Pastor Kenneth David Koontz — UPDATED
Pastor Kenneth David Koontz, 84, resident of Warsaw, went to be with His Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, peacefully in his sleep, at 9:12 a.m. on Oct 23, 2021.
Kenneth was born in Roanoke, Va., in 1937. He graduated from Warsaw High in 1955, and went on to complete a bachelor’s degree in History at Grace College in 1959, followed by a Master’s Degree in Divinity from Grace Seminary in 1962. He had a pastoral career spanning half a century, serving churches in Leesburg (1962-66), Mundy’s Corner, Penn. (1966-81), Deltona, Fla. (1981-2001), and Elkhart (2005-15). He also served on the Grace College Board of Trustees (1992-2007).
Throughout his career Kenneth was known as a servant leader, an encourager and a teacher who would explain the Bible in ways that could be easily understood. His life verse was Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.: (KJV) and his farewell message was “Always walk with the Lord. Keep Him by your side.”
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Janice Koontz; brother, Charles (Alice) Koontz; and sons, Larry (Jean) Koontz and Rick (Tammy) Koontz, along with four grandchildren:Emily, Cody (Alexandra), Kenneth (Kristy) and Cassidy Koontz.
He was preceded in death by parents Herman and Myra Koontz.
There will be a Life Celebration at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 27, in the Lakeland Grace Brethren Church, 2538 South County Farm Road, Warsaw. Burial will take place earlier that same day in Oakwood Cemetery; those wishing to attend the graveside may assemble at Titus Funeral Home, 2000 East Sheridan Street, Warsaw at 11:15 a.m.
Memorial donations may be directed to Right to Life of North Central Indiana (RTL of NCI) PO Box 1162, Warsaw, IN 46581.