William Richard Persons
William Richard Persons, former pastor of Littleton United Methodist Church, died June 1 at an Englewood nursing home. He was 72.
Services were June 4 at Littleton United Methodist Church.
Persons was born March 5, 1922, in Longmont, to Philip Otis Persons and Jennie Cox Rees. He graduated from Longmont High School in 1939.
He married Mildred B Persons July 18, 1843 in Niwot.
He received a social studies, literature and languages bachelor's degree (mdp) from University of Northern Colorado, in Greeley. He also earned a master's degree in theology in 1945 and a doctorate of theology in 1964, both from Iliff School of Theology, in Denver.
Persons was active in Kiwanis, Rotary and Masonic service organizations, scouting, youth groups and inter-denominational organizations.
Persons was named Littleton's Most Valuable Citizen of the Year in 1958.
In 1974, he received the Iliff Alumnae award and in 1976 he was named honorary trustee for the Iliff School. He was named in "Who's Who in Religion" and "Who's who in Colorado" in 1976.
Persons was pastor for congregations in Colorado, Wyoming and Utah for 40 years. In Colorado, he served parishes in Niwot, Denver and Pueblo, and at Littleton United Methodist Church.
He served as district superintendent for the Utah-Western district of the United Methodist Church.
Survivors include his wife, of Littketon; daughters Diana Wright, of Houston, Peg Beach, of Cheyenne, Wyo., and Judy Faulder, of Idaho Falls, Idaho; sons William B Persons, of Arvada, and Mark D Persons, of Englewood; and grandchildren Michael Wright, Jeffrey Wright, Monica Beach Wilcox, Travis Beach, Erin Faulder, Leslie Faulder, Brandon Faulder, Cindy Persons, John Persons, and Deanna Persons. [Published in the "Littleton Independent," 9 June 1994, Page 11.]
~~~
He served as a Methodist Minister for the United Methodist Church in the Rocky Mountain conference, serving communities in Colorado, Wyoming and Utah. In 1958 he was named as the city of Littleton Colorado's most valuable citizen. In presenting the recognition, one friend best explained the minister's attitude toward public service when he remarked "He (the Rev. Persons) thinks religion applies to every phase of life."
In three years with the church, the Rev. Mr. Persons has become a member of the board of the Littleton YMCA and director of Littleton Chamber of Commerce. He also works with 16 groups in his church, including two Boy Scout Troops sponsored by the church."
He attended and graduated from Colorado State College and Iliff School of Theology at University of Denver where he received his Masters and Doctorate of theology degrees in Denver. A member of Pi Kappa Delta, National Honorary Debate fraternity, and Phi Delta Kappa, national honorary (MDP) education fraternity. He also served as a member of the Salt Lake City, Utah, sugar house Kiwanis; masonic lodge; board of community welfare council; family service society; board of student Christian fellowship house; YMCA and PTA. Author of the book: "An Analysis of Changes in the Interpretation and Utilization of Revelation on The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-1918."
~~~
WILLIAM (BILL) RICHARD PERSONS
William (Bill) R. Persons was born on March 5, 1922 at Longmont, Colorado to an insurance salesman father, Philip Persons and homemaker mother, Jennie C. Persons. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in Social Studies and literature and languages from the University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, Colorado, in 1943. Bill received his Masters in Theology degree in 1945 and his Doctor of Theology degree in 1964 from The Iliff School of Theology, Denver, Colorado. His dissertation was entitled "An Analysis of Changes in the Doctrine of Revelation in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 1832-1918."
Bill served as a minister in the United Brethren Church and Later the United Methodist Church. Bill was granted Quarterly Conference License by the United Brethren Church, Longmont, Colorado, in 1940 and was ordained an elder in 1945 in the Colorado/New Mexico Conference of the United Brethren Church. Bill was received into the Colorado Conference of the former Methodist Church by transfer of credentials in 1949.
He served such local pastorates as Tremonton and Corinne (Utah), Liberty Park-Christ Church in Salt Lake City, Utah; First Church, Littleton, Colorado; First Church and the Wesley Foundation, Laramie, Wyoming; University Park Church, Denver, St. Paul's Church, Pueblo, Colorado; and First Church, Salt Lake City, Utah. Bill served for six years as the Superintendent of the Utah-Western District.
Connectionally, Bill was elected as a Western jurisdictional Conference delegate for the 1964 and 1968 Conferences and as a General Conference delegate of the 1986 and 1970 sessions.
At the Annual Conference level, Bill served on virtually every significant agency and for every significant event for three decades. He was twice a member and chairman of the Board of Ordained Ministry, a member of the Rocky Mountain Conference Centennial Commission and contributor to its published history, Secretary to the Commission of Conference Union in 1969 and of the Committee to Design and Implement the Conference Restructure Plan.
As a trustee of both Westminster College, Salt Lake City, Utah and The Iliff School of Theology, Denver, Colorado, he was recognized by his alma mater by receiving its Alumnae Award and being named honorary trustee. Other honors included being named "Most Valuable Citizen" pf Littleton, Colorado, and being cited by the General Board of Education, Division of the Local Church as "Outstanding Christian Educator." In various appointments he was a Kiwanian, A Rotarian and a member of the Masonic Fraternal Order and its Consistory.
While preaching and pastoral care were his excellences, Bill had a love of teaching, whether children, youth or adults, thrilling at the new understandings and growth of his students.
Taking disability in 1981 after a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, Bill retired in 1987. After a twenty year struggle with Alzheimer's Disease, Bill died in Englewood, Colorado, on June 1, 1994.
Of Bill it can be said: "He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micha 6:8 NRSV) [Published in the "1994 Journal and Official Minutes of the Rocky Mountain Conference of the United Methodist Church," June 1994, MDP, Page 252.]
~~~~
His ashes were scattered by his wife, Mildred, in Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park. Specifically at the "Endovalley" picnic area where the hiking trail meets the road in the farthest western section of this picnic area. GPS coordinates are estimated at: 40.414074° -105.663682°
William Richard Persons, former pastor of Littleton United Methodist Church, died June 1 at an Englewood nursing home. He was 72.
Services were June 4 at Littleton United Methodist Church.
Persons was born March 5, 1922, in Longmont, to Philip Otis Persons and Jennie Cox Rees. He graduated from Longmont High School in 1939.
He married Mildred B Persons July 18, 1843 in Niwot.
He received a social studies, literature and languages bachelor's degree (mdp) from University of Northern Colorado, in Greeley. He also earned a master's degree in theology in 1945 and a doctorate of theology in 1964, both from Iliff School of Theology, in Denver.
Persons was active in Kiwanis, Rotary and Masonic service organizations, scouting, youth groups and inter-denominational organizations.
Persons was named Littleton's Most Valuable Citizen of the Year in 1958.
In 1974, he received the Iliff Alumnae award and in 1976 he was named honorary trustee for the Iliff School. He was named in "Who's Who in Religion" and "Who's who in Colorado" in 1976.
Persons was pastor for congregations in Colorado, Wyoming and Utah for 40 years. In Colorado, he served parishes in Niwot, Denver and Pueblo, and at Littleton United Methodist Church.
He served as district superintendent for the Utah-Western district of the United Methodist Church.
Survivors include his wife, of Littketon; daughters Diana Wright, of Houston, Peg Beach, of Cheyenne, Wyo., and Judy Faulder, of Idaho Falls, Idaho; sons William B Persons, of Arvada, and Mark D Persons, of Englewood; and grandchildren Michael Wright, Jeffrey Wright, Monica Beach Wilcox, Travis Beach, Erin Faulder, Leslie Faulder, Brandon Faulder, Cindy Persons, John Persons, and Deanna Persons. [Published in the "Littleton Independent," 9 June 1994, Page 11.]
~~~
He served as a Methodist Minister for the United Methodist Church in the Rocky Mountain conference, serving communities in Colorado, Wyoming and Utah. In 1958 he was named as the city of Littleton Colorado's most valuable citizen. In presenting the recognition, one friend best explained the minister's attitude toward public service when he remarked "He (the Rev. Persons) thinks religion applies to every phase of life."
In three years with the church, the Rev. Mr. Persons has become a member of the board of the Littleton YMCA and director of Littleton Chamber of Commerce. He also works with 16 groups in his church, including two Boy Scout Troops sponsored by the church."
He attended and graduated from Colorado State College and Iliff School of Theology at University of Denver where he received his Masters and Doctorate of theology degrees in Denver. A member of Pi Kappa Delta, National Honorary Debate fraternity, and Phi Delta Kappa, national honorary (MDP) education fraternity. He also served as a member of the Salt Lake City, Utah, sugar house Kiwanis; masonic lodge; board of community welfare council; family service society; board of student Christian fellowship house; YMCA and PTA. Author of the book: "An Analysis of Changes in the Interpretation and Utilization of Revelation on The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-1918."
~~~
WILLIAM (BILL) RICHARD PERSONS
William (Bill) R. Persons was born on March 5, 1922 at Longmont, Colorado to an insurance salesman father, Philip Persons and homemaker mother, Jennie C. Persons. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in Social Studies and literature and languages from the University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, Colorado, in 1943. Bill received his Masters in Theology degree in 1945 and his Doctor of Theology degree in 1964 from The Iliff School of Theology, Denver, Colorado. His dissertation was entitled "An Analysis of Changes in the Doctrine of Revelation in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 1832-1918."
Bill served as a minister in the United Brethren Church and Later the United Methodist Church. Bill was granted Quarterly Conference License by the United Brethren Church, Longmont, Colorado, in 1940 and was ordained an elder in 1945 in the Colorado/New Mexico Conference of the United Brethren Church. Bill was received into the Colorado Conference of the former Methodist Church by transfer of credentials in 1949.
He served such local pastorates as Tremonton and Corinne (Utah), Liberty Park-Christ Church in Salt Lake City, Utah; First Church, Littleton, Colorado; First Church and the Wesley Foundation, Laramie, Wyoming; University Park Church, Denver, St. Paul's Church, Pueblo, Colorado; and First Church, Salt Lake City, Utah. Bill served for six years as the Superintendent of the Utah-Western District.
Connectionally, Bill was elected as a Western jurisdictional Conference delegate for the 1964 and 1968 Conferences and as a General Conference delegate of the 1986 and 1970 sessions.
At the Annual Conference level, Bill served on virtually every significant agency and for every significant event for three decades. He was twice a member and chairman of the Board of Ordained Ministry, a member of the Rocky Mountain Conference Centennial Commission and contributor to its published history, Secretary to the Commission of Conference Union in 1969 and of the Committee to Design and Implement the Conference Restructure Plan.
As a trustee of both Westminster College, Salt Lake City, Utah and The Iliff School of Theology, Denver, Colorado, he was recognized by his alma mater by receiving its Alumnae Award and being named honorary trustee. Other honors included being named "Most Valuable Citizen" pf Littleton, Colorado, and being cited by the General Board of Education, Division of the Local Church as "Outstanding Christian Educator." In various appointments he was a Kiwanian, A Rotarian and a member of the Masonic Fraternal Order and its Consistory.
While preaching and pastoral care were his excellences, Bill had a love of teaching, whether children, youth or adults, thrilling at the new understandings and growth of his students.
Taking disability in 1981 after a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, Bill retired in 1987. After a twenty year struggle with Alzheimer's Disease, Bill died in Englewood, Colorado, on June 1, 1994.
Of Bill it can be said: "He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micha 6:8 NRSV) [Published in the "1994 Journal and Official Minutes of the Rocky Mountain Conference of the United Methodist Church," June 1994, MDP, Page 252.]
~~~~
His ashes were scattered by his wife, Mildred, in Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park. Specifically at the "Endovalley" picnic area where the hiking trail meets the road in the farthest western section of this picnic area. GPS coordinates are estimated at: 40.414074° -105.663682°
William Richard Persons
William Richard Persons, former pastor of Littleton United Methodist Church, died June 1 at an Englewood nursing home. He was 72.
Services were June 4 at Littleton United Methodist Church.
Persons was born March 5, 1922, in Longmont, to Philip Otis Persons and Jennie Cox Rees. He graduated from Longmont High School in 1939.
He married Mildred B Persons July 18, 1843 in Niwot.
He received a social studies, literature and languages bachelor's degree (mdp) from University of Northern Colorado, in Greeley. He also earned a master's degree in theology in 1945 and a doctorate of theology in 1964, both from Iliff School of Theology, in Denver.
Persons was active in Kiwanis, Rotary and Masonic service organizations, scouting, youth groups and inter-denominational organizations.
Persons was named Littleton's Most Valuable Citizen of the Year in 1958.
In 1974, he received the Iliff Alumnae award and in 1976 he was named honorary trustee for the Iliff School. He was named in "Who's Who in Religion" and "Who's who in Colorado" in 1976.
Persons was pastor for congregations in Colorado, Wyoming and Utah for 40 years. In Colorado, he served parishes in Niwot, Denver and Pueblo, and at Littleton United Methodist Church.
He served as district superintendent for the Utah-Western district of the United Methodist Church.
Survivors include his wife, of Littketon; daughters Diana Wright, of Houston, Peg Beach, of Cheyenne, Wyo., and Judy Faulder, of Idaho Falls, Idaho; sons William B Persons, of Arvada, and Mark D Persons, of Englewood; and grandchildren Michael Wright, Jeffrey Wright, Monica Beach Wilcox, Travis Beach, Erin Faulder, Leslie Faulder, Brandon Faulder, Cindy Persons, John Persons, and Deanna Persons. [Published in the "Littleton Independent," 9 June 1994, Page 11.]
~~~
He served as a Methodist Minister for the United Methodist Church in the Rocky Mountain conference, serving communities in Colorado, Wyoming and Utah. In 1958 he was named as the city of Littleton Colorado's most valuable citizen. In presenting the recognition, one friend best explained the minister's attitude toward public service when he remarked "He (the Rev. Persons) thinks religion applies to every phase of life."
In three years with the church, the Rev. Mr. Persons has become a member of the board of the Littleton YMCA and director of Littleton Chamber of Commerce. He also works with 16 groups in his church, including two Boy Scout Troops sponsored by the church."
He attended and graduated from Colorado State College and Iliff School of Theology at University of Denver where he received his Masters and Doctorate of theology degrees in Denver. A member of Pi Kappa Delta, National Honorary Debate fraternity, and Phi Delta Kappa, national honorary (MDP) education fraternity. He also served as a member of the Salt Lake City, Utah, sugar house Kiwanis; masonic lodge; board of community welfare council; family service society; board of student Christian fellowship house; YMCA and PTA. Author of the book: "An Analysis of Changes in the Interpretation and Utilization of Revelation on The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-1918."
~~~
WILLIAM (BILL) RICHARD PERSONS
William (Bill) R. Persons was born on March 5, 1922 at Longmont, Colorado to an insurance salesman father, Philip Persons and homemaker mother, Jennie C. Persons. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in Social Studies and literature and languages from the University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, Colorado, in 1943. Bill received his Masters in Theology degree in 1945 and his Doctor of Theology degree in 1964 from The Iliff School of Theology, Denver, Colorado. His dissertation was entitled "An Analysis of Changes in the Doctrine of Revelation in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 1832-1918."
Bill served as a minister in the United Brethren Church and Later the United Methodist Church. Bill was granted Quarterly Conference License by the United Brethren Church, Longmont, Colorado, in 1940 and was ordained an elder in 1945 in the Colorado/New Mexico Conference of the United Brethren Church. Bill was received into the Colorado Conference of the former Methodist Church by transfer of credentials in 1949.
He served such local pastorates as Tremonton and Corinne (Utah), Liberty Park-Christ Church in Salt Lake City, Utah; First Church, Littleton, Colorado; First Church and the Wesley Foundation, Laramie, Wyoming; University Park Church, Denver, St. Paul's Church, Pueblo, Colorado; and First Church, Salt Lake City, Utah. Bill served for six years as the Superintendent of the Utah-Western District.
Connectionally, Bill was elected as a Western jurisdictional Conference delegate for the 1964 and 1968 Conferences and as a General Conference delegate of the 1986 and 1970 sessions.
At the Annual Conference level, Bill served on virtually every significant agency and for every significant event for three decades. He was twice a member and chairman of the Board of Ordained Ministry, a member of the Rocky Mountain Conference Centennial Commission and contributor to its published history, Secretary to the Commission of Conference Union in 1969 and of the Committee to Design and Implement the Conference Restructure Plan.
As a trustee of both Westminster College, Salt Lake City, Utah and The Iliff School of Theology, Denver, Colorado, he was recognized by his alma mater by receiving its Alumnae Award and being named honorary trustee. Other honors included being named "Most Valuable Citizen" pf Littleton, Colorado, and being cited by the General Board of Education, Division of the Local Church as "Outstanding Christian Educator." In various appointments he was a Kiwanian, A Rotarian and a member of the Masonic Fraternal Order and its Consistory.
While preaching and pastoral care were his excellences, Bill had a love of teaching, whether children, youth or adults, thrilling at the new understandings and growth of his students.
Taking disability in 1981 after a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, Bill retired in 1987. After a twenty year struggle with Alzheimer's Disease, Bill died in Englewood, Colorado, on June 1, 1994.
Of Bill it can be said: "He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micha 6:8 NRSV) [Published in the "1994 Journal and Official Minutes of the Rocky Mountain Conference of the United Methodist Church," June 1994, MDP, Page 252.]
~~~~
His ashes were scattered by his wife, Mildred, in Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park. Specifically at the "Endovalley" picnic area where the hiking trail meets the road in the farthest western section of this picnic area. GPS coordinates are estimated at: 40.414074° -105.663682°
William Richard Persons, former pastor of Littleton United Methodist Church, died June 1 at an Englewood nursing home. He was 72.
Services were June 4 at Littleton United Methodist Church.
Persons was born March 5, 1922, in Longmont, to Philip Otis Persons and Jennie Cox Rees. He graduated from Longmont High School in 1939.
He married Mildred B Persons July 18, 1843 in Niwot.
He received a social studies, literature and languages bachelor's degree (mdp) from University of Northern Colorado, in Greeley. He also earned a master's degree in theology in 1945 and a doctorate of theology in 1964, both from Iliff School of Theology, in Denver.
Persons was active in Kiwanis, Rotary and Masonic service organizations, scouting, youth groups and inter-denominational organizations.
Persons was named Littleton's Most Valuable Citizen of the Year in 1958.
In 1974, he received the Iliff Alumnae award and in 1976 he was named honorary trustee for the Iliff School. He was named in "Who's Who in Religion" and "Who's who in Colorado" in 1976.
Persons was pastor for congregations in Colorado, Wyoming and Utah for 40 years. In Colorado, he served parishes in Niwot, Denver and Pueblo, and at Littleton United Methodist Church.
He served as district superintendent for the Utah-Western district of the United Methodist Church.
Survivors include his wife, of Littketon; daughters Diana Wright, of Houston, Peg Beach, of Cheyenne, Wyo., and Judy Faulder, of Idaho Falls, Idaho; sons William B Persons, of Arvada, and Mark D Persons, of Englewood; and grandchildren Michael Wright, Jeffrey Wright, Monica Beach Wilcox, Travis Beach, Erin Faulder, Leslie Faulder, Brandon Faulder, Cindy Persons, John Persons, and Deanna Persons. [Published in the "Littleton Independent," 9 June 1994, Page 11.]
~~~
He served as a Methodist Minister for the United Methodist Church in the Rocky Mountain conference, serving communities in Colorado, Wyoming and Utah. In 1958 he was named as the city of Littleton Colorado's most valuable citizen. In presenting the recognition, one friend best explained the minister's attitude toward public service when he remarked "He (the Rev. Persons) thinks religion applies to every phase of life."
In three years with the church, the Rev. Mr. Persons has become a member of the board of the Littleton YMCA and director of Littleton Chamber of Commerce. He also works with 16 groups in his church, including two Boy Scout Troops sponsored by the church."
He attended and graduated from Colorado State College and Iliff School of Theology at University of Denver where he received his Masters and Doctorate of theology degrees in Denver. A member of Pi Kappa Delta, National Honorary Debate fraternity, and Phi Delta Kappa, national honorary (MDP) education fraternity. He also served as a member of the Salt Lake City, Utah, sugar house Kiwanis; masonic lodge; board of community welfare council; family service society; board of student Christian fellowship house; YMCA and PTA. Author of the book: "An Analysis of Changes in the Interpretation and Utilization of Revelation on The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-1918."
~~~
WILLIAM (BILL) RICHARD PERSONS
William (Bill) R. Persons was born on March 5, 1922 at Longmont, Colorado to an insurance salesman father, Philip Persons and homemaker mother, Jennie C. Persons. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in Social Studies and literature and languages from the University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, Colorado, in 1943. Bill received his Masters in Theology degree in 1945 and his Doctor of Theology degree in 1964 from The Iliff School of Theology, Denver, Colorado. His dissertation was entitled "An Analysis of Changes in the Doctrine of Revelation in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 1832-1918."
Bill served as a minister in the United Brethren Church and Later the United Methodist Church. Bill was granted Quarterly Conference License by the United Brethren Church, Longmont, Colorado, in 1940 and was ordained an elder in 1945 in the Colorado/New Mexico Conference of the United Brethren Church. Bill was received into the Colorado Conference of the former Methodist Church by transfer of credentials in 1949.
He served such local pastorates as Tremonton and Corinne (Utah), Liberty Park-Christ Church in Salt Lake City, Utah; First Church, Littleton, Colorado; First Church and the Wesley Foundation, Laramie, Wyoming; University Park Church, Denver, St. Paul's Church, Pueblo, Colorado; and First Church, Salt Lake City, Utah. Bill served for six years as the Superintendent of the Utah-Western District.
Connectionally, Bill was elected as a Western jurisdictional Conference delegate for the 1964 and 1968 Conferences and as a General Conference delegate of the 1986 and 1970 sessions.
At the Annual Conference level, Bill served on virtually every significant agency and for every significant event for three decades. He was twice a member and chairman of the Board of Ordained Ministry, a member of the Rocky Mountain Conference Centennial Commission and contributor to its published history, Secretary to the Commission of Conference Union in 1969 and of the Committee to Design and Implement the Conference Restructure Plan.
As a trustee of both Westminster College, Salt Lake City, Utah and The Iliff School of Theology, Denver, Colorado, he was recognized by his alma mater by receiving its Alumnae Award and being named honorary trustee. Other honors included being named "Most Valuable Citizen" pf Littleton, Colorado, and being cited by the General Board of Education, Division of the Local Church as "Outstanding Christian Educator." In various appointments he was a Kiwanian, A Rotarian and a member of the Masonic Fraternal Order and its Consistory.
While preaching and pastoral care were his excellences, Bill had a love of teaching, whether children, youth or adults, thrilling at the new understandings and growth of his students.
Taking disability in 1981 after a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, Bill retired in 1987. After a twenty year struggle with Alzheimer's Disease, Bill died in Englewood, Colorado, on June 1, 1994.
Of Bill it can be said: "He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micha 6:8 NRSV) [Published in the "1994 Journal and Official Minutes of the Rocky Mountain Conference of the United Methodist Church," June 1994, MDP, Page 252.]
~~~~
His ashes were scattered by his wife, Mildred, in Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park. Specifically at the "Endovalley" picnic area where the hiking trail meets the road in the farthest western section of this picnic area. GPS coordinates are estimated at: 40.414074° -105.663682°
