In Memoriam
2020 District Council Recognition
Barney C Dewey
May 3, 1928 - March 23, 2019
Licensed 1978
Barney was born in Corsican, Texas. He enlisted in the Army in 1946 and in 1952 he put his faith in Christ. After leaving the Army, he returned home to Odessa, Texas and met his future wife, Stella May. Their union lasted 71 years. Barney pastored three churches in Stockton and served on staff at numerous other churches. He was a role model to many and a source of solid spiritual support for his family.
Bryan K Thacker
April 28, 1960 - April 20, 2019
Certified 2017
Bryan was born in Auburn, California. By middle school age, Bryan knew God wanted him to teach His Word. He became involved in the Royal Rangers at the tender age of 7. Royal Rangers gave him the name, "Lil White Bear" (a jest, because he was not little!) He spent endless hours in and outside of meetings, working with the boys on cars, preparing for the Thanksgiving Day Parade or working on events for camp. He had a deep connection with the boys. To some boys he was like a second father and to others, an older brother. In Bryan’s testimony he stated, “Now 50 years later I’m still teaching Rangers, boys and men and with God’s help I have done my best to serve God, my church, and teach all who cross my path.”
Edwin J Rill
September 19, 1924 - May 30, 2019
Ordained 1953
Edwin received his call to the mission field when he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, in Granite City, Illinois. Edwin met and married Ruth Burke, a daughter of a missionary in Africa. In 1950, they went to South Africa. At that time the S.A. government was not allowing American missionaries. However, they were able to go as private citizens. In 1963, Ed found employment with the Sacramento County Welfare Dept. where he served until 1980. After retiring from secular employment, Edwin re-entered ministry with gusto and he and Ruth returned to South Africa. They found many opportunities there, such as lecturing and teaching at the Covenant Bible College in Durban. In 1989, they returned to Sacramento where he formally retired. However, he continued to serve at Capital Christian Center as a counselor and director of the outreach ministry.
Earton (Eugene) Smith
March 18, 1937 - May 31, 2019
Licensed 1962 | Ordained 1967
Earton, (preferably Gene or "EE") was born in Jasper, Arkansas. He was brought up in the Pentecostal Church of God and the Assemblies of God. He was saved in 1960 at Loma Prieta A/G of Los Gatos, California. Gene and his wife, Beverly, had musical talents that they dedicated to the work of the Lord. He pastored in Los Gatos, Seattle, Washington, Campbell, Tehama, and Cottonwood. He served as Pastor of First Assembly of God in Oroville, CA for 41 years and retired from that post in 2014. He had a powerful impact on many young people who came to Christ or were called to ministry under his influence. He was highly respected by his peers.
Steven D White
2/2/1949—7/16/2019
Licensed 1977—Ordained 1980
Steve was born in Oildale, California. Although raised in church, he did not commit his life to God until serving in the Airforce in Thailand. He was challenged by a CMA missionary asking him to commit one year in Bible School. Thinking it would be just one year, he accepted. It turned into a lifetime of ministry. He was an Associate Pastor, at Christian Life Center, Decorah, Iowa. He and his wife, Cheryl, transferred to NorCal in 1977. Steve was Senior Pastor at Alderpoint Christian Center. Here, God brought a great revival and people who had run as far as they could from God, were drawn back. His last 24 years, David pastored at Crossroad Fellowship of Newcastle (Auburn, CA). This was a small church with a big heart for missions. Steve had a big heart for missions. He not only gave financially, but also enjoyed putting "boots on the ground" with the Wagner's.
Leonard A Von Gunton
12/25/1940—7/17/2019
Licensed 1972
Leonard grew up in Delhi, California. In 1955 the family moved to Ripon, California, where he attended High School. After graduation, he served 2 years in the Army. Leonard attended Bethany Bible College and earned a bachelor's degree. It was here that he met his future wife, Sharon and they married in 1974. Leonard worked as an educator for over 20 years before retiring in 2006. In ministry, Leonard devoted most of his time with the Royal Rangers. In his later years he faithfully ministered every week at a nearby rest home.
David C Colbert
12/17/1927—8/16/2019
Licensed 1950—Ordained 1954
David was born in Riverside, California. While attending SoCal Bible College David met Lois Condit. They were married in 1950. Following graduation, David pastored his first church while simultaneously teaching in Crows Landing. In 1954, David accepted a pastorate in Yuba City. In 1957, David served as District Sunday School Superintendent at NCN in Scotts Valley. David pastored in Southern California, but in1980 he returned to Northern California. As pastor at Bethel Temple in Red Bluff, the church building was in a dilapidated state. David, with many years of experience in building homes and churches set into motion to replace the building. David served officially in ministry for over 65 years. Although retired, he was active at the Auburn A/G Church. Even as Dave entered assisted living and his memory began to slowly fade, he continued ministering in the role of chaplain to those he lived with, holding chapel services and visiting residents in the hospital.
Fernando R Carvalho
9/6/1961—9/6/2019
Licensed 1982—Ordained 1986
Fernando was born in Rio de Janeiro. In 1979, at the age of 17, he moved to the United States to study. Fernando is a graduate of Melodyland School of Theology in Anaheim, California. In 1988, he earned a B.A. in Psychology at Bethany. He obtained a master’s degree in counseling from Liberty University in Virginia, and in 1993, a master’s degree in Divinity from Fuller Seminary in Pasadena, California. Fernando and his wife, Theresa planted Message of Peace, a church for Brazilians in San Jose. The church flourished and they launched other Brazilian churches. In 1996 they moved the primary campus to South San Francisco. He authored many books. The Invisible Providence of God, and Stoke us up Lord, are just a couple. Fernando was very influential in raising up other pastors. He founded the Message of Peace School, which has graduated dozens of leaders who now lead churches in the United States and Brazil.
Richard R Woock
3/31/1945—9/22/2019
Licensed 1981—Ordained 2004
Richard was born in Auburn, California. In 1967, he married Kathy. He served in the Navy during the Vietnam War. Afterward, he spent an additional two years in the Naval Reserve. During these years, he began his studies at Trinity Bible School. He later attended Bethany Bible College through a home studies program. Richard served as the Associate Pastor under Pastor Steve White at Crossroads Fellowship in Auburn for 17 years. He served on various ministry boards, including the local Teen Challenge ministry. He was a retirement home pastor and also served as a Police Chaplin with the Placer County Sherriff’s Office. Richard was devoted to God in life and in service, doing everything in his power to lead everyone to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Eliezer T Tejam
10/21/1957—9/24/2019
Ordained 1997
Eliezer “Ike” was born in Bohol, Philippines. At the age of 17, Ike attended Immanuel Bible College in Cebu City, Philippines, majoring in Theology. In his junior year, he left the Bible College and enrolled in Electrical Engineering at the University of San Jose Recoletos. He worked for the biggest mining company in Cebu City. He had a beautiful wife and children. 10 years later, while recovering from an emergency surgery, he felt God’s calling to return to Bible College. Ike served as an Associate and Youth pastor, as well as Music Director until 1996. Ike ultimately moved his family back to the United States. Ike’s talents opened doors, and he immediately began serving at Christian Life Fellowship A/G in Santa Cruz. Ike served as the Youth Pastor and Music Director. In 2002, Ike became the Senior Pastor. In 2006, Ike suffered a heart attack and retired from the position. However, he remained active in church activities and Sunday Services as his health allowed.
Daryl Sheley
4/18/195—10/9/2019
Licensed 1976—Ordained 1980
Daryl was born in Chico, California. He was raised in Bethel Temple, now known as Capital Christian Center. This is where he met and married Carolyn Hankin. Together, they served on staff at several Assemblies of God churches: Corning, Springfield, Madera, and Carmichael. In 1988, Daryl decided to finish his college education. The Sheley family moved to Scotts Valley, so Daryl could attend Bethany Bible College. Carolyn began working at the NCN District Office. Later, Daryl became part of the NCN District Office. In 2016, Daryl retired after 27 years. Daryl will be remembered for his generosity, quirky sense of humor, and love of storytelling.
Fauike Pahulu
2/27/1938—10/16/2019
Licensed 2007—Ordained 2012
Fauike was born in Neiafu, the capital of Vava'u, Tonga. While working for Tonga’s royal family, she met and married Filimone Pahulu. Fauike was saved at an open-air revival conducted by the Assemblies of God, in Tonga,1966. She was one of fifty citizens to lobby the Tongan government, to officially recognize and establish the Assemblies of God church in Tonga. After immigrating to America, Fauike and Filimone pioneered the Tongan Christian Fellowship, in Redwood City. Fauike eventually became pastor of the church. In 1998, Fauike established a weekly radio show, "The Vision Moui," preaching the gospel on KEST AM, broadcasting from San Francisco.
Robert E Bramblitt
9/5/1930—10/22/2019
Licensed 1985—Ordained 1990
Robert was born in Addison, Dallas County, Texas. His education includes Baylor University, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth Texas, and Lincoln Law School in San Francisco. Bob (Robert), comes from a Southern Baptist background. After being filled with the Holy Spirit, he was asked to leave that church. He then traveled as an Independent Evangelist for many years. David Womack encouraged Bob to become affiliated with the Assemblies of God, which he did. He served in San Jose, Texas, Idaho, Gilroy, Chowchilla, Nevada, and Morgan Hill. In 1989, he was called to pastor at Calvary A/G Santa Rosa before retiring in 1993.
Gary A Hamner
6/9/1952—11/16/2019
Licensed 2013
Gary was born in San Diego, California. His family upbringing was Catholicism. When he was five years old, his grandmother took him to church to light a candle for his dying uncle. After he lit the candle, she placed her hand on his shoulder and looked at him and asked if he would like to ask Jesus into his heart. There in the church, ensconced in candlelight, Gary asked Jesus into his heart. He later joined the military and served in the U.S. Army. In 1972, while stationed in Germany, he met Missionaries who shared their testimonies. This experience was the game-changer in his life. In 1974, Gary married the love of his life, Sonnie Stone. Gary served within Pentecostal and Four-Square churches. He served as an evangelist in the community overseeing many Outreaches, Missions, and Compassion ministries. His education includes a Doctor of Business Administration from San Diego Pacific University.
LaDel Brown
4/18/1949—12/18/2019
Licensed 1996—Ordained 2003
LaDel was born in Richmond, California and was raised in the Assemblies of God. She was saved in 1954 at Full Gospel Temple in Richmond. LaDel married Steve in 1970. She was active in Women’s Ministries, Bible studies, choir, worship team, and children’s church. Called to full-time ministry in 1984, LaDel and Steve were on staff at Christian Life Center in Santa Cruz for six years. In 1990 they accepted the Senior Pastorate at Grass Valley AG until year 2000. In 2001, LaDel was appointed as Missionette’s Coordinator. This position opened many doors for her to speak in various venues. She was a former WM Area Leader in the East Bay Section until 2011. LaDel was known for her gift of extending herself, regardless of the means. She operated in the gift of hospitality…extending loving care and acceptance towards others.
Karl M Hus
7/7/1967—1/1/2020
Licensed 1992—Ordained 1995
Karl was born in Daly City, California. His Sunday School Teacher lead him to faith in Christ. As a teenager, he was reluctant to attend the Youth Convention, but he attended anyway, and God used the speaker to call him to ministry. Karl accepted the call. Karl first met Sheryl at church, but it wasn't until the church picnic when they began conversing. They were married after he graduated from Bethany in 1992. Karl worked at many churches as Youth Pastor and sometimes Associate Pastor. His last venture was serving as a missionary to Mexico with Student Reach. Karl flourished in this role: he was well known in the community and had connections with the local mayor and the mayor of Ensenada. During his life he had the opportunity to go on approximately 90 mission trips. Karl had many pastors and great men who invested in him. His main mentor was Jeff Devoll of Student Reach and his friend, Sy Ruiz.
Darrell Dea
9/14/1950—1/3/2020
Ordained 1953
Darrell was born in San Francisco, California. He was saved at the Chinese A/G in San Francisco (now Full Life Christian Center) in 1964 under the ministry of Rev. Lula Baird. He accepted a call to ministry shortly thereafter. He graduated from Bethany Bible College in 1972 with a bachelor's degree in Christian Education. He served as Associate Pastor with Rev. Stephen Lim in San Francisco. Darrell met Jeanne at the church, and they were married in 1981. Darrell and Jeanne accepted a Senior Pastor position at Sacramento Christian Fellowship in October of 1982 where he served for 36 years. He was a mentor to Pastor Ken Joe in SoCal. Darrell retired in February of 2018. He preached his last sermon when he was invited by Pastor John Au-Yeung on December 29, 2019, just a week before his passing. He impacted many lives in the 47 years of ministry.
David G Coleman
11/4/1937—2/9/2020
Licensed 1980—Ordained 1985
David was born in Flushing Queens, N.Y. He had no prior experience in church until 1955 when he visited Atwater A/G and received Christ as his personal Savior. In 1964, while seeking God’s will for his life, he came upon the scripture Luke 4:18; "But they all alike began to make excuses…" and he acknowledged a call to ministry. He was filled with a hunger to do God’s will and preach His Word. David served in pastoral roles and as Christian Educator in various areas in California. In 2009, he became involved with Civil Air Patrol and in 2012 David was nationally endorsed as Chaplain. He was a Squadron Commander and he held the highest award in Combat Air Patrol, providing pastoral care ministry and counseling to those of faith and those of no faith. While David was active as a chaplain, he did not neglect his call to the local church. He and wife Rebecca were always involved with filling in where needed.
Deceased Spouses
Cheryl A Estes
5/30/1953 - 3/23/2019
Spouse of William C Estes
Ferle C Childers
10/14/1921—6/6/2019
Spouse of: Paul B Childers
Miriam Ness
10/15/1925—1/9/2020
Spouse of: Theodore E Ness