Harry Ellis Scism

Harry Ellis Scism was born March 9, 1934, in Oakland, California to Ellis and Marjorie Scism. He passed from this life on Thursday, February 6, 2025. He was 90 years old. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ellis and Marjorie; his first wife, Audrene; and sister and brother-in-law, Ferne and Joe Ackley.

Harry is survived by his wife of 34 years, Helen; children Stanley Scism, Loretta Scism, Helen (Coi) Gentzel, Debbie (Ken) Warren, and Nathan (Polly) Stewart; grandchildren Irene Gentzel, James Gentzel, England (Donovan) Arata, Pollyanna (Zack) Harding, Meili Warren, and Charis Warren; and, great-grandchildren Oakley Arata and Stetson Arata.

Harry loved the Lord and dedicated his life to missionary work and advancing the gospel around the world. He had a passion to see the message of Jesus Christ spread to all nations. Harry was instrumental in founding the World Network of Prayer, which organizes children and adults to pray for the spread of the gospel.

In 1949, Harry arrived with his missionary parents and sister in India. After graduating high school, he returned to the states with his family in 1955 to attend Bible college and it was there that he met Audrene. Following his first year of Bible college, Harry and Audrene married. His great love for India and its people drew him and his wife to return there as missionaries in 1956. In 1971, he became the Regional Director of Asia and the South Pacific with the United Pentecostal Church until 1976 when he became the Director of Foreign Missions, serving in that capacity for 25 years. In 2001, he was appointed as an International Missionary and traveled to various countries teaching until his retirement in 2011.

Harry unconditionally loved his wife, children, and grandchildren. A steady loving presence showing the love of Christ in unassuming and caring ways, he encouraged friends and showed kindness to anyone he met. Though he knew when to be serious, he also had a wonderful sense of humor.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 13, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 2:00 p.m. at Calvary Apostolic Church, 2551 West Schrock Road, Westerville, Ohio 43081.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, February 14, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Forest Lawn Cemetery, 5600 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43213.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to Global Missions of the UPCI: https://www.globalmissions.com/i-am-global-giving/