COLUMBUS
William John Rumsey, passed away peacefully at 12:24 a.m. Friday, August 9, 2024, in Columbus at Four Seasons Health Center, after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease.
He was born September 25, 1945, in Dover, New Jersey where he grew up before going away to college.
Bill graduated from Maryville College in 1967, received his master’s degree from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary in 1970, and Doctor of Ministry degree from Princeton Theological Seminary in 1985.
During his 36 years of active ministry, the Rev. Dr. William Rumsey was privileged to serve churches in Pittsburgh (Pleasant Hills), Pennsylvania (associate – youth pastor) and then as senior pastor in Cochranton, Pennsylvania, Williamsport, Pennsylvania, Royal Oak, Michigan, Vero Beach, Florida and Hilton Head, South Carolina. Many wonderful friends and memories were made over those years. Bill needed to take early disability retirement in 2006 due to his Parkinson’s and related health issues. That was when he and his wife moved to Indiana to be closer to family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lucille and Frank Rumsey and an infant brother.
Bill is survived by his loving wife of 54 years (July 25, 1970), Nancy K. Rumsey. Also surviving to remember and celebrate his life are sons, James K. Rumsey (Jennifer) of Columbus and David W. Rumsey (Suzanne) of Ft. Wayne. Fondly remembering his life are two granddaughters, Helen Rumsey of Auburn Hill, Michigan and Katherine Rumsey of West Lafayette. Also cherishing his memory are his sister, Karen Kovalesky (New Jersey) and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Walter and Faith Kalback (Arizona).
The family gives thanks to the loving and caregiving staff at Four Seasons Health Center and the wonderful care team from Our Hospice of South Central Indiana.
In keeping with Bill’s wishes, cremation is planned and private inurnment will be held at Flat Rock Baptist Cemetery. Family and friends may gather for a time of visitation from 4-7 p.m. Friday at Barkes, Weaver &Glick Funeral Home on Washington Street. A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, August 17, 2024, at First United Methodist Church, 618 Eighth Street, Columbus. The service will live stream at the First United Methodist Church Face Book Page and YouTube Channel. Following the service, a time of visitation and celebration reception will be held in the church’s fellowship hall for all to attend.
Memorial contributions in Bill’s memory may be made to Parkinson’s Foundation, P.O. Box 6003, Albert Lea, Minnesota 56007-9902, Mayo Clinic Research-Parkinson’s, Memorial Contribution, Department of Development, P.O. Box 450, Alberta Lea, Minnesota 56007-0450 or Our Hospice of South Central Indiana, 2626 East 17th Street, Columbus, Indiana 47201-5417.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with Bill’s family and a video tribute may be seen at barkesweaverglick.com.
