Rev. Robert W. Pelton, 92, drew his first breath of celestial air as he stepped on shore in heaven at 4:20pm on June 27, 2024, surrounded by his family in Anderson, SC. He was born in Spring Arbor, Michigan on November 20, 1931, to Earl M. and Erma Belle (Snyder) Pelton. He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers: Earl "Ike" (Alice), Jack (Margaret), Dick (Charlotte), and Jim; two sisters: Betty (Art) Pegg, Shirley (Jim) Tidd and several nieces & nephews. He is survived by his loving wife Marsena, a sister Jeanie Elder, and many nieces and nephews.
Robert lost both his parents at a young age and was raised by family & neighbors within the farming community surrounding his place of birth. He graduated from high school in Springport, Michigan. He attended Fort Wayne Bible Institute, then transferred and graduated from Kentucky Mountain Bible Institute (KMBI). He received his bachelor’s degree with a double major in Biblical Literature and Greek from Marion College (later known as Indiana Wesleyan University) and Master’s in Education from Indiana University. He was united in marriage to Marsena Ruth French on July 18, 1958 in Central, South Carolina.
Robert dedicated his life to the service of others in full-time Christian Ministry. He served as a pastor to eight congregations, a professor at Bible colleges, universities and as a missionary on several mission fields. His pastorates included Wesleyan Methodist Churches (Sylvania, Bloomfield Indiana; Atwood, Louisville, Kentucky) Hobe Sound Bible Church, Hobe Sound, Florida; Trinity Holiness Church, Iva, South Carolina; Allegheny Wesleyan Methodist Churches (Titusville, PA; Isabella, PA; Doaktown, New Brunswick, Canada; and Alberton, Montana) as well as an interim pastorship at the Free Wesleyan Church in Easley, SC.
Robert taught at the following Schools/Colleges: Hobe Sound Bible College; Sheng-te Christian College, God’s Bible School & College; Tianjin Institute of Foreign Trade; He also served as president of the Brainerd Indian School & Northwest Indian Bible School. He was known as a tough teacher yet was well-loved by his many students.
His missionary work included work with the American Indians in Prescott, Arizona, Brainerd Indian School, Hot Springs, South Dakota and Northwest Indian Bible School, Alberton, Montana. He served with the Bible Holiness Church in Taiwan and also served with various missions in China, Ghana (West Africa), Canada, Belize, Russia, and Romania.
Robert loved spending time in nature, especially watching & hearing the birds sing. Early every morning he would open the door and look into the vast sky to see the stars and moon. He had a passion for cooking and enjoyed sharing his health-focused dishes with guests. He loved to study the Word of God and kept a prayer list where he diligently prayed for each one daily on his list. He was a member of the Allegheny Wesleyan Methodist Connection and faithfully attended the Free Wesleyan Church in Easley, SC in his retirement years.
His life greatly impacted so many family & friends not only at home but around the globe. He was so loved and will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations be made to:
Free Wesleyan Church
424 W. Roper Rd.
Easley, South Carolina 29640
or
Allegheny Wesleyan Missions
P.O. Box 357
Salem, OH 44460
Funeral services will be conducted at 3:00 PM on Friday July 5, 2024 in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home.
The family will receive friends prior to the service from 2:00 - 2:45 PM.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting http://www.dillardfunerals.com. Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
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