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W. Ferrin Obituary
W. Paul Ferrin
1934 - 2018
W. Paul Ferrin, one of Christian music's notable innovators, passed away at his Colorado Springs home on Feb. 23, 2018, at the age of 83. The second-born child of Baptist minister William Eugene and Alma (Steffy) Ferrin, he was born in Denver, Colo., on June 1, 1934.
After graduating from Lakewood High School in 1952 and studying one year at Northwestern College (Minneapolis), he began his music ministry. He began his ministry at an Assembly of God church in Colorado Springs, during which time he married Marjorie Daniel, whom he had met at Denver Youth for Christ playing piano and organ together at age 14. They continued to play duets for nearly seven decades.
Other Assemblies of God churches he ministered in included Grand Junction, Colo.; Wichita, Kans.; Memphis, Tenn.; San Jose, Calif.; and Sacramento, Calif. Eventually his denomination named him National Music Director.
In addition to his church responsibilities, he served at various times in the meetings of evangelists Ira Stanphill and Kathryn Kuhlman and was Music Director for the PTL Television Network. As a writer and arranger, he published over 300 songs.
When he and his wife returned to their native state in later years, they created a new format for Christian music: the all-community "Old-Fashioned Hymn Sing." Attendance immediately began to swell, and in time these evenings of congregational singing under Paul's leadership spread across the United States.
He is survived by three siblings: Alma Jean Spykstra, Claudia Muniz, and John Ferrin, four children: Kathryn (Louie) Salazar of Carlinville, Ill.; Diane Ferrin of Colorado Springs; Kent (Kathy) Ferrin of Rocklin, Calif.; and Kevin (Debra) Ferrin of Nashville, Tenn., nine grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
A memorial service is scheduled for Friday, March 2, at 11:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Colorado Springs. Pastor Charles Crabtree will preach.
Memorial gifts may be sent in the form of flowers or monetary gifts to the following two ministries:
Assist International, which cares for orphans through building family style villages in the developing world. P.O. Box 66396, Scotts Valley, CA 95067 or The Paul Ferrin Memorial Scholarship, Evangel University-Music Department, 1111 N. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, MO 65802.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for W. Ferrin
Susan Lundquist
November 14, 2024
I still think often of Paul and Marge Ferris. He was absolutely the Best music director I ever sang for. Technical and nuanced passages were a hallmark of a Ferrin choir. Incredible talent as a pianist and his style was so recognizable, that I would stop mid channel change after hearing just a few bars.
He also excelled in large productions, directing the massively complex Singing Christmas Tree productions for several years at Sacramento´s Capital Christian Center.
Photo is from a 1990,s Holy Land group tour, that also included Germany´s famous Passion Play Musical at Oberammergau.
Jim Ferrin
February 22, 2020
Hey Cuz, miss you every day. Can't pick up the phone and chat, but I know you are with our Lord and loved ones, receiving the fulness of your Salvation. It's no long faith...IT'S SIGHT and all that it brings. See ya soon
Sandy Reimer
March 4, 2018
My heartfelt sympathies to Marjorie and the family over the loss of Paul. We know he is with the Lord that he loved, but I know how sorely he will be missed by them and all who knew and loved him. I first saw Paul playing the piano when I was 6 years old in Pittsburgh, PA at a Kathryn Kuhlman evangelistic meeting with my grandmother. And then again through the years in Colorado Springs at Music Evangelism Bible Conference gatherings, hymn sings and at church. He deeply blessed my life. I look forward to seeing him again one day in heaven and will be forever grateful for God's gift of him to the Body of Christ.
Theta Hall
March 1, 2018
My heart is sad for all, but he is rejoicing with everyone at the feet of Jesus. He was a special,special friend.
Doris Snider
March 1, 2018
Our deepest condolences to your family in the loss of Paul. He will be remembered most of leading choirs and singing his music and attending the Hymn Sings which him and Marge led so faithfully. He will greatly be missed. Our sincere thoughts and admonitions Dave and Doris Snider
Vollraths
March 1, 2018
Our deepest sympathy to the family. We were blest to have known and loved Paul. Heaven is sounding sweeter all the time.
Gordon Jensen
February 28, 2018
Thanking God for Paul's life and wonderful gifts, which certainly blessed me!
Jim Ferrin
February 28, 2018
Thanks for all your love, Cuz. God blessed you in so many wonderful ways, and you blessed me with your life and music. Will miss you til we're together in God's eternal home.
Linda Carroll
February 28, 2018
Paul brought joy to so many. May he fill heaven with his beautiful music. He will be missed here on earth.
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