Online Archives

Rev. John Olan Price, 70, retired, died from a brain tumor May 23, at Methodist Manor House in Seaford, Del. The Rev. Clarence 'Pete' Roark officiated at a memorial service May 28 at the Taylorsville UMC in Mt. Airy.

Price began his ministerial career in 1960 at Pipe Creek Charge. From 1963 to 1977, he served St. James in West Friendship, Lonaconing and Darlington United Methodist churches, before appointment to the Taylorsville Charge in 1977. In 1989 he moved to Centennial Memorial UMC in Frederick. In 1994 he had a short term at Providence in Kemptown, and in 1995 moved to Severn where he remained until he retired in 1999 to Seaford, Del.

'I?ve known John for 44 years,' said Roark. 'He was the people?s pastor, whose main focus was to care for them and help them through their many problems.'

He was a board member and former secretary of the United Methodist Historical Society and a former director and secretary of the Epworth Federal Credit Union. He served as chaplain for the Winfield Community Volunteer Fire Department and the Carroll County Volunteer Fireman?s Association. He was also the president and director of the Carroll County unit of the American Cancer Society.

Price was an avid vegetable gardener and an Orioles fan. He also enjoyed looking for antiques at flea markets.

He and Ruby Hanson, whom he met in high school, were married in 1958, the year he graduated from Houghton College in New York. He received a master?s degree in religion from Wesley Theological Seminary in 1963.

Survivors include his wife Ruby Price; a son, Timothy D. Price of Libertytown; three daughters, Loretta P. Ewell of Millsboro, Del., Linda A. Price of Richmond, Va., and Karen P. Koch of Reston, Va.; and three grandchildren.

Condolences may be sent to Ruby Price at 305 South Winding Brooks Drive, Seaford, DE 19973-4813.

Memorial contributions may be made to the United Methodist Historical Society, 2200 Saint Paul St., Baltimore, MD 21218.