Published: May 20, 2008 11:48 pm            

Everett Burns Chambers

Aug. 29, 1925 - May 4, 2008

Everett Burns Chambers, of Delavan, Wis., formerly of Kokomo and former pastor of Kokomo First Baptist Church, left his earthly home, and was received into his heavenly home on Sunday, May 4, 2008, while surrounded by his family.

Everett was born on Aug. 29, 1925, in Galena, Ohio, to Lester and Eda (Stout) Chambers. He graduated from Galena High School in 1943. During his teen years, Everett felt the call to the ministry. He received his pastoral training at the Bible Institute of Los Angeles, Otterbein College, and Eastern Baptist Seminary.

On Dec. 27, 1952, Everett married Charline Ann Pacey in Dayton, Ohio. His first ministry was in Lucky Fork, Ky., where he served as pastor of Faith Hill Mission Church and taught school in a mountain one-room schoolhouse, reached by horseback.

Following his ordination in May 1958 by the American Baptist Churches, U.S.A., Everett served churches in Jerseyville, Ill., Princeton, Ill., Walworth, Wis., and Kokomo, and interims in Ohio. He worked as regional director of development for Judson University for three years. In each community, Everett took an active part in the local ministerial association, served on local community boards, and also on the American Baptist Association and state boards. He belonged to several organizations including Rotary, Lions Club, and the Boy Scouts of America, and was active in supporting foreign missions, working on-site teaching and ministering in Haiti, Nicaragua and El Salvador.

Everett had a heart for people; his effort and time in building relationships with those in his church and community was his greatest passion besides living his life for Christ. He treasured the opportunity to visit the lonely or sick, pray for those in need, and love those around him with his gregarious and joyful presence. Everett’s broad smile and warm presence was a character trait many came to love throughout his life and ministry.

Everett was also an active gardener and fruit grower, and cherished his time tending his vast daylily collection and berries of all kinds. Everett had a contagious love of life, and this enthusiasm was evident to all those that knew him.

Everett is survived by his wife, Charline; daughters: Mary Dawn Chambers-Foltman of McHenry, Ill., Kathryn (Daniel) Mager of Columbia, Ill., and Marsha (Charles) Walker of Lake in the Hills, Ill.; son, Timothy (Dacia) Chambers of Colorado Springs, Colo.; 10 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sisters Shirley (Arthur) Houk of Washington, Elsie Williams of Ohio, and Mary Dell (David) Nisbet of Ohio; and a brother, Eldon Chambers of Ohio.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Eda Chambers.

Funeral services were held May 10 at Darien Community Baptist Church, Darien, Wis., with the Rev. John Mancusi officiating. Burial was in The Brick Church Cemetery in Walworth, Wis.

Memorials may be made in Everett's name to International Missions, P.O. Box 851, American Baptist Churches, Valley Forge, PA 19482-0851. Toynton’s Walworth Funeral Home assisted the family.

        

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