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.