Rev. John S. Abshear, 93, Upland, passed away on Sunday, January 28, 2024. He was born in Winchester, Kentucky, on Wednesday, April 9, 1930.
John graduated from Trapp School, attended Olivet Nazarene University, and obtained his Masters Degree from Trinity Theological Seminary. He served in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany during the Korean Conflict.
John was a minister in the Church of the Nazarene for 40 years. He pastored churches at Selma, Middletown, Luray, Van Buren, and Dunkirk. He loved building and used his skills in every church through remodeling, updating, or expanding their facilities. This culminated in building a new church in Dunkirk with a congregational team of volunteer craftsmen and laborers. During his retirement years, he was an assistant to the District Superintendant at the NEI District Center (Shiloh Park). He renovated existing buildings and constructed several large dormitories. Another area of passion was mission work. He led mission trips to 18 different countries to minister, teach, and to construct schools and churches.
John and Norma received the Generational Leadership award from the Church of the Nazarene. John was designated as a Kentucky Colonel.
Survivors include his wife of 72 years, Norma Abshear of Upland; daughters, Marta (Nelson) Metcalfe, Suzie (Ron) Tucker, Meleita (Don) Street; grandchildren, Kyle (Jenna) Metcalfe, Abbey Tucker, Kamrein Street; great-granddaughters, Piper Metcalfe, Kinsey Tucker, Evie Strait; and sister, Lula Mae Puckett.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Lillie Abshear and several brothers and sisters.
The family will receive visitors from 11 am to 1 pm on Friday, February 2, 2024, at the Dunkirk Church of the Nazarene, 226 E. Center St., Dunkirk, IN.
Immediately following the time of visitation, a service to celebrate John’s life will begin at 1 pm with Pastor Tom Fett officiating. Burial will take place at Fountain Park Cemetery in Winchester, IN.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you use those funds do something fun and memorable with your family and send them a picture.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rev. John, please visit our floral store.