March 2, 1931 – December 6, 2023
Paul C. Earnhart passed from this earthly life at the age of 92 at Baptist Health Louisville in Louisville KY on Wednesday, December 6, 2023.
Paul was born on March 2, 1931, to Muncie and Eva Earnhart in Yeager, Oklahoma. He was the oldest of four boys. After graduating from high school in McAlester, Oklahoma, he received a B.A. at Abilene Christian College in 1953 and an M.A. in History from the College of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1971.
Paul was a preacher of the gospel of Jesus Christ for 75 years, from attending Abilene Christian College until his last sermon in Madison, Indiana, on November 19, 2023.
Paul met Wilma C. Nelms in Illinois where he was preaching at the time. He said of her “he had never seen such beauty” and described her as the love of his life. They were married on June 28, 1960, in Zion, Illinois, and they had three children: Eric, Kim and Beth.
In 1962, Paul and Wilma moved from Zion, Illinois, with their son Eric to Nigeria, West Africa, where Paul preached the gospel for three years. Their daughter Kim was born there before they moved back to the United States in 1965 to live in St. Paul, Minnesota, during which time their daughter Beth was born.
Paul would have described himself as a preacher of the gospel and lowly servant. He worked diligently with congregations in Zion IL, St. Paul MN, Mt. Sterling KY, Joplin MO and finally worked with the Douglass Hills congregation in Louisville KY for 35 years. In each instance he desired to help people grow closer to the Lord and be transformed by God. He loved what he did and he loved the people of God. Over his lifetime Paul spent extensive time traveling to other congregations worldwide for gospel meetings, to help and encourage, including traveling to Sierra Leone, West Africa when in his 80's. Each time he left the brethren with a stronger desire to grow in godliness. In the early days his sermons could run long because he had so much he wanted to convey about God and His word. In later years he worked to make lessons even more meaningful and conversational, referring to preaching as a ‘one-sided conversation.’ He helped us see God’s transcendence. He was a humble servant, always striving to grow and please God with his life.
Paul had a great sense of humor and powerful turn of phrase that was evident in quips dropped into his preaching and conversations. He had a way of using apt, precise, and vivid phrases that would make you laugh or cry and most importantly - think. People had many ‘aha’ moments while listening to him speak. He helped us see the incomparable God of Scripture in a way that will leave us forever changed.
Paul had a special gift of encouraging everyone he encountered in a compassionate way. It was always evident he loved and believed in you. Paul was often known to say his wife was two-thirds of what he was. Although she would disagree, his beloved wife of 63 years truly was the gentle encourager and tireless helpmate Paul needed to become and do everything the Lord intended.
In addition to faithfully preaching the gospel, Paul joined four godly men as an editor of
Christianity Magazine, as well as writing articles for a regular column. He labored long and hard, finding the challenge of editing, writing and meeting deadlines beyond what he thought he was capable of. However he kept at it because of the encouragement he received in seeing the difference it was making in others’ lives. His articles were later compiled into three books: Introduction to a Spiritual Revolution (Sermon on the Mount), Searching for the Meaning of Life (Ecclesiastes), and Glimpses of Eternity (Parables of Jesus). He also spent countless summers working with camps in Alabama, Indiana and New York to help young men grow in leadership and their understanding of the Scriptures. He had a special way with other generations and to the young men and women he encountered over the years, he was a friend and mentor. They loved him and could see how much he valued their efforts and how he wanted even more for their lives.
Paul was a respected leader of the family and a wonderful dad. He would be the first to declare he’s not perfect and made mistakes however his genuine love and concern for his family was apparent. He was always available to help emotionally, spiritually, physically and financially. He loved his grandchildren immensely and always wanted them to have found the key to a life worth living. It was a privilege to call him our Dad, Grandpa and Papa.
Paul is preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Jerry and Reid. He is survived by his beloved wife Wilma, son Eric (Michelle) Earnhart of Blacksburg VA, daughter Kim (Sid) Latham of Lexington KY and daughter Beth Ray of Gardendale AL; and six grandchildren: Andrew Ray, Grace Earnhart, Kaitlyn Ray, Christine (Kade) Eckhardt, Jacob Latham and Melanie Latham. Also his brother Rex Earnhart and many nieces and nephews and their families.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the wonderful people who comprise the Douglass Hills church of Christ in Middletown KY as well as the countless number of friends and brethren who have shared their appreciation and fond memories of our treasured husband and father.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Florida College Scholarship.
Service will be available via Facebook live stream, on Arch L Heady at Resthaven & Resthaven Memorial Park Facebook page.
Funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, December 14, 2023 at Arch L Heady at Resthaven Funeral Home (4400 Bardstown Road, Louisville, Kentucky 40218). Visitation will held on Thursday from 10:00 am until the time of service at the funeral home.
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