Deceased Ministers
2026 District Council Honors Twenty Heroes of the Faith and Their Ministry Stories.
Legacy Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, April 21st at 1pm
Charles V. Adams
9/4/1942-9/3/2025
Licensed 1965 | Ordained 1967
50 Years Ordained 2017
Charles was born and raised in MO in a Christian home. Charles met his life and ministry partner at a youth camp in 1957. Charles and Peggy dated through high school and college. They married in 1963. Charles served 26 years in active duty as an AG US Army Chaplain in numerous locations, including Vietnam, Japan, New York, and the Presidio in San Francisco. His military ministry covered everything from combat to counseling to pastoring to training. Charles was well educated, receiving a B.A. and M.A. from Central Bible College, a M.Div. from the Nazarene Seminary, and a D.Min from the SF Theological Seminary. Charles also achieved the rank of Colonel but wanted to be called “Chaplain” instead, because “There is no rank in the Kingdom.” In 1993, Charles retired from active duty with numerous awards, including the Legion of Merit with one Oak Leaf Cluster and a Bronze Star with one Leaf Cluster. He joined the International Bible Society and served as the Director of Military Ministries for 13 years. Charles’ three children and four grandchildren are forever grateful for demonstrating how to be the hands and feet of Jesus.
Eric J Daniel
6/8/1973 - 2/16/2026
Licensed 1996 l Ordained 1998
25 Years Ordained Recognition 2023
Eric was a California native, born in San Pedro and raised in Coursegold. When he was 7 years old Eric gave his life and Christ and never looked back! He was baptized in the Holy Spirit at 12 years old while attending a Jr. High Camp at Mt Lassen and baptized in water at 13 years old at his home church of Mountain Christian Center. Eric married Angela in 1994. Their partnership in marriage and ministry spanned nearly 32 years. Eric graduated from Bethany Bible College in 1995, completed his Master's degree in 2001, and in December 2025, received his Doctorate of Ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary, finishing well in both life and calling. Eric served at Abundant Life Church in Cupertino from1995 to 2002. In 2002, at just 29 years old, Eric became Senior Pastor of Hillside Church in Napa, CA. A role he faithfully carried for 23 years. Under his leadership, Hillside was marked by generosity, unity, and lasting community impact. During the 2025 District Council Eric had 4 of the Hillside Staff Pastors advance to Ordination. Beyond the local church, Eric served the Assemblies of God as both a Presbyter for 10 years and Executive Presbyter for five. He was a past president of the Napa Pastors' Association, served on ministry boards, taught as an adjunct professor at SUM Bible College, and in 2023 founded Global Ministry Advance in order to mentor and coach pastors and strengthen churches. Angela and the family are blessed for who Eric was and for the legacy he leaves behind.
Helen B. (Goree) Hoskins
11/3/1941 - 9/30/2025
Licensed 2014
Helen was born in CO. She received Jesus at eight years old and called to the ministry at seventeen. In 1961, Helen married Bob Goree. She served alongside Bob for 48 years. In Helen’s early years (1962-1972), she served as the pastor’s secretary and the church organist at Central Assembly of God in Modesto, First Assembly of God in Oakland, Bethel Church in Marysville, and First Assembly of God in Orangevale. In 1975, the Gorees went to First Assembly of God in Fremont (Harbor Light), where they served for 15 years. Helen served as the WM Director and Communications Director, conducted hospital visitations and counseling, and sat on the Mission’s Board, which resulted in extensive travel. In 1994, the Gorees went to Mountain View Assembly of God (The Champion Center) in Las Vegas. Here, Helen organized eighteen mission trips to nine countries, developed a hospital ministry, and launched several other church ministries. Bob passed away in 2010. Helen continued serving at the church. In 2016, Helen remarried missionary Bob Hoskins, founder of OneHope. They retired to FL. Helen impacted many lives with her kindness, but none more so than her two children, four grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
Doris Johnson
9/20/1931 - 4/26/2025
Licensed 1954 | Ordained 1957
50 Years Ordained Ministry 2007
Doris was born in TN and raised in MI by her Pentecostal parents. Doris was an accomplished pianist, a teacher and preacher of the Word, and an intercessor. Doris gave her life to Jesus at five years old. Doris was eleven when her mom died. Filled with grief and questions, Doris remained in church and practiced the piano. She attended Central Bible Institute, where she met a MK from Brazil, Bernard Johnson. They married in 1952. Bernard and Doris were ministry partners! They pastored in Halfmoon Bay and Sterling City. In 1957, Doris and Bernard spent 18 days on a freighter to Brazil, where Doris dedicated 68 years of missionary work. Doris and Bernard began planting churches, and founded the “Words of Life” radio show. This led to 30 years of evangelistic crusades throughout Brazil and around the world, resulting in a host of miracles, healings, deliverances, and 1.8 million recorded decisions for Christ. They established the Brazil Extension School of Theology, which has produced over 70,000 graduates since 1979. Many ministries were founded, including the Children of Brazil Outreach and the International Correspondence Institute. After Bernard passed away in 1995, Doris continued serving the people in Brazil until retiring to OR in 2023. Reverends Terry and Beth Johnson carry on the ministry. Doris’ three children, four grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren are blessed with a rich legacy.
Marilyn C. Lebeck
11/7/1932 - 4/25/2025
Certified 1982
Marilyn was born and raised in Seattle, WA. Her paternal grandmother was an evangelist, and Marilyn often traveled with her. Marilyn was quite a musician. At fifteen, she was playing the pipe organ in church. Marilyn followed her grandmother’s legacy and served as an evangelist in British Columbia and WA, leading kids crusades. Through several miracles, she was in Kitimat, BC, at the same time as Marine Medical Missionary Leroy Lebeck. They married in 1961. Marilyn went to the Bible Institute in Seattle. She was credentialed in BC, where she and Leroy spent several years in ministry. Marilyn had the largest Christian women’s group in Canada. The Lebecks also spent several years as missionaries in the West Indies. In 1982, they transferred to the NCN District, where they pastored Trinity Church (Trinity Life Center) in Sacramento. Marilyn continued playing the organ, taught Sunday School, led Women’s Ministries, and worked in the office, all volunteer. Additionally, she spoke at camps and other venues. After “retiring” from Trinity in 2000, the Lebecks continued serving around the district as camp speakers and interim pastors, including at Trinity Church. Leroy and their three children, six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren are blessed with a rich legacy.
Artie E. Lookingbill
9/25/1959 - 11/17/2025
Certified 2013
Artie was born in WY and grew up in Las Vegas and in church. Artie was thirteen when his parents divorced, and he walked away from the Lord. But in 1984, Artie told his partying buddy he was going back. He returned to Trinity Temple in Las Vegas and surrendered to Jesus. The following Sunday, Artie responded to the “Called to Ministry” message by Rev. Melvin Steward. In 1987, Artie started Berean School of the Bible and married Laurie in 2008. Before receiving credentials, Artie served in Royal Rangers at Trinity Temple (Trinity Life Center) and Calvary Community in Las Vegas. There, he became Senior Commander. Artie also assisted in three church plants in Southern NV, including New Horizons Christian Center (Life Christian Church) with Rev. Robert Douglas. Artie served as a youth leader at Green Valley Christian Center in Henderson and as a Chaplain for the Henderson Detention Center. In 2013, Artie moved to Wells, NV, to serve as the pastor of Crossroads Community Church. Artie was full of love and eager to share the love of Jesus. Laurie and their families, the grandchildren, and great-grandchildren miss him dearly.
Clarence L. McCarty
8/17/1955 – 8/27/2025
Licensed 1981 | Ordained 1987
Clarence was born in IN and raised in Watsonville. He gave his heart to Jesus at the age of ten during a home church meeting. At thirteen, Clarence was called into the ministry and learned to play the guitar, an instrument he would use to lead worship for decades. Clarence and Kathy met at the Church of God in Watsonville and married in 1973. Clarence graduated from Berean School of the Bible. He served as Youth Pastor at Prunedale AG in Salinas and served as Associate Pastor in Gardnerville, CA. Clarence served as the Senior Pastor of Christian Center in Alderpoint, CA (1987-1993), Indian Valley in Stonyford, CA, and Christian Life Assembly in Alturas, CA (2007-8/27/2025). Clarence also served the NCN District in various capacities, including as Redwood Junior Camp Director, Christian Education Representative for the Redwood Section, and District Presbyter for the Mt. Shasta Section (2013-2015). In 1986, Clarence wrote, “I can look back over my life and see the hand of God leading me into the ministry that He had called me to.” Clarence’s wife, Kathy, and their two children are proud to say that Clarence ran his race with passion and integrity.
Robert J. Pagett
12/3/1938 – 10/8/2025
Licensed 1959 | Ordained 1963
50 Year Licensed Recognition 2009
Robert (Bob) was born and raised in CO. He was just nine years old when he was saved, baptized in water and in the Holy Spirit. Bob and Charlene married in 1957, while they were teenagers. Bob graduated from Bethany Bible College (year?) (first ministry in Oregon?) In 1973, the Pagetts moved to Santa Cruz and began to pastor First Assembly of God (Christian Life Center), where they served until 1990. Under Bob’s leadership, the church constructed 22 missions projects around the world, and over 45 people entered full-time ministry! In 1990, Bob and Charlene founded Assist International, completing over 150 humanitarian projects in over 60 countries. This includes: High-tech Medical Installations (procurement, training, maintenance), Essential Infrastructure (power, water, capacity expansion), and caring for widows and orphans, and those with HIV/AIDS. They built Orphan Family Villages in Romania, Uganda, and Thailand. Assist International has been recognized by the United States Senate for its humanitarian activities—a ministry now led by his daughter and son-in-law, Reverends Michelle and Ralph Sudfeld. In addition, Bob served the NCN District in various capacities, including the Board of Trustees for Bethany University, the World Missions Board, and the finance board. Charlene and the family are profoundly grateful for who Bob was and for the legacy he leaves behind.
Jack A. Parks
10/1/1929 – 8/4/2025
Ordained 1955
Jack was born in Stirling City, CA. Jack and his beautiful bride, Ruby, grew up together in Orland. They dated in high school and college. They got married in 1951, before Jack’s two-year departure to the Army. Upon his return, Jack attended Glad Tidings Bible Institute. Later, he attended Chico State University and IL State University for a teaching degree. In 1954, Jack served as Pastor at Capay AG in Orland, followed by Durham AG. In 1961, Jack resigned his credentials to teach in the Sacramento public schools. During those 30 years, he was a light to his junior high, high school, and college students. During this time, Jack also served on the board of Capital Christian Center in Sacramento, alongside three pastors, including Rev. Glen Cole. He also served on the Hospital Visitation Team. Jack reinstated his license in 1989 and served at Trinity Church in Sacramento with Rev. Leroy Lebeck. He served as a church elder, taught Sunday School, and taught at Trinity School of the Bible. Jack was also a speaker for Gideons International. Jack touched countless lives, but none more so than his five children, ten grandchildren, and sixteen great-grandchildren..
Stephen F. Pruett
9/11/1948 – 6/19/2025
Licensed 1973 | Ordained 1976
Steve was born in MN and raised in Southern CA and OR. He gave his heart to Jesus in 1955 at a VBS in Southern California. Steve was baptized in the Holy Spirit during Kids Camp in OR and called to the ministry as a young boy. After graduating from high school, mutual friends introduced Steve and his bride, Doris, and they married in 1967. Steve started in ministry in Southern California and received credentials in 1975. Steve transferred to the NCN District and served at First Assembly of God in Pittsburg, Vaca Valley Christian Life Center in Vacaville, Christian Life Fellowship in Sacramento, and City Harvest Church in San Jose. Steve was the Senior Pastor of Grace and Truth in Kerman, Green Valley Christian Center in Watsonville (1973-1983), and Gateway Community Church in San Jose (2000-2011). In 2011, Steve served with Dr. Scott Hagan and later with Rev. Dean Deguara at Real Life Church in Sacramento until 2020. Steve loved to teach the word of God and taught online Bible Studies. In 2024, the Pruett’s moved to TX. Stephen and Doris left a legacy of faith and service for their two children and three grandchildren.
Glenna L. Self
12/20/1933 – 11/25/2024
Ordained 2009
Glenna was born in Auburn, IL. She and Earl married in 1953, and the following year, they committed their lives to Jesus. Glenna spent her early life raising their family. When she was faced with “empty nest” syndrome, she was at a loss. Glenna was personally challenged to finish her education. Earl fully supported Glenna’s call to the ministry as Glenna enrolled at Trinity Life Bible College (Epic Bible College) in Sacramento and earned a B.A. Her once-laid-back walk with the Lord grew into a sincere passion as God faithfully revealed new goals and purposes to her. Glenna went on to receive her M.A. and a Doctor of Religious Studies from the Golden State School of Theology. In 2009, Glenna served as the Director of Visitation at Trinity Life Center in Sacramento. Not long after, Glenna returned to Epic as a professor. Glenna loved her students, and they loved her in return. Earl passed away in 2011, and Glenna continued to touch the lives of many. But none more so than her seven children, twenty-six grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren.
Clover A. Stewart
9/6/1928 – 01/20/2020
Licensed 1974 | Ordained 1976
Clover was born in NC. In 1969, she committed her life to Jesus in her home in Sacramento. In the early 1970s, Clover volunteered at the Pajaro Rescue Mission. Knowing the Lord called her to full-time evangelism, Clover attended and graduated from Bethany Bible College. She also attended Western Evangelical Seminary (1975-1978) and Fuller Theological Seminary (1978-1979) for her MDiv. Clover served as a Chaplain in the CA Women’s Federal Prisons and supported herself by working in healthcare. Clover traveled throughout CA, sharing the gospel on the streets, on the school campus at San Francisco University, and even conducted underground evangelism. In 1988, Clover preached 108 times. She writes, “My only concern is pleasing my Heavenly Father.” Clover retired in 1995; however, her call for evangelism continued. In a letter dated 2015, Dr. Jay Herndon writes, “I am encouraged to hear about your ongoing passion for the young and the lost. I only hope that I can have the same level of zeal when I am 87 years old.”
Vaka L. Taimani
1/2/1960 - 1/4/2026
Certified 1989 | Ordained 2008
Vaka was born and raised in Tonga. He moved to the United States when he was 17. He gave his life to Jesus on May 25, 1980. He celebrated that day as his spiritual birthday, the day that changed the trajectory of his life. Vaka married the love of his life, Neomai, in 1980 1980 and they began a journey of serving God, and raising their children, and creating a Christ-centered home focused on faith, prayer, and service. This gentle giant had a heart after God. Gifted with a singing voice that he used to bring honor to God. Vaka served as an Evangelist in 1989, while also continuing to serve as the Associate Pastor of First Tongan Assembly of God in San Carlos. In 2009, he became the Senior Pastor, a position he held until his passing. Vaka strengthened the faith of many and helped build unity within the Tongan Christian community through his positions on the District Presbytery from 2015 to 2021. He also served as the Vice Chairman and Chairman of both the Tongan NCN District Fellowship and the National Tongan Fellowship. Neomai, the Taimani family, and the entire Tongan community are profoundly grateful for who Vaka was and for the legacy he leaves behind.
Delbert Tarr
6/14/1934 – 9/3/2025
Licensed 1955 | Ordained 1957
50 Year Recognition 2007
Delbert (Del) was born in MN. Del was eleven when the Lord spoke, “Prepare now” to be a missionary in Africa. Del graduated from North Central University (B.A.) in MN and the University of Minnesota (Ph.D.). Earlier, Del met Dolly at Lake Geneva Bible Camp. They married in 1954 and became life and ministry partners. They served in West Africa from 1955 to 1973, teaching at Bible Schools and developing curriculum. Del was passionate about cross-cultural ministry and was fluent in French, Moré, and Ewe. He co-founded the West Africa Advanced School of Theology. In 1973, the Tarrs moved to MO, where Del served as an Associate Professor at the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary and became Dean of the Missions Department. In 1982, Del became the founding President of CA Theological Seminary in Fresno. Later, they returned to AGTS, where Del served as President (1990-1999). In 1999, the Tarrs were reappointed as AGWM Missionaries and led seminars and conferences worldwide. In 2011, Del “retired” and served as Missions Pastor at Capital Christian Center in Sacramento while continuing to teach internationally. Del authored numerous articles and several books and ministered in 71 countries. Del and Dolly's three children and five grandchildren are grateful for life and legacy they left them.
We honor these six ministry spouses for their years of faithful service.
Beverly Combs
12/5/1934 - 12/21/2025
Spouse of Rev. Robert (Bob) Combs, Jr. (Deceased)
Richard Gagnon
2/25//1945 - 8/23/2025
Spouse of Rev. Cassandra Gagnon
Lisa Hampton
7/19/1958 - 9/30/2025
Spouse of Rev. Douglas Hampton
Ellen Jean Petty
3/17/1939 - 9/25/2025
Spouse of Rev. Frank Petty
Sharon Souza
7/1/1952 - 5/21/2025
Spouse of Rev. Rick Souza
Anny Wiles
4/26/1926 - 11/4/2025
Spouse of Rev. Warren Wiles (Deceased)