Logo
Through four generations we have been committed to creating meaningful services for the families of the Lancaster area.
Call 24 hours: (717) 394-4097
  • Home
  • Obituaries
  • About Us
    • Our History
    • Our Staff
    • Our Locations
      • Orange Street
        • Our Newly Renovated Orange St. Location
      • Marietta Avenue
    • Virtual Tour
    • Why Choose Us?
    • In the News
      • Final steps: A Look Inside a Funeral Home (2004)
      • Gen-Yers Prepare to Lead Their Family Owned Businesses (2010)
      • To Dust We Return (but implants live on) 2011
      • Website Press Release 2011
  • Pre-Planning
    • Benefits of Pre-Planning
    • Download Pre-Arrangement Form
  • Services
    • Burial
      • Burial Package Options
    • Cremation
      • Cremation Package Options
    • Meaningful and Personal Services
    • Aftercare/ Grief Support
  • Products
    • Urns
    • Caskets
    • Memorial Folders/Prayer Cards
    • Memorial Tribute Videos
    • Veteran Related Products
  • Useful Info
    • Questions & Answers
    • Local Resource Guide
      • Local Hotel Accommodations
      • Local Restaurants
    • Ordering Additional Death Certificates
    • Social Security Benefits
    • Tips On Giving A Funeral Eulogy
    • Transporting Cremated Remains
    • Veterans Benefits
    • Forms
      • Cremation Authorization Form, Electronic Sign
      • Cremation Authorization Form, Printable
      • Pre-Arrangement Form
    • Funeral & Cremation Resource Kit
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
    • Get Directions
You are here: Home / Obituaries / Bishop Abram Charles

Bishop Abram Charles

     Abram H. Charles, 81 of Lancaster went home to be with the Lord on April 17, 2013.  He was the husband of Ruth Keller Charles with whom they celebrated 60 years of marriage in March.  Born in Manor Township, he was the son of the late Abram B. and Anna Charles.

     He was a farmer and assisted with farm work even into retirement.  He was ordained pastor of Millersville Mennonite Church in 1962 for 15 years and then served as Bishop of the Manor District Church’s for 23 years, retiring in 2000.  Abe’s love for the church was evident through faithful service in many different avenues of the church. 

     He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, reading and time spent with family.  Many benefitted from the work of his creative mind and skilled hands.  He was deeply appreciated as a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

     In addition to his wife, he is survived by six children; Carol, wife of David Peachey of Mifflinburg, Clifford, husband of Nancy Herr of Lancaster, Sharon, wife of Richard Weaver of Lititz, Phyllis, wife of Douglas Beachy of Ohio, Brenda, wife of James Musser of Ephrata, and Rosene of Lancaster; 20 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren; two brothers; Roy, husband of Elsie Mellinger of Strasburg and John, husband of Blanche Mummau of Lancaster.  He was preceded in death by two sisters; Mary Kreider and Elizabeth Charles.

     A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, April 22, 2013 at 11:00 A.M. at the Millersville Mennonite Church, 439 Manor Avenue, Millersville, PA with the Rev. Wesley Penner and Bishop Samuel Thomas officiating.   Friends may call at the church on Sunday from 2:00 to 4:00 PM and  6:00 to 8:00 P.M. and on Monday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service.  Interment in the adjoining church cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Hospice and Community Care, P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA  17604-4125. 

Offer Condolence for the family of Bishop Abram Charles

Print Obituary & Condolences Print Obituary & Condolences

Condolence Messages

  1. Stu Metzler

    April 18, 2013 at 9:57 am

    So sorry for your loss. I hadn’t gotten to know Abe well, but he was always willing to serve others. We met while moving a dryer down into the basement at Betty and Rose’s place a few years back and since them I have always appreciated his heart for others.

    Reply
  2. Susan (Charles) Nolten

    April 20, 2013 at 12:17 pm

    I was saddened to hear of “Abie’s” (the name we all knew him by) passing. I have many fond memories of walking or riding my bike back the lane to buy eggs, see the pigs, or skate on the pond. I am sorry I cannot attend the funeral due to distance, but my prayers will be with your family.
    Susie (Charles) Nolten

    Reply
  3. Jim Gochnauer

    April 20, 2013 at 5:14 pm

    Dear Ruth and family: Grace and peace as you mourn the passing of your husband and father, but celebrate as well a life vigorously lived for Jesus. I am told (although neither Abe nor Mel Delp recall this) that your dad was responsible for my finding a wife! Mel Delp reportedly called your dad to inquire about any young men who might be interested in coming to Baltimore to serve in VS at their youth center for the summer. Abe recommended me and I met Ruthi there! I also remember your dad and mother coming along with Rosie (as we called her back then) and some other FMH kids to Washington, D.C. on the 4th of July to pass out tracts and do open-air ministry with Open Air Campaigners. I recall Rose expressing surprise on the way home at how passionately she saw her dad sharing Jesus that day–apparently a role in which she had never partnered with him before. Your dad was a great man of faith. Enjoy the memories. Blessings for the journey. Jim & Ruthi

    Reply
  4. Ed and Jane Holbrook

    April 20, 2013 at 5:26 pm

    Our condolences, thoughts, and prayers are with the family. We recall Bishop Abram Charles and the eulogy he offered for Elizabeth, our neighbor … a message with words so well chosen and presented.

    Reply
  5. Melvin H. Thomas

    April 22, 2013 at 6:25 pm

    To Ruth and family,

    Having learned of the loss of the love your life, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, these quotes come to mind.

    “When you are sorrowful, look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight. –Kahlil Gibran

    “What we have once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” –Helen Keller

    “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” –Jesus

    May you find comfort in the numerous way you walked with and stood by your loved one in the joys and challenges of life.

    With our love…

    Mel Thomas & Geneva Rufenacht

    Reply

Leave Your Condolence Cancel reply

Please share your message of condolence with the family, It will be visible to the public but your email address will not be published. Required fields

Tell A Friend

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Obituary Notification Service

Enter your email address if you would like to be notified when a new obituary notice is posted:

I agree to be emailed to confirm my subscription to this list

Proud Members Of:

Lancaster funeral homes

Directions

Orange Street Location

Lancaster, PA & Area Weather

141 East Orange Street, PA 17602
February 16, 2019, 6:55 pm
Clear
Clear
36°F
sunrise: 6:57 am
sunset: 5:42 pm
 
Marietta Avenue Location

Connect With Us Online

  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Obituary Notification Service

Enter your email address if you would like to be notified when a new obituary notice is posted:

I agree to be emailed to confirm my subscription to this list

Click Here to Download Our Forms

DeBord-Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory, 141 East Orange Street, Lancaster, PA,17602, - Phone: (717) 394-4097 Email: info@debordsnyder.com
2024 Marietta Avenue, Lancaster, PA,17603, - Phone: (717) 394-4097 Email: info@debordsnyder.com

Copyright © 2019 DeBord-Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory , All rights reserved.

Contact | Directions | Obituaries | Site Map | Lancaster Cremation | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Website by FRM Websites