Evangel community suffers loss of three

Dennis Whaley and Cheryl Maples

August 24, 2010

As the new semester gets under way, the Evangel community is mourning the loss of three members of our "family."

Dennis Whaley

Dennis Whaley, 58, director of university relations, passed away August 22, 2010, from complications of heart surgery. He is survived by his wife, Teena; and daughter, Sara; and son-in-law, Jason Kunau.

A public visitation will be held on Friday, August 27, 2010, from 5 to 8 p.m., at Central Assembly of God. The funeral service will be Saturday, August 28, 2010, at 10 a.m., at Central Assembly of God.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that gifts be given to a memorial scholarship established at Evangel University, 1111 N. Glenstone, Springfield, MO 65802.

Cheryl Maples

Cheryl Maples, 61, longtime assistant professor in the Art Department, passed away August 14, 2010, after an extended battle with cancer. She leaves her husband, Art Professor Stan Maples and a 12-year-old son, Alex.

Funeral Services were August 17, 2010, at James River Assembly of God in Ozark, Missouri.

The family has asked that memorial contributions be made to the Cheryl Maples Scholarship Fund in care of Greenlawn Funeral Home North in Springfield, Missouri.

Tony Taylor

Tony Taylor, 53, husband of Rebekah Taylor, who is the housekeeper in Walther Hall, suffered a fatal heart attack at his place of employment Friday evening, August 20. His daughter, Jennifer, and son Zack, are students at Evangel. He is also survived by his sons, Brian Taylor and Jason Taylor, and daughter-in-law Elena Taylor; and one grandchild.

Services were held at Greenlawn Funeral Home East, August 24, 2010.

It has been a difficult week for the staff, faculty and students of Evangel as we grieve these losses, but we rejoice for them as we know they are present with the Lord. President Robert H. Spence said, “We grieve and feel great loss because of what has happened, but we have confidence that our Good Shepherd will lead us through this valley of the shadow of death.”