[Blog] Obituaries November 2025

Rev. Dr Charles Ebb Munden (1925-2025)

Rev. Dr Charles Ebb Munden III (M.T.S. 1957), aged 100 of Plano, Texas, passed away September 2, 2025. Born in Meridian, Mississippi, he served as a U.S. Navy intelligence officer in the Korean War and devoted 35 years to ministry, founding and leading churches in Louisiana and Nebraska. He is survived by his son, Michael, daughter-in-law Louanne, grandchildren David, Jeni, Eva Caroline and Seth, and his great-grandchildren; he was predeceased by his daughter Susan and wife Lucy. Read his obituary.


Rev. Kenneth Douglas Royar (1936–2025) 

Rev. Kenneth Douglas Royar (M.Th. 1963) faithfully served 42 years in United Methodist ministry across Iowa after early life moves through Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas. A devoted pastor, mentor, and lifelong singer, he was known for his kindness, humility, and deep care for others. He died September 24, 2025, in Iowa City. He is survived by his wife, Gayle, three children, and ten grandchildren. Read his obituary.


Rev. Sammie Ruth Ellis (1951–2025)

Rev. Sammie Ruth Ellis (M.Th. 1977) of Lindale, Texas, passed away August 19, 2025, after a brief illness. A dedicated United Methodist pastor and chaplain, she served congregations across several conferences during her 37-year ministry and was active in multiple Emmaus Communities. A graduate of Texas Wesleyan University and Perkins School of Theology, she is survived by her siblings and extended family. Read her obituary.


Rev. Richard Leland Hume (1948–2025)

Rev. Richard “Rick” Leland Hume (M.Th.1976) answered a lifelong call to ministry shaped by humble beginnings, adoption, and deep gratitude for God’s grace. For over 39 years, he served numerous United Methodist congregations across Texas, known for his compassion, hospitality and commitment to meeting people’s basic needs. He is survived by his wife, Amy, their daughters, his brothers and extended loved ones. Read his obituary.


Rev. Thomas Sterling Holcomb (1927–2025)

Rev. Thomas Sterling Holcomb (M.Th. 1952) devoted 38 years to United Methodist ministry, serving churches across Texas and sharing God’s love around the world through mission work in Africa, India and England. Known for his joyful spirit and deep compassion, he continued encouraging others even after surviving throat cancer. He is survived by his daughters, grandchildren and extended family. Read his obituary.


Rev. John Taylor 1960 Masters of Theology

Rev. John Taylor (M.Th. 1960) faithfully served numerous United Methodist congregations across Texas during his long pastoral career. A graduate of Texas Tech and Perkins School of Theology, he was known for his love of history, theology, travel and his trademark “JET” initials. John is survived by his wife, Ginger, his children, grandchildren and extended family. Read his obituary.


Rev. Clyde Wilson Chesnutt

Rev. Clyde Wilson Chesnutt (M.Th. 1957) devoted his life to ministry, serving congregations across Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico and abroad. A Perkins School of Theology graduate, he was also a gifted writer and longtime editor in Methodist journalism. Known for his wisdom, compassion and global friendships, he is survived by his daughter Caroline, three granddaughters, extended family and brothers. Read his obituary.