May Obituaries 2026

The Rev. Susan Diane Arnold Guidry (1953–2026)

Rev. Susan Diane Arnold Guidry '02 of Georgetown, Texas, passed away April 14, 2026. Born in Denver, Colorado, she built an international career in finance before answering a call to ministry following the death of her father. A graduate of Perkins School of Theology, she served in the Rio Grande Conference and ministered to a congregation in Amarillo, dedicating herself to uplifting and caring for others. Known for her adventurous spirit, intellect and compassion, she is survived by her sisters, nieces and extended family. Read her obituary.

The Rev. Dr. Michael Lee Beggs (1961–2026)

Rev. Dr. Michael Lee Beggs '92 of Highland Heights, Kentucky, passed away unexpectedly May 8, 2026, at the age of 64. A graduate of Seattle Pacific University and Perkins School of Theology, he later earned a Ph.D. from King’s College London focused on the authority of Scripture in theological education. He served congregations in both the United Methodist Church and the Anglican Church in North America and was known for his love of theology, music, storytelling and pastoral ministry. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Teresa, their two sons, a granddaughter and extended family. Read his obituary.

The Rev. Dr. Jione Havea (1955–2026)

Rev. Dr. Jione Havea '88, '93, '00 of Tonga was a distinguished Pacific theologian, biblical scholar and prophetic voice whose work centered on justice, contextual theology and the liberation of marginalized communities. A longtime leader within the Council for World Mission, he helped shape the Discernment and Radical Engagement (DARE) program and contributed extensively to global theological scholarship through teaching, mentoring and editorial leadership. Known for his intellectual courage, humility and commitment to amplifying voices from the margins, he influenced students, pastors and scholars around the world. He is survived by his wife, Prof. Monica J. Melanchthon, and their daughter. Read his obituary.

The Rev. Jean Ann Karm (1947–2026)

Rev. Jean Ann Karm '00 passed away March 17, 2026, at the age of 78. A gifted musician and educator, she earned degrees in music from The University of Texas at Austin before teaching orchestra in Richardson ISD for more than two decades and performing professionally as a cellist. Following a call to ministry, she earned her Master of Divinity from Perkins School of Theology and was ordained an elder in the United Methodist Church, serving congregations across the Southwest Texas Conference until her retirement in 2015. Known for her joyful spirit, musical talent and deep faith, she is survived by her children, grandchildren and extended family. Read her obituary.

The Rev. Robert Lawrence Keane (1934–2026)

Rev. Robert Lawrence Keane, SJ '82 of Weston, Massachusetts, passed away May 5, 2026. A Jesuit priest, educator and U.S. Navy chaplain, he taught at the College of the Holy Cross before serving more than two decades in the Navy, primarily as Command Chaplain. Following military retirement, he continued his ministry as rector of the Boston College Jesuit Community and later at the Jesuit retirement center in Pennsylvania. He is survived by his sisters, nieces, nephews and fellow Jesuits. Read his obituary.

The Rev. Jack Riley King Jr. (1934–2026)

Rev. Jack Riley King Jr. '59 of Yukon, Oklahoma, passed away April 13, 2026, at the age of 91. A graduate of Oklahoma City University and Perkins School of Theology, he devoted many years to ministry in the Methodist Church before later working as a petroleum landman. He is survived by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family. Read his obituary.

The Rev. Marie Anne Mitchell Kiser (1949–2026)

Rev. Marie Anne Mitchell Kiser '89 passed away May 16, 2026, at the age of 76. A graduate of Southwest Texas State University and Perkins School of Theology, she served more than 30 years in ministry within the Methodist Church, including work as a professional counselor at the Methodist Ecumenical Center in San Antonio. Before ministry, she worked for the National Park Service, where she served at the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park and other locations across the country. She is survived by her husband, Rex Kiser, and extended family. Read her obituary.

Dr. Mark Carl Lewis (1928–2026)

Dr. Mark Carl Lewis '54 of Texas passed away March 22, 2026, at the age of 97. A lifelong United Methodist minister, he earned degrees from Lon Morris College, The University of Texas at Austin and Perkins School of Theology before pursuing postgraduate study in Scotland and England. Over six decades of ministry, he served congregations across Texas, including St. Luke’s United Methodist Church and The Woodlands Methodist Church, and participated in international Methodist conferences around the world. Known for his joyful spirit, love of preaching and commitment to kindness, he is survived by his wife of 69 years, Jeannette, his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family. Read his obituary.

The Rev. Dr. Thomas Wiley Lewis III (1931–2026)

Rev. Dr. Thomas Wiley Lewis III '56 of Jackson, Mississippi, passed away March 10, 2026, at the age of 94. Known to many as “T. W.,” he earned degrees from Millsaps College, Perkins School of Theology and Drew University before serving as a United Methodist pastor and later teaching religious studies at Millsaps College for 32 years. A beloved professor, mentor and advocate for justice, he was known for his commitment to civil rights, thoughtful faith and lifelong devotion to students and the church. He is survived by his children, grandchildren and extended family. Read his obituary.

Raquel Mora Martínez (1940–2026)

Raquel Mora Martínez '89 passed away April 12, 2026, at the age of 86. A gifted church musician, educator and editor, she devoted her life to sacred music and bilingual worship within The United Methodist Church. A graduate of the University of Texas at El Paso and Perkins School of Theology, she served as editor of the Spanish-language United Methodist Hymnal Mil Voces Para Celebrar and contributed to numerous worship resources and hymnals. Honored with both the Distinguished Alumni Award and Soli Deo Gloria Award from Perkins, she is survived by her husband of 65 years, retired Bishop Joel N. Martinez, their children and extended family. Read her obituary.

Dr. Daniel Simon Nieto (1941–2026)

Dr. Daniel Simon Nieto '01 passed away March 25, 2026, in Kyle, Texas, at the age of 84. A scholar, psychologist, professor and minister, he earned degrees from the University of New Mexico, the University of Texas at Austin and Perkins School of Theology. Throughout his life, he combined academic rigor with compassionate service as a social worker, educator and spiritual guide. Known for his love of teaching, writing, spirited conversation and deep faith, he is survived by his grandchildren, great-grandson, siblings and extended family. Read his obituary.

The Rev. Royce Eugene Smith (1936–2025)

Rev. Royce Eugene Smith '62 of Asheville, North Carolina, passed away September 15, 2025, at the age of 89. The first in his family to attend college, he earned his Master of Theology from Southern Methodist University before serving as a chaplain, mental health therapist and United Methodist minister. He worked in both Ohio and North Carolina, combining pastoral care with mental health counseling throughout his career. Known for his kindness, cheerful spirit and love of books and travel, he is survived by his wife of 44 years, Susan, his children, grandchildren, great-grandchild and extended family. Read his obituary.

Dr. Paul A. Steinberg (1946–2026)

Dr. Paul A. Steinberg '74 passed away April 12, 2026, at the age of 80. An accomplished composer, educator and pioneer in electronic music, he taught theory, composition and electronic music at the Crane School of Music from 1979 to 2012 and founded the Potsdam Electronic Music Studio. He earned degrees from New Mexico State University, Southern Methodist University and the University of Oklahoma, and his compositions blended electronic and acoustic traditions in innovative ways. He is survived by his wife, Sandra, his sons and extended family. Read his obituary.

Glenna (Hardy) Steven (1940–2026)

Glenna (Hardy) Steven '74 of Perinton, New York, passed away March 16, 2026, at the age of 85. A graduate of SUNY Albany and Perkins School of Theology, she was a lifelong educator who served as a tutor and substitute teacher across several Monroe County school districts. Active in her faith communities, she was a devoted parishioner at the Church of St. Jerome in East Rochester and St. John of Rochester in Fairport. She is survived by her two children and extended family. Read her obituary.

The Rev. Dr. Keat Ban Yeoh (1940–2026)

Rev. Dr. Keat Ban Yeoh '76 passed away in 2026 after more than four decades of ministry in the Pacific Northwest Conference of The United Methodist Church. Born in Penang, Malaysia, he studied in Singapore before moving with his family to the United States to pursue graduate studies at Perkins School of Theology. He served congregations across Texas and Washington, including appointments as District Superintendent of the Walla Walla District and pastorates in Seattle, Spokane and Kent. Known for his faithful leadership, humility and pastoral care, he is survived by his wife of 57 years, Jenni, his children, grandchildren and extended family. Read his obituary.