock and Andrew Bock; and one sister, JoAnn (Bobby) Kinley of Charlotte NC.

In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by four sisters, Frances Middleton, Carol Porter, Phyllis Gentry and Fay Lawing; and one brother, Grady Martin. Please keep the Martin family in your prayers.

Arthur C. Wells, of Mingo Junction, Ohio, lovingly known as “Art” to those closest to him, passed away peacefully on June 13, 2025 at the age of 78 in Weirton, WV after a hard fought battle with several illnesses.

Born in Steubenville, OH, Arthur was the son of the late Ralph C. Wells and Audrey (Higgins) Wells. He was also preceded in death by his brothers William Pete Wells and Ralph Clinton Wells Jr.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and man of deep faith, Art’s life was a testament to love, service, and unwavering dedication to God and family.

Arthur was the beloved husband of Marlene (Pettit) Wells, with whom he celebrated 59 years of marriage this year in March. Marlene was the love of his life and partner in every way. Together, they built a beautiful family and shared a life full of laughter, love, compassion, and unwavering support.

David George Sedziol transitioned peacefully from hospice care in Newark Ohio to his heavenly home on February 1, 2025, at the age of 84. His pastoral journey took him to Cheshire, Belpre, Martins Ferry, Marion and Johnstown Ohio. He served as hospital chaplain at Riverside, Mt. Carmel East and West, Doctors North and West hospitals in Columbus Ohio and later as hospice chaplain at Grady Hospital in Delaware OH, before retiring in 2007. From 2012-2024 he was blessed to serve the American Baptist Churches of Ohio as pastor to a group of pastors in the Mt. Vernon Ohio area as an Associate Regional Minister.

Born on May 25, 1940, in Elmira NY, to the Rev. Samuel A. and Elizabeth F. (Decker) Sedziol, Dave was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and uncle, who was proud of his Polish ancestry. His family moved to Ohio in 1943 where he attended Portsmouth Elementary, Ironton High School (always an Ironton Tiger fan and a “river rat”), and Defiance High School where he graduated in 1958. His studies were continued at Defiance College and Eastern Baptist College in Philadelphia, PA, where he earned a BA in Psychology. He pursued theological studies at Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville KY, earning his MDiv in 1968 and being ordained as an American Baptist minister in March of that year.

Dr. James Joseph Menninger entered into God’s Kingdom on February 15, 2025 at the age of 71. Jim served as Senior Pastor at Washington Baptist and Columbia Baptist, as well as working with several other church communities. Jim’s life and ministry was characterized by his deep faith in Jesus and the desire to share His word with others. 

Jim was born and raised in Fairfield, Ohio where he was known to many in the community as the local, reliable paperboy. At Fairfield High School, Jim served as student body president for three years, lettered in several sports, was active in the German club and was selected as the Most Outstanding Citizen of the class of 1971. 

After high school, Jim attended Princeton University in New Jersey, graduating with a BA in Historical Studies. He later attended Ashland University where he earned a PHD in Theology. He had a love for learning and also completed postdoctoral work at the University of Cincinnati, University of Arizona and University of Vienna. 

Beverly Jean (Billhardt) Keyse went home to the Lord on December 29, 2024. Beverly served as a Region Board Secretary several years ago. She also graduated from the American Baptist Lay Pastors Seminary and became a licensed minister and was elected Associate Pastor of the First Baptist Church in Painesville, Ohio leading the Caring Ministry.  

She was born October 24, 1943, to Karl AND Rose (Persanti) Billhardt. Beverly lived on Beachview Drive in Willoughby, a short walk from the shore of Lake Erie. She loved the lake and the beach. As a teenager she took the Red Cross Life Saving Test on a very rough and windy day. 

In 1962 she married Ed Keyse from Madison, who also loved the lake, and they settled in Mentor. They were 50-year plus members of the Fairport Harbor Yacht Club where she held the office of President of the Women’s Auxiliary. Over the years they sailed their sloop “Eagle” to almost every port on both the North (Canadian) and South shores of the lake. She made many sailor friends in Canada, and she organized “Winter Rendezvous” at Niagra Falls, which, at its peak, had 50 sailor couples from the U. S. and Canada meeting for a weekend.

Pastor John Cooper Oliver, 83 of Bridgeport passed away Monday, December 16, 2024. He served as the interim minister for the First Baptist Church of Martins Ferry and then served 9 years as the minister to the Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, Bloomingdale, OH. 

John was born November 13, 1941, in Wheeling, WV the son of the late Ernest and Elsie (Cooper) Oliver. He was retired from Institution Food Sales for John Sexton and Company and Gordon Food Service. He was a veteran of the United States Army. He passed away at his home with his family by his side.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, Jacqueline (Duane) Patterson and brother and sister- in-law, Ronald (Bonnie) Oliver. 

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Sylvia (Logan) Oliver, children, David (Stacey) Oliver, Bryan (Janine) Oliver, Karen (Charles) Eddy, grandchildren, Alex (Mackenzie) Oliver, Zach Oliver, Jonas and Zane Eddy, Brenna Oliver, great-granddaughter, Marcella Oliver, as well as many nieces and nephews. 

Please keep the Oliver family in your prayers.

Rev. Dr. Donald B. Rogers passed away on Nov. 20, 2024. He pastored Mt. Auburn Baptist Church in Cincinnati, Ohio, for 31 years. He was also Professor Emeritus of Christian Education at United Theological Seminary.

Dr. Rogers spent the majority of his teaching career at United Theological Seminary, joining the faculty in 1969 and retiring in 2001 as Colonel Robert E. Cowden Professor of Christian Education. A true educator, he continued teaching at United and in other venues following his retirement.

During his tenure at United, Dr. Rogers deeply influenced many students. He taught courses on Christian formation and education, led a Doctor of Ministry cohort and mentored those preparing for Christian education ministries. He was widely respected by students and peers alike. An outstanding teacher, one colleague described his teaching style as “mesmerizing.”

Reverend Dr. Kenneth Atchison passed away on November 1, 2024, with his family by his side. Pastor Ken had a 45-year career as an American Baptist pastor, beginning with youth ministry positions at ABC-Ohio churches in Wyoming, Bethel, and Franklin, where he met and married Darby, his wife of 42 years. Pastor Ken served at Kenwood Baptist Church in a variety of roles including youth pastor, associate pastor, and business administrator. In 1995, Ken planted and pastored KingsWay Community Church. He finished his career with twelve years of service to Mt. Washington Baptist Church and was honored as Pastor Emeritus at the time of his retirement in July 2022.

Ken attended Vandalia-Butler High School and Cincinnati Bible College. He earned a Master of Divinity at Northern Baptist Theological Seminary, a Doctor of Ministry in Church Growth at Fuller Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry in Preaching at Gordon–Conwell Theological Seminary. Ken was a gifted preacher and Bible teacher, and he led countless people to Christ. He had a true heart for Jesus and a deep love for others, ministering to them in their most significant and vulnerable moments.

Ralph Charles “Chuck” Samson of Urbana, Ohio went to be with Lord October 7, 2024. Chuck has been the pastor at Kings Creek Baptist Church for the past 15 years. He was born July 4, 1956. This was unexpected and very sad for the people in his life.

Chuck graduated from Park Hills High School, Fairborn, Ohio, in ’74. He then graduated with a BS degree from Mississippi College in 1982. Chuck started his journey with Christ with a ministry of youth in the late ‘70’s. Chuck traveled many states for four years with a Christian music group called “Harvest,” as a singer, musician, bus driver and minister. He also worked for LYNX (Fellowship of Christians in Action). LYNX was a non-denominational mobile retreat ministry. Chuck retired from FedEx as a truck driver in 2019.