Charles Sherman Cupp was introduced to the world at noon Wednesday, March 14, 1934, and is the second child of nine born to Arthur and Virginia (Arledge) Cupp. Circleville, Ohio was his birthplace and where he grew up. His parents were devout members of the Circleville Church of the Brethren and it was there that he received his instruction in the Christian Faith and was baptized. The baptism was done in Sippo Creek in Pickaway Township, Pickaway County, Ohio.
Charles graduated from the Circleville High School in the class of 1952. He employed in local industrial firms for a few years. He met Judy Hurst, the daughter of The Reverend John C. and Marjorie (Kincaid) Hurst who were pastor and family of the local church at that particular time period. They were married on Sunday, August 4, 1957. Charles was licensed to ministry by the Church of the Brethren, Southern Ohio District that same month.
In September 1957 he began studies at the Bethany Bible Training School on the campus of Bethany Seminary, Chicago, Illinois and graduated in May 1959. Applying to McPherson College, McPherson, Kansas, he was accepted as a junior, academically, by transferring credits earned from his work at Manchester College, (now University) North Manchester, Indiana (two terms 1954-55) and the Bethany Bible Training School. Charles and Judy, respectively, received Bachelor of Arts degrees from McPherson College, class of 1962. While attending college, he served as commuting part-time pastor (weekends) to two churches in the Western Plains District. The first was the Larned (Kansas) Church of the Brethren (1959-61), and the Eden Valley Church of the Brethren, St. John, Kansas, (1961-62).
In the fall of 1962, Charles enrolled at Bethany Theological Seminary, Chicago/Oak Brook, Illinois, and earned the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree, class of 1965. During the summer of 1964, he did his practicum as a summer pastor at the Lakeview Church of the Brethren, Brethren, Michigan. Charles has earned post-graduate credits at Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, in conjunction with the Institute On Deafness and served as an adjunct faculty member of the School of Social Work at The Ohio State University, Columbus. In May of 1965 he received his ordination for ministry at the Circleville Church of the Brethren.
Charles accepted the call as pastor from the Olivet Church of the Brethren near Thornville, Ohio and began his full-time ministry to the congregation on July 1, 1965 and continued through June 1974. It was also during this time period he began his relationship with the White Cottage Church of the Brethren as moderator (1965-2013). Also, during part of this time period his father served a brief pastorate at White Cottage.
In September 1974 Charles began his institutional ministry with the Ohio Department of Mental Health and continuing through August 1997, the time of his retirement. During the tenure of his employment he served as a social worker, the Director of the Mental Health Program for the Deaf, Unit Program Administrator and the last five years of his services included his appointment as Director of Pastoral Care at the Central Ohio Psychiatric Hospital, Columbus, now Twin Valley Behavioral Health Care. In addition
with his employment, he devoted time serving the Southern Ohio/Kentucky District of the Church of the Brethren in various capacities such as board member, ministry commission member and chair, district moderator (1975-76) etc. Since retiring, he has served as the interim part-time pastor of the Circleville Church of the Brethren from September 1998 through June 2004. He also served as their moderator (1965-2013). Also during this period he has represented the Southern Ohio/Kentucky District as elected delegate to the Annual Conference Standing Committee (2002-07) and the Small Membership Church Leadership Team, (2002-06).
Charles and his wife Judy are the parents of two adult sons, Joel and Stephen respectively and their families. They resided in the Thornville community for forty-six years. He and Judy are members of the Olivet Church of the Brethren where he served on the board and as moderator and church school teacher. As a member of the Thornville community he served as "pastor in residence" doing pulpit supply for several churches in the area.
Charles is proceded in death by his parents Arthur and Virgina Cupp as well as his wonderful wife of many years, Judy (Hurst) Cupp.
Charles leaves behind his Sons, Joel (Dawn) Cupp, Stephen (Kelly) Cupp, Grandchildren; Aidan Cupp, Grady Cupp, Joey Miller, Seth Skeens, and Ashley Skeens. His brothers, Joseph (Pat) Cupp and Sam (Carolyn) Cupp. As well as numerous Great Grandchildren.
Charles engaged in community activities as a volunteer. He spent a term as member of the Northern Perry County School District Advisory Committee. He served three appointed terms as a member and chair of the Perry County Developmental Disabilities Board. He served twenty-three years as member of the American Lung Association of Ohio local board. He has been a member and various office holder of the Thornville Lions International Club since 1965 and has been awarded the Melvin Jones Fellow Award.
Charles and Judy became residents of the Brethren Retirement Community's Chestnut Village, Greenville, Ohio in February 2011
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent to The Brethren Retirement Community Resident Aide Fund at 750 Chestnut St., Greenville, Ohio 45331 or to EverHeart Hospice at 1350 N. Broadway St., Greenville, Ohio 45331 or https://everhearthospice.org/giving/
Services will be held at Olivet Church of the Brethren, Saturday, July 20, at 1 PM. 10788 Zion Road, Thornville Ohio 43076. Fond memories may be shared at www.zecharbailey.com for the Cupp family.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
v.1.11.1