David Ray Pannabecker's Obituary
David R. Pannabecker - March 15, 1951 to May 28, 2017
EWA BEACH, HAWAII. David R. Pannabecker went to be with the Lord on May 28, 2017 at his home in Hawaii following a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer. He is survived by his wife, Lois (Sousley) Pannabecker, his partner in life and Christian ministry for 42 years. Also surviving are his children: Michelle (Jack) Campbell and their children Elijah, Isaiah, and David in Lakewood, Washington; Andrew (Janell) Pannabecker in Indianapolis, Indiana; and Brandon (Crystal) Pannabecker and their children Kyle and Emma of Ewa Beach, Hawaii. David dearly loved his family, and in turn they brought him tremendous joy. David’s twin brother, Michael Pannabecker and his sister, Bonnie Pannabecker, both of North Bay, Ontario, Canada, also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Ruth Pannabecker of North Bay, Ontario.
David is remembered for his friendship, humor and creativity. He began his music career at an early age, and developed his skills on both piano and organ and in choral direction. He has served as Minister of Music at two Evangelical Free Churches of America, the denomination in which he received his ordination to ministry. He was at Trinity Church in South Bend, Indiana from 2001-2013 and at Kalihi Union Church in Honolulu, Hawaii from 2014-2017. Prior to these years, he was part-time music director at several Missionary Church congregations in Indiana.
David was also known for his teaching of Scripture and theological subjects. He received his B.A in Biblical Literature from Bethel College in Indiana in 1974; an M.A. from Wheaton Graduate School in 1983, and a Doctor of Worship Studies from the Robert F. Webber Institute for Worship Studies, Orange Park, Florida in 2007. In addition to church settings, David has taught courses at Bethel College and Huntington University, both in Indiana, and for three years at Barclay College in Haviland, Kansas. He directed Bethel College’s Gospel Team program for five years in the 1990s.
As owner of Puppetoire Inc. and later Arms Length Productions, Inc., David became an industry leader in designing and manufacturing commercial puppets for film, television, church and education markets. He also taught puppet construction and performance in this country and in Russia, Canada, Portugal, Spain, Romania, and the Philippines.
One quality about David that family and friends will always remember with pleasure is his sharp but kind humor, his quick wit and the clever one-liners that could turn any conversation on its side. His humor drew people in, generously including them in whatever was happening.
David had a gift for friendship and kept in touch with many hundreds of people over the years. He was an encourager, able to help others do and be their best.
In 2013, David and Lois became Worship Consultants for Every Community for Christ, a division of One Mission Society based in Greenwood, Indiana. This assignment has involved travel to mission conferences in the Philippines and South Korea, as they provided leadership in worship seminars for missionaries and nationals.
David and Lois have extended a hospitality of the heart and home wherever they have lived, reaching to so many people in friendship and kindness. This has included being mentors to young people and opening their home to guests from many places and backgrounds.
A funeral service will be held at the Kalihi Union Church, Honolulu, on June 3, 2017, at 4:30 p.m. Visitation begins at 2:30 p.m. Burial will be at 2:30 p.m. on Monday, June 5, 2017, at the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park, Kaneohe.
A memorial service will be held on July 16, 4:00 p.m. at Trinity Evangelical Free Church, 61770 Miami Rd, South Bend, IN 46614, with visitation beginning at 2:00 p.m.
Hawaiian Memorial Park Mortuary assisting with arrangements.
Memorial gifts may be sent to: Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies, 4001 Hendricks Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32207, https://iws.edu/pannabecker/ or
One Mission Society, 941 Fry Road, P.O. Box A, Greenwood, IN 46142, https://onemissionsociety.org/give/train-a-church-planter. In the “Designation Note” field, state Pannabecker Memorial.
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