Life's Journey

Born October 4, 1942, I grew up in Arkansas City, Kansas, where I graduated from high school in 1960.  While attending Emporia (KS) State University, Jeanne and I were married August 19, 1962 at Clyde, Kansas, her home town.  From 1966 to 1982 I taught public school music, primarily as a band director.  In 1982 I entered Central Baptist Theological Seminary (American Baptist) in Kansas City, KS, and shortly before my 1985 graduation with M.Div. I was ordained in the American Baptist Churches/USA.

I served in pastoral ministry from January 1983-June 2008, when I retired and Jeanne and I moved back to Beloit, KS, where we had previously served a federated American Baptist/United Methodist Parish in Beloit and Simpson from 1997-2001.

Jeanne and I have 3 children, Sherri (Mrs. Scott Stannard) of Mission, KS, who is mother of our only granddaughter Sky.    Jack, also an American Baptist Minister and married to Nancy,  and Don, currently Assoc. Dean of Libraries at Univ. of Oklahoma, and soon to be the Dean of Libraries at Wichita State University.  Don is married to Kathy and is father of our two grandsons, Connor and Kagen.

My connection to Sarah is my Aunt Millie Gilstrap, to whom Sarah's mother Janice and husband Dean have been such wonderful friends and caregivers.  Aunt Millie, at 93, is my oldest living relative and has lived in Scottsdale, AZ, since the mid 1950s.

Let's see - hmm...I'm your mother-in-law and your #1 fan; maybe # 4 after Roy, Janice and Dean :-)  I live in San Jacinto, CA, work at MSJC in the Disabled Students Program and have been for 11 yrs. Roy is my first born and then my second is Glenn who is married to Kelbe. They have graced me with 2 rambunctious grand daughters and I also have 2 grandsons. I am blessed by all of my family. I love to travel, but not overseas and you never see me without my camera. I own my own home, just got a new car, love to garden, take photos and make greeting cards.  I'm also involved in the HOA and a few of those committees asssociated with it. Fan of FB, CW and FV and Bejeweled Twist HAHAHA; love to read especially James patterson, Nicholas Sparks and Jodie Picoult (nice combo) Oh, forgot...like to talk, talk, talk. Ask any of my family and friends.  Think that's enough, don't you?!?!?!

Thinking of you, sending love, positive wishes and warm energy your way....  (Love this photo of us!  Circa 1990)   xoxoxo

Sarah and I work together.  Now I know you are thinking the same office but actually we share an online working experience.  I am one of many across the country who stand with Sarah now and always.