Rev. Dr. Robert Secrist

The Rev. Dr. Robert H. Secrist, 85, of West Liberty, Ohio, passed away Thursday, February 23, 2012, at the Green Hills Care Center in West Liberty, Ohio. He was born September 2, 1926 in Toledo, Ohio, to the late The Rev. Dr. Frank and Carolyn Barbara (Shafer) Secrist.

In October 1950, he married Martha Joan Laughner in Leetonia, Ohio, and she survives along with their children, Thomas P. Secrist of West Liberty, J. Mark Secrist of Middleton, Wisconsin, Barbara J. Tobin of Charlotte, North Carolina and Virginia “Ginni” Quay of Lancaster, Ohio; a sister, Mary Weishampel of Dayton, Ohio and 6 grandchildren.

A World War II United States Navy Air Corp Veteran, The Rev. Dr. Secrist graduated from Wittenberg University in 1947, and The Hamma Divinity School in 1950. In 1950, he was ordained into the Lutheran Ministry by The Synod of Ohio of The United Lutheran Church in America.

In 1949, he did his internship at the Grace Lutheran Church in Steubenville, Ohio. From 1950 to 1954, he served as the Pastor of The Rows Lutheran Parish; from 1954 to 1959, he was Pastor of the Calvary Lutheran Church in East Cleveland, Ohio; from 1959 to 1966, he was Pastor of the Westwood Lutheran Church in Dayton, Ohio; from 1966 to 1973, he was the Pastor at The First Lutheran Church in Bellefontaine; and from 1973 to 1988, he was Pastor at the Phila-delphia Lutheran Church and the New Salem Lutheran Church.

The Rev. Dr. Secrist was Director of Mission in North America from 1973 to 1987, and Director of Outreach – ELCA from 1988 to 1993. He was a twelve year member and Past President of Mary Rutan Hospital in Bellefontaine. He was a licensed private pilot and a licensed amateur radio operator.

Calling hours are Sunday, February 26, 2012, from 3 to 6 P.M. at the Eichholtz Funeral Home in Bellefontaine. Pastor Jonathan Bull and The Rev. Dr. Kenneth H. Sauer, Bishop Emeritus will officiate the 11:00 A.M. funeral service Monday, February 27, 2012 at the First Lutheran Church in Bellefontaine, where there will be one hour of visitation prior to the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Lutheran Church 208 W. Sandusky Ave. Bellefontaine, OH 43311 or to the charity of the donor’s choice.

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