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Rev. Dwight L. Sheesley, 81, a retired Deacon, died Jan. 16, 2014, at his home in Littlestown, Pa. His funeral service was held at Johnsville UMC, Jan. 20, with the Revs. Louis Piel and Margaret Moon officiating.

Dwight Sheesley was born Dec. 20, 1932, in Port Trevorton, Pa., to the Rev. Joseph P. Sheesley and Esther Sheesley. He grew up in a family of nine, and endured hard times financially, but was always surrounded by the love of his family and their joint faith in God. As he grew up, he often felt the calling to become a preacher, but didn’t answer it right away.

After college and a tour in the military, he fell in love and opted for the financial stability of a government job for his wife and the family they wanted to raise. They had four children they raised in a strong faith based home. He was always deeply involved in his home church of Marley UMC in Glen Burnie. During those years, he also dedicated much of his time to the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 849.

Eventually the calling to become a minister was too great to ignore. Dwight retired from the government in 1988 with 30 years of service, and went to Wesley Seminary, graduating in 1991. Upon completion, he went on to serve as a pastor for 25 years. Initially he served as a student pastor at Solley UMC until 1991 before being appointed to Union Bridge/Johnsville Charge; it eventually became just Johnsville UMC. He tried to retire in 1999, but was asked to serve at Trinity UMC in Emmitsburg and Catoctin UMC. In 2004, he returned to Johnsville UMC part-time to finish out his pastoral career. Even after retirement, he was called on to fill in for other ministers, perform weddings, funerals, etc.

He continued his participation in the Boy Scouts, achieving their Silver Beaver award. He volunteered for the Lovely Lane United Methodist Historical Society and the Strawbridge Shrine Association, serving as a tour guide. He also volunteered for Meals on Wheels and the Asera Care Hospice program, who awarded him with their Volunteer of the Year Award in 2013. He was also a member of the Glen Burnie Masonic Lodge No. 213, receiving his 50-year pin from the Plymouth Lodge No. 143, of Union Bridge. And, he led Bible Studies in a variety of nursing homes.

Throughout his life, he remained selfless and true to his faith. He lived what he believed, and was a shining example of what a servant of the Lord should be. His family could not be prouder.

He was predeceased by a son, Dwight L. Sheesley Jr.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Janice Kemp Sheesley, three children and their spouses: Beverly Ford of Severn, Cindy Hash of Shrewsbury, Pa., and Kevin Sheesley of Carvel Beach; 12 grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Condolences may be sent to Janice Sheesley, 33 Maryland Ave., Littlestown, PA 17340.

Memorial contributions may be made to Marley UMC, 30 Marley Neck Road, Glen Burnie, MD 21060; Johnsville UMC, 11106 Green Valley Road, Union Bridge, MD 21791; or Union Bridge UMC, 7 S. Main St., Union Bridge, MD 21791.