Pastor Ken I. Tingley

Columbus, Indiana

Pastor Ken Tingley, 86 of Columbus, IN. entered eternal life at 5:24 PM Saturday, June 20, 2015 at Columbus Regional Hospital.

Pastor Tingley was born November 30, 1928 in Island Falls, Maine the son of Milford I. and Lavina Lord Tingley. He lived most of his life growing up in Coudersport, PA. where he graduated in 1947.

The Rev. Ray Wade united Ken and his wife, Shirley Gearhart in marriage on June 14, 1975 at the former Memorial Baptist Church at Clifty & Ross Streets.

He received his bachelor’s degree from Ball State University and he graduated from Southern Baptist Seminary in Louisville, KY. Dr. Charles Amos Jones led Ken to Christ at the Walnut Street Baptist Church in Muncie, IN. and influenced Ken’s decision to pursue his calling in ministry.

Pastor Tingley’s first pastorate was at Mt. Sterling Baptist Church in Vevay, IN. from 1959-1961. He then accepted the call to minister at Memorial Baptist Church in Columbus, IN. from 1961-1965. Following his call to Memorial Baptist Church, Ken pursued his career with the American Heart Association with the Indiana Heart Association and the Michigan Heart Association before becoming the Executive Director of the American Heart Association in Charleston, WV. in 1979. He served 25years with the American Heart Association before returning to his love for ministry where he served as pastor of Mt. Aerie Baptist Church at Letts, IN. and as interim pastor at Union Baptist Church in Lamb, IN., First Marion Baptist Church in Commisky, IN. and Sandcreek Baptist Church in Greensburg, IN. He retired from the ministry after 25 years of service. He continued ministering to others in his everyday life. Ken was very active with the Emmaus Community and enjoyed his time spent at Westport Baptist Camp.

Pastor Tingley was a member of Memorial Baptist Church in Columbus, IN.

He was an avid golfer and was instrumental in introducing friends to play as well.

A Celebration of Life Service for Pastor Ken will be conducted at 4:00 PM, Saturday, July 25, 2015 at Memorial Baptist Church with Pastor Larry Tingle and Pastor Scott Murphy officiating. A fellowship meal will follow the service.

Calling hours will be held from 4:00 until 8:00 PM Tuesday, June 23, 2015 at Memorial Baptist Church.

In keeping with Ken’s wishes, cremation will follow the visitation at The Columbus Crematory.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers that memorial contributions be made to Memorial Baptist Church, the Kidney Foundation or to the American Heart Association.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Myers-Reed Chapel where online condolences may be submitted and a video tribute will be uploaded Monday evening at www.myers-reed.com.

Surviving with the Love of His Life for 40 years, Shirley Tingley are two daughters, Kristine L. (Roger) Martin of Columbus, IN. and Stephanie D. Douthit of Taylorsville, IN.; two step-daughters that Ken helped raise since they were 4 & 7, Robin D. (Jim) Alexander of Simpsonville, SC and Susan N. Billman of Columbus, IN.; a sister; Catherine Caldwell of Bradford, PA.; five grandchildren, Laura Bachrach of Columbus, IN., Jake and Nicholas Alexander both of Simpsonville, SC and Kayli and Mackenzie Billman both of Columbus, IN. whom he was instrumental in raising; and two great grandchildren, Shawn and Nicholas Burge both of Columbus, IN.

Pastor Tingley was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Vaughn, William, Clair and Buddy Tingley and three sisters, Dorothy Fitch, Leda and Betty Tingley.

The family of Pastor Ken Tingley would like to express their sincere appreciation and gratitude to all of the medical staff who provided skillful and professional care to Ken.

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