GREENWOOD
The Rev. John S. Honeay, age 89, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday evening, Jan. 28, 2015, at the Indiana University Health Hospice House in Bloomington. He was a resident of Greenwood.
The Rev. Honeay was born July 10, 1925, in Denver, Colorado, to the late Alvin Francis and Mary Zella Honeay.
He married the love of his life, Dorothy Joan (Barnes) Honeay on Sept. 1, 1950, at the Unity Baptist Church in Brown County. She survives.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Sarah Law.
The Rev. Honeay was a 1943 graduate of Monrovia High School. While still in high school, the Lord called him to ministry and he was licensed to preach in 1942 and ordained in 1948. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II as a medic and after returning home attended Franklin College, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree.
He completed his theological training at Southern Baptist Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, receiving a Master of Divinity degree.
John and Joan raised four loving daughters, Barbara Ranard (Harvey) of Brown County, Rebecca Andrews (John) of Bloomington, Teresa Hall of Greenwood and Julie Miller (Tom) of Bowling Green. They were blessed with 12 grandchildren, Amy Blanton (Tim), Lori Haggard (Mike), Rene Jackson (Robert McKim), Andrea Jackson (Samantha Sweatman), Melissa Driskill (Aaron), Alicia Hall (Jeremy), Michael Hall (Kim), Todd Hall (Danielle), John Hall (Nedra Vaughn), Kellie Miller, Ginny Miller and Tony Miller (Daniella Modisett); as well as 14 great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandson.
The Rev. Honeay, an American Baptist pastor, served as pastor of Bridgeton Baptist Church, New Washington Baptist Church, Liberty Center Baptist Church, Oakdale Baptist Church in Peru, Spencer First Baptist Church, Smith Valley Baptist Church in Greenwood and Bunker Hill Baptist Church.Â
He retired in 1986 due to illness and was most recently a member of Unity Baptist Church in Brown County.
Pastor Honeay enjoyed reading his Bible and theology books. He was an advocate for young people, serving as a scoutmaster and church camp director for many years. He was loved and respected by all who had the privilege to have known him.
Chaplain H.E. Ranard (U.S. Navy, retired) and the Rev. Lee Snider will conduct a Celebration of Life service at 3 p.m. on Sunday at Unity Baptist Church, 7361 Spearsville Road, Brown County. Friends and family may call from 1 p.m. until time of service on Sunday at the church. Burial will be at Unity Baptist Church Cemetery with military rites presented by the Brown County Honor Guard.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Meredith-Clark Funeral Home Cremation & Personalization Center in Morgantown.
Memorial contributions may be sent in honor of the Rev. Honeay to the Unity Baptist Church (Church Camp Scholarships Fund), 7361 Spearsville Road, Morgantown, IN 46160; or Gideons International, 560 Carter Ave., Indiana, PA 15701.
Expressions of caring and kindness can be made to the Honeay family at www.meredith-clark.com.
Information: 812-597-4670.
