John Vayhinger Obituary

Rev. Dr. John M. Vayhinger, 90, of Liberty Heights, passed away Sunday, June 11, 2006 after a long illness. His devoted family was with him. John was born Jan. 27, 1916 to Harriett (Palmer) and Paul Vayhinger in Upland, Indiana. He attended several colleges gaining his AB, BD, an MA in Philosophy and Systematic Theology, in addition to a MA in Experimental Psychology and PhD in Clinical Psychology from Columbia University. Following ordination into the Methodist Church, he served parishes in Indiana, New York, Connecticut and Denver. After retiring, he taught the Odds and Ends Sunday School class at First United Methodist Church in Colorado Springs for 20 years. His greatest passion was training pastors in counseling and care of the whole person including numerous positions as professor and department head at Columbia and Indiana Universities; Drew, Garrett and Asbury Theological Seminaries; and Iliff and Anderson Schools of Theology. In his quest to serve and help others, John always maintained a private practice, often late into the night, as counselor/therapist as well as leading many seminars and workshops. He was an active member and leader of many professional organizations, was an avid reader and acquired a large and beloved library. John served his country in WWII as a chaplain (Capt.) on Army transport ships in the Pacific Theater reaching the Philippines, Okinawa, Iwo Jima, Australia, and Italy. He lovingly supported his family, loved to bring roses to his wife and cherished time with his children and grandchildren. John is survived by his wife, Ruth (Imler); daughter Karen Childs (John Childs) and son Jack Vayhinger (Carol Kozma); 10 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Dr. Vayhinger truly lived his philosophy of, "you can do anything you are willing to work hard enough to do." He was a consummate educator and found joy in serving people, both as a life profession and sharing with them a joy of life and the hope of salvation through Christ. Visitation will be Sunday, June 18, 2006 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., at Swan Law Funeral Home, 501 N. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs. The funeral service will be Monday, June 19, at 12:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 420 N. Nevada Ave., Colorado Springs, followed immediately by a reception at the church. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to First United Methodist Church, 420 N. Nevada Ave. Colorado Springs, CO, 80903; Vayhinger Scholarship Fund, Taylor University, 236 W. Read Ave. Upland, IN 46989; or to the John and Ruth Vayhinger Trust, Anderson School of Theology, 1100 E. 5th St., Anderson, IN, 46012.