An expanded obituary project of
MennObits. Includes additional information of obituaries
appearing in
The Mennonite and other newspapers. Source of
individual obituaries given with each record. Project managed by
Thelma Martin.
2025
S2
Stauffer, Amos H.
January 26, 1942 - January 11, 2025
Amos H. Stauffer, 82, of Stevens, PA, entered into rest on January 11, 2025, at home. Amos was born in Lancaster, PA, to his late parents, Willis and Anna Mary (Hursh) Stauffer. He was married for 61 years to Lizzie B. (Martin) Stauffer, who survives at home.
Amos founded and operated Stauffer Repair Shop in Stevens. He was a member of Muddy Creek Mennonite Church, Groffdale Conference.
In addition to his wife, Amos is survived by his children; Alice, wife of Luke R. Martin, of East Earl, PA, Curvin, husband of Bertha (Martin) Stauffer, of Branchport, NY, Floyd, husband of Laura (Zimmerman) Stauffer, of Stevens, Eugene, husband of Grace (Newswenger) Stauffer, of New Enterprise, PA, Thema, wife of J. Louis Oberholtzer, of Ephrata, Ellen, wife of Eli Zimmerman, of East Earl and Anna Mae, wife of Roy Martin, of Leola, 50 grandchildren and 64 great-grandchildren. In addition, six siblings survive; Elizabeth, wife of the late Paul Burkholder, of Elkton, KY, Willis H., husband of Ida (Zimmerman) Stauffer, of Ephrata, Anna, wife of the late Eli Weaver, of Versailles, MO, Mabel, wife of the late Edwin Nolt, of Spenser, TN, Hettie, wife of Don Finney, of New Holland, PA, Henry, husband of Eva (Brubacher) Stauffer, and brother-in-law Reuben Zimmerman, of Versailles, MO.
In addition to his parents, Amos was predeceased by a granddaughter, Elizabeth Oberholtzer, brother, Eli and his wife Martha (Brubacher) Stauffer, and a sister, Vera, wife of Reuben Zimmerman.
The family would like to say a special thank you to Hospice and Community Care for the exceptional care they provided.
A Funeral Service will take place on Friday, January 17, 2025, beginning at 9:30 AM at Muddy Creek Mennonite Church, 531 South Muddy Creek Road, Denver, PA, with Bishop Leon Zimmerman officiating. Viewings will be held on Thursday, January 16, 2025, from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM and again from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at 156 East Church Street, Stevens, PA.
Kindly omit flowers.
Arrangements have been entrusted to C. Stanley Eckenroth Home for Funerals, Terre Hill.
Stauffer, Doris S. Glick
February 23, 1942 - March 12, 2025
Doris S. Stauffer, 83, of Lititz. passed away peacefully March 12, 2025, at Legend of Lititz where she has resided for the last five years. Born in Lancaster, she was the daughter of the late Isaac and Martha (Shetler) Glick.
She worked at Stauffer's of Kissel Hill for decades as a designer and was most proud of Christmas Wonder-land. Later on, she was the secretary at Neffsville Mennonite Church for a number of years.
She served as a Sunday School Teacher and was active in the Christian Women's Club and Time Out programs at NMC. Being a volunteer at Contact 24hr Helpline brought Doris great satisfaction. She answered the phone there for over 1,000 hours. She was also a caring 4H Sewing Mentor.
Doris was tireless when it came to gathering family. She loved her family & friends dearly. She is survived by her four children: Korina Moran, wife of Gerard of Ossining, NY, Robert Stauffer of Carlisle, PA, Johann Stauffer, husband of Bonnie of Lancaster and Monique Rittenhouse, wife of Eric of Lititz. Also surviving are ten wonderful grandchildren, one great-grandson, siblings, Roy Glick and Mary Zimmerman and sister-in-law Teresa Glick. She was preceded in death by her sister, Frances Dorn and brother Delmar Glick.
Funeral Services will be held at 11am on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at Charles F. Snyder, Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA. Interment will follow in Conestoga Memorial Park. Family and friends will be received from 6-8pm on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at the funeral home and again from 10-11am prior to the service on Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Doris's memory may be made to Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, 205 West 700 South Salt Lake City, UT 84101.
Stauffer, Miriam Martin
May 10, 1940 - February 25, 2025
Miriam Stauffer, 84, of Goshen, Indiana, died surrounded by her family on Tuesday, February 25, [2025] at Goshen Hospital from heart-related complications. She was born May 10, 1940, in Elmira, Ontario, Canada, to Menno R and Mary Ann Martin.
On January 2, 1971, she married Loren Stauffer of Goshen. Together they raised three children: Greg (Camille) Stauffer, Broomfield, Colo.; Lisa Stauffer (Todd) Mayen, Bailey, Colo.; and Ryan (Caitlin) Stauffer, Portland, Ore. They also have four grandchildren: Olivia, Jackson (Jack), Larkin (Ry) and Finnegan (Finn) Stauffer.
In addition to being survived by her husband, children and grandchildren, Miriam is also survived by three sisters: Arlene (Harvey) Kehl, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada; Erla (Lloyd) Koch, New Hamburg, Ontario, Canada; and Marilyn (Paul) Brubacher, Elmira, Ontario, Canada. She is also survived by three brothers: James (Jim) (Shirley) Martin, Wellesley, Ontario, Canada; Ken (Gloria) Martin, Elmira, Ontario, Canada; and Darrell (Julie Brown) Martin, Cochrane, Alberta, Canada. She is also survived by two sisters-in-law: Mary Ann Martin and Lynette Martin.
She was preceded in death by her parents and also four brothers: Leonard (Len), Arnold (Arnie), Laurence (Larry) and Ron, all of Ontario.
Miriam graduated from Lougheed Business College in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, and worked as a secretary to the president of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company in Kitchener, until she moved to Elkhart, Indiana. She was employed as an administrative assistant at the Mennonite Board of Missions (now Mennonite Mission Network), Goshen College and Waterford Mennonite Church where she also was a member. In addition to her positions as an administrative assistant, she was also involved in numerous volunteer positions within the Waterford.
Miriam volunteered at Goshen Hospital, The Window and Greencroft, all in Goshen. Her community involvements included membership in the Goshen Hospital Auxiliary, a 20-year membership in Kiwanis International and meeting with one of the Goshen Kiwanis clubs.
Miriam loved being in the outdoors and nature, walking, and designing and caring for flower beds around her home and in her community. She had a special love for her heirloom roses, starts of which she shared with many friends and neighbors. She enjoyed caring for eastern bluebirds who nested in her yard and responded to her whistle to come to the deck for a feast of mealworms. After their move to Greencroft, Miriam carried on this passion by monitoring the bluebird boxes in the wildflower prairie on the Greencroft campus. She also loved to entertain friends in their home, read and travel. She and Loren volunteered for Mennonite Mission Network in San Antonio, Tex; and Glendale and Tucson, Ariz.
Both she and Loren shared a love for outdoor activities including hiking in parks, nature preserves and in the mountains, while visiting their children. They also hiked in Switzerland and Austria while traveling in Europe and enjoyed bicycling with friends to breakfast on Saturdays. They joined their bicycling group for several trips to Europe where they biked along the rivers and vineyards of France, Luxembourg and Germany.
Visitation will take place on Friday, April 4, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Waterford Mennonite Church. A memorial service will be held at Waterford Mennonite Church on Saturday, April 5, at 11 a.m., preceded by a visitation at 10 a.m.
Memorial contributions can be sent to the Waterford Wetlands Development, Mennonite Central Committee or the American Heart Association.
Stauffer, Sarah S. Wenger
September 1, 1923 - January 11, 2025
Sarah S. Stauffer, 101, left time for eternity with her Lord on January 11, 2025, at the Richland Christian Home, Lebanon County, Pennsylvania. Born September 1, 1923, in Ephrata, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of the late Amos R. and Amanda (Shaub) Wenger. She was the last of her immediate family.
Sarah was the widow of Phares B. Stauffer who died July 12, 2004. They shared 61 years of marriage. She was a member of the Fairhaven Mennonite Church in Myerstown since its founding in 1973.
She was a dedicated dairy farmer’s wife and mother of their ten children. She enjoyed quilting and gave many quilts to her children and grandchildren. The greatest legacy for her descendants was her example and consistent faith in God. She was active in the Sewing Circle at the church and in her later years volunteered at Jubilee Ministries. The story of her early life was written in the book A Home for Sarah.
She is survived by her children: Leroy (husband of Romaine), Bernville; Kathryn, West Willow; Edwin, (widower of Carol), East Earl; Sallie Martin (widow of Luke Martin), Greencastle; Irene, Myerstown; Jane Martin (wife of Clifford), Ephrata; Rose Boll (wife of Randy), Manheim; Bonnie Hurst (wife of John), Newmanstown; Nelson (husband of Teresa), Elverson; and Gloria Hurst (wife of Paul), Myerstown. She is also survived by 26 grandchildren, 74 great-grandchildren, and nine great-great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by four grandchildren, Beverly, Benjamin and Steven Stauffer, and Ryan Boll.
A viewing will be held on Wednesday, January 15, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Fairhaven Mennonite Church, 801 S. Railroad St., Myerstown. The funeral will be at the church on January 16 at 10 a.m. with a viewing one hour before the service. Interment will follow in the Myerstown Mennonite Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Fairhaven Mennonite Church or Richland Christian Home.
Stauffer, Wesley Sensenig
February 16, 1957 - March 4, 2025
Wesley Sensenig Stauffer, 68, of Ephrata, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at Lancaster General Hospital, surrounded by his family.
Wes was born in Ephrata to the late Daniel B. Stauffer and Dora (Sensenig) Stauffer. He attended the one-room schoolhouse on Pleasant Valley Road. At the age of 16, Wes met his beloved wife of 47 years, Marla (Bollinger) Stauffer. They were married on April 2,1977, at Middle Creek Church in Lititz.
An avid outdoorsman, Wes loved deer hunting and spending time in nature. In his younger years, Wes traveled throughout the region with his uncle Amos and cousins participating in tractor pulls with their tractors; Fido, Snoopy and Sneaky Pete. He continued his passion by organizing the garden tractor pull at the Ephrata Fair for many years. He enjoyed restoring antique engines and chainsaws.
Wes was an amazing husband, father, and grandfather who loved creating memories with his loved ones. Wes cherished family gatherings, camping trips, and telling stories to his grandchildren which brought him great joy.
A founding member of Cornerstone Mennonite Fellowship in Ephrata, Wes served the church in many roles including Treasurer, Sunday school teacher, leader of prayer meetings and mission board member. He had a deep love for Jesus and was always eager to share his faith, dedicate his time to speak about the gospel and offer wisdom to others. Wes especially enjoyed ministering to fairgoers at the Ephrata Fair by sharing the gospel message using beads that illustrate the plan of salvation.
Wes was the owner of Wes Stauffer Equipment, where he worked diligently since the age of 19, to build and maintain his business. He sold and repaired Stihl chainsaws, BCS tillers, sawmills, mowers, and Amsoil. Wes loved talking with his customers about their equipment but more importantly about their families and his own, building lasting relationships with thousands throughout the region.
His passing was unexpected. While working in his shop, Wes suffered an internal injury requiring emergency open-heart surgery. Despite showing tremendous strength in his recovery, Wes experienced a catastrophic stroke. His family feels blessed by the precious gift of 2 days spent with him witnessing his recovery prior to the stroke and being by his side when his heart stopped beating.
In addition to his wife, Wes is survived by four children: Karen Weaver, Kevin (Sheree Miller) Stauffer, Keith Stauffer, Kayla (Josiah) Shenk and eight grandchildren: Grant and Kiana Weaver, Charlotte and Tessa Stauffer, Roman Stauffer, Elisabeth, Selah and Eve Shenk. He is also survived by his sisters: Ella Sensenig, Mabel Auker, Pearl Zimmerman, Romaine Zimmerman, and Annetta Steiner and his brothers: Milton Stauffer and Clement Stauffer.
Wes is preceded in death by his parents, his grandson, Cameron Weaver, and brothers, Claire and Karl Stauffer.
A viewing will be held on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM, at Dove Westgate Church, 1755 W. Main St., Ephrata. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at 10 AM, Middle Creek Church, 351 Middle Creek Rd., Lititz. Interment will follow at Middle Creek Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to From Pain to Purpose, PO Box 275, Penrose, NC 28766 or fromp2p.com/make-a-donation.
Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes, Inc., Akron/Ephrata.
Steiner, Gerald W., Dr.
May 7, 1939 - January 5, 2025
Dr. Gerald W. Steiner, 85, passed away January 5, 2025, in Dayton, Ohio where had been living for the past seven months.
Gerald W. Steiner was born May 7, 1939, in Salem, Ohio, the son of James and Ruth (Metzler) Steiner. Following graduation from Wadsworth High School, he attended Goshen College. Here Gerald met, and later married in 1962, a lovely nursing student, Beulah, who would remain his best friend.
After graduation from Goshen College in 1963, Gerald went to Ohio State University College of Medicine where he received his MD degree, in 1967. Dr. Steiner completed his internship at Miami Valley Hospital and subsequently his obstetrics and gynecology residency at Ohio State University.
In 1972, Gerald and Beulah and two daughters moved to Wooster, where Gerald began his medical practice with The Wooster Clinic (later The Cleveland Clinic). He enjoyed serving God by serving others and especially enjoyed the happy field of obstetrics. Dr. Steiner’s quiet listening manner was appreciated by patients, family, and friends. Hospital affiliation was with Wooster Community Hospital where he delivered more than 5000 babies. In addition, he helped develop and then serve at a gynecological clinic at the College of Wooster. Dr. Steiner completed his professional career in Wooster, with retirement in 1999. Gerald was a faithful member of Wooster Mennonite Church, serving in various roles. He lived out his faith in a compassionate, gentle, and caring manner.
He and his family enjoyed exploring national parks, museums and natural wonders in all states and many countries. Although he enjoyed reading, history, working with computers, and flying remote control model airplanes, what he loved most was his family. Gerald would like most to be remembered as a loving husband, dad, and grandpa, as he loved his family dearly.
Gerald is survived by his wife Beulah, who is currently living in Tipp City, Ohio. He is also survived by his daughters Lori (Brian) Steiner Jans of Tipp City, Ohio and Kathleen (Joe) Fritsch of Olney, Maryland; his grandchildren Erin (Evan) French, Benjamin Jans, Alec Fritsch, and Ayden Fritsch; his sisters Geneva Smucker, Eleanor (Marion) Yoder, Marilyn (Eldon) Eigsti and many extended family members. Gerald was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers-in-law.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday, January 12, 2025, at Wooster Mennonite Church, 1563 Beall Ave, Wooster, from 1:00-2:30 pm. Services will follow at 2:30 pm.
Custer-Glenn Funeral Home in Wooster is assisting the family.
Memorial contributions can be made to Ohio’s Hospice (ohioshospice.org—either Wooster or Dayton region) or Mennonite Central Committee (PO Box 500, Akron PA 17501, mmc.org).
Steiner, Glenn M.
March 22, 1943 - January 12, 2025
Glenn M. Steiner, 81, of Dalton, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 12, 2025.
Glenn was born in Dalton, Ohio, on March 22, 1943, to Marvin and Mary (Eberly) Steiner. On March 18, 1967, he married Arneda (Shank) Steiner, who survives him.
A memorial service will be held at Smithville Mennonite Church on January 25, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. The family will receive friends following the service. An additional time of visitation will continue at the church from 1:00-3:00 p.m. The family will hold a private burial in Broadway, Virginia.
Glenn spent his adult life as a pastor sharing his faith in Jesus and as an inventor and designer. He was licensed to the ministry in his early twenties and pastored numerous churches in VA, WV, PA, OH, and FL over a span of 50+ years. When Parkinson’s Disease made formal preaching too difficult, he continued sharing his love for the Lord and ministering to people as he was able.
His other career passion was designing tractors and turf equipment. Glenn grew up on a farm with a father who taught him and his six younger brothers to use mechanical ingenuity to make difficult tasks easier to complete. In the fourth grade, Glenn had a vision for a small, four-wheel drive, center-articulating tractor. This vision became a reality in 1974 when he and his brothers began to make Steiner tractors. In 1996, the Ventrac line of tractors was started, and in 2018, Tilmor tractors were introduced. Through these businesses, Glenn and his brothers continued to provide equipment solutions to people all over the world.
Glenn is also survived by his three daughters: Rebecca “Becky” Steiner, of Shenandoah, VA; Janna (Merrill) Bowers, of Rockingham, VA; LaVonne (Vince) Ramella, of Dalton, OH; eleven grandchildren: Phillip Oswald, Rachelle (Kyle) Vachter, Shaylla (Adam) Campbell; Kinley, Tyce, Larayna, Elyse, and Sylas Bowers; Sidney (Kaylee), Braden “Bradie”, and Justin Ramella; five great-grandchildren: Kaydence, Arlen, and Alahna Vachter; Abrahm and Adler Campbell; and six brothers: Roy (Ruth), Richard (Wanda), Elam (Harriet), Stephen (Beverly), Mark (Karen), and Dallas (Rhoda) Steiner.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his son Anthony.
To honor Glenn’s memory and in the spirit of his life and legacy, consider blessing someone with an act of kindness today or providing unexpected help to someone in need. The family would also like to expresses their sincere thanks and appreciation to Hospice LifeCare of Wooster for all of their love, support, and care for Glenn and our family during the time of his illness.
Steiner, Martha Pearl Hege
May 25, 1954 - January 8, 2025
Martha Pearl (Hege) Steiner, 70, of Thorp, WI, passed away January 8, 2025, after a 4 month battle with cancer.
She was born May 25, 1954, in Dayton, Virginia, to Paul and Catherine (Heatwole) Hege.
She married Gerald Steiner on May 15, 1976, in Kralltown, Pennsylvania.
Martha is survived by her husband Gerald Steiner of Thorp, Wisconsin, and her 9 children: Judith, wife of Ray Zimmerman of Great Falls, Montana; Ralph Steiner, husband of Louise (Burkholder) of Thorp, Wisconsin; Galen Steiner, husband of Marilyn (Mullet) of Boyd, Wisconsin; Dorcas, wife of Dennis Showalter of Coyhaique, Chile, South America; Eldon Steiner, husband of Brenda (Martin) of Thorp, Wisconsin; Melissa, wife of Martin Kropf of Halsey, Oregon; Rosene, wife of Daryl Showalter of Coyhaique, Chile, South America; Arnold Steiner of Ferndale, California; Erica Steiner of Fraser, Michigan; and 38 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Catherine Hege, one sister, Esther Rhodes, and one brother, Earl Hege.
The funeral service will be Monday, January 13, 2025, ~ 10:00 am at Clearwater Christian Fellowship, Fairchild, WI.
Stoltzfus, Samuel J.
September 18, 1966 - February 15, 2025
Samuel J. Stoltzfus, age 58, of 826 Newport Avenue, Gap, PA, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, February 15, 2025. He was the husband of Mary Ann King Stoltzfus. He was born in Gordonville, son of Eli K. & Linda Fisher Stoltzfus of Parkesburg. He was a member of the Pequea Amish Mennonite Church of Narvon. He owned and operated LanChester Grill & Hearth of Gap.
Surviving besides his wife are 6 children: Kathryn Rose, wife of Joshua Miller of West Lafayette, OH, Ruth Ann, wife of Daniel Stoltzfus of Coatesville, Steven J. Stoltzfus at home, John Mark, husband of Georgia Martin Stoltzfus of Narvon, Susan Liz & Michael David Stoltzfus both at home, 8 grandchildren, 5 siblings: Priscilla, wife of Daniel Stoltzfus of Honey Brook, Elias, husband of Rachel Esh Stoltzfus of Parkesburg, Daniel, husband of Cheryl Stoltzfus of Parkesburg, Sally, wife of Sam Glick of Quarryville, Elmer, husband of Elizabeth Zook Stoltzfus of Parkesburg. He was preceded in death by a brother, John Stoltzfus.
He courageously fought cancer for 6 years. In the end it was his heart that lost its rhythm. We grieve his sudden passing. We rejoice he is safe in the Heaven free from all pain and weariness. Yet not I, but thru Christ in me was his favorite verse.
Funeral service will take place from the Pequea Amish Mennonite Church, 115 Blank Road, Narvon, PA, on Tuesday, February 18th at 11 a.m. There will be a viewing and time to greet the family at the church on Monday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Interment will take place in the adjoining church cemetery.
Stoner, Erma H. Kauffman
April 7, 1927 - January 31, 2025
Erma H. Stoner, 97, a lifelong Landisville resident, passed away on Friday, January 31, 2025 at her residence. She was the wife of the late Titus B. Stoner with whom she was married 74 years until his death on November 19, 2024. Born in Landisville, she was the daughter of the late J. Harold and Minnie Holbein Kauffman.
Erma graduated from the former East Hempfield High School with a perfect attendance record for 12 years. A homemaker, she was employed for many years at Millers Greenhouse, retiring at the age of 90. Erma was a faithful member of the Marietta Mennonite Church where she was a longtime Sunday School teacher. Along with her late husband Titus, she enjoyed having the Fresh Air Children visit their family farm, volunteering at the Mount Joy Thrift, helping at the former Mennonite Home Gift Shop and spending time with the 40/60 group. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grand-mother, sister and aunt who served her family and treasured her time with them.
She is survived by her children, Donald husband of Clara (Martin), Landisville; Jean wife of Dale Hackman, Mount Pleasant, IA; Joyce wife of Dale Ropp, Bemidji, MN; Dennis husband of Karen (Martin), East Earl; Judy Stoner, Landisville; David husband of Janice (Fahnestock), Manheim; 15 grandchildren, seven step-grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren, 2 great -great-grand-children; siblings, Richard H. husband of Eleanore Kauffman, Lancaster and Anna Mae Kauffman, Landisville.
Her brothers, J. Harold and Robert H. Kauffman and her great-granddaughter, Kenya preceded her in death.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a time of family visitation on Sunday, February 9, 2025 at the Marietta Mennonite Church, 302 Essex Street, Marietta, PA from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 10, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. from the Landisville Mennonite Church, 3320 Bowman Road, Landisville, PA with family visitation from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Private interment will be held in the Landisville Mennonite Cemetery.
Kindly omit flowers. Memorial contributions may be made to the Galilean Childrens Home, 712 S. Fork Church Road, Liberty, KY 42539 or to Caring Hospice Services, 101 Good Drive, 1st Floor, Lancaster, PA 17603.
Swarr, Paul Leaman
November 10, 1927 - January 31, 2025
Paul Leaman Swarr, age 97, graduated to glory on January 31, 2025, while living in the Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community (VMRC) in Harrisonburg, VA. The family will have a private burial. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service is being planned for a later date, and will be announced on the McMullen Funeral Home website. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to VMRC at www.vmrc.org.
Paul was born November 10, 1927 to Harry Cassel Swarr and Kathryn Leaman Swarr in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, USA. At the age of 19 he joined with 29 other young Mennonite "cowboy volunteers" to chaperone 600 mules across the ocean to war-ravaged Europe. This experience opened his eyes and heart to the international world, and ultimately to the call to serve God's purposes in Israel for 30 years.
Paul attended Hempfield High School in Landisville, PA, and graduated from Eastern Mennonite School in Harrisonburg, VA. He received a Bible and Theology degree from Eastern Mennonite College, and a Bachelor of Theology degree from Goshen Biblical Seminary. While in college he was the baritone in the Crusader Quartet, which traveled the country with tent meetings, held evangelistic outreaches in NY City, recorded six 78-rpm albums, and was instrumental in the development of The Mennonite Hour radio broadcast. He was ordained to the ministry in his home church in East Petersburg, and served in pastoral ministry in a variety of settings: as youth pastor at St. Jacobs, Ontario; as roving pastor to 1-W units on the East Coast; as co-pastor at Beit Immanuel in Israel; as pastor at Powhatan Mennonite Church, VA; and as lead pastor on the pastoral team of Hope Christian Fellowship in Richmond, VA. He also served for a number of years as Warwick District Overseer for the Virginia Mennonite Conference.
In 1955 Paul married Bertha Carolyn Wenger. They had three children, and enjoyed 64 years of marriage before Bertha preceded him in death on April 9, 2019. Their life motto was, "Laborers together with God" (I Corin. 3:9). Paul and Bertha responded to the call to serve the Lord in Israel, and sailed in 1957 to this infant nation formed in 1948 in the shadow of WWII and the Holocaust. Paul considers their 30 years in Israel to be the most fulfilling time of his life and ministry. While there he taught math to high school children in a Baptist orphanage, worked as a tour guide and manager of Sharon Tours which catered to Christian pilgrims to the Holy Land, served as General Secretary of the United Christian Counsel in Israel which provided a united voice to the government, and served as co-pastor of a Messianic congregation at Beit Immanuel in Jaffa, mentoring the next generation of church leadership. After returning to the US, Paul and Bertha spent 20 years with Youth With A Mission (YWAM), pioneering the school of Church Planting and Leadership in Ghana, South Africa, and Brazil, as well as pioneering the School of Jewish Studies. They also served as a pastoral couple to the YWAM staff in Richmond, VA.
Paul is survived by his three children: son David Swarr (and wife Sharon) of Richmond, VA; daughter Evelyn Hostetter (and husband Jay) of Ruther Glen, VA; daughter Carolyn Stauffer (and husband Carl) of Harrisonburg, VA. He has seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren: Mary Psalm Araujo (and husband Daniel and 2 children) of Richmond, VA; Arielle Swarr of Richmond, VA; Timothy Hostetter (and wife Ella and 5 children) of Ruther Glen, VA; Rose Rector (and husband Nick and 1 child) of Ruther Glen, VA; Cynthia Hostetter of Ruther Glen, VA; Christopher Stauffer (and wife Elana) of San Francisco, CA; Grace Lamay (and husband Ibrahim and 1 child) of Arlington, VA.
Paul will be warmly remembered for his pastoral heart, humility, kindness, patience, his encouraging words, listening ear, calming presence, servant heart, and his deep love for his Lord who was central to every facet of his life. Paul lived faithfully and loved well.
Arrangements are being handled by McMullen Funeral Home.