Dr. Gary Nathan Kisner, my friend

My good friend, Gary Kisner, out ran me to Heaven this week. Carol and I met Gary and his family at an orientation event upon entering seminary at Oral Roberts University in 1976. We sustained the friendship beyond seminary days through e-mails, phone calls and even shared preaching engagements in our churches. I considered Gary a close friend and rejoice that he is experiencing more beauty and splendor than he's ever known - for there's no place like our eternal home.

To Darlene, Erin, Eric, Jonathan & Family: How could we ever begin to express how knowing all of you has so deeply enriched our lives? From the beginning of our friendship at ORU and continuing through the years, you guys have always been a source of great encouragement to our family. Please know that we love you and that Gary's legacy of faithfulness to God will always be a treasured memory. You will remain in our prayers the days ahead. Love in Jesus, Buddy, Carol, Stacey, Casey, Marion & Joan

Dr. Gary Nathan Kisner, 60, of Rock Lake Community, Fairmont, died Wednesday afternoon, December 31, 2008 at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was born October 29, 1948 in Fairmont, West Virginia, a son of Mary Kisner of Fairmont and the late Richard Kisner. He is survived by his wife of forty years, Linda Darlene Kisner of Rock Lake Community.

Gary was a native West Virginian, born and raised in Fairmont. He was a 1966 graduate of East Fairmont High School, 1970 graduate of Fairmont State College with a B.S. in Business Administration, 1980 graduate of Oral Roberts University with a Masters of Divinity Degree and a 1998 graduate of Christian Life School of Theology earning a Doctorate of Ministry Degree. Gary’s church background was United Methodist where he ministered as an ordained pastor and evangelist from 1980-1986. Since 1986, Gary had ministered as an Independent Spirit-filled pastor and evangelist. Gary’s ministry spanned 30 years of service as pastor of 4 churches and as a full-time evangelist ministering across the country. Gary also had a heart for short term evangelistic projects around the world. He had traveled extensively preaching the gospel in Haiti, the Netherlands, the Ukraine, the Philippines, Hong Kong, China and Scotland. Gary was the founder and leader of the Church of Fairmont, a ministerial fellowship in Marion County. He was the State director for CLEN (Christian Life Educational Network) in West Virginia and remained on the Board of Regents for CLEN. He continued to serve on the advisory board for the Times West Virginian and also wrote articles for the “Faith Journeys” section of the paper. Gary provided Apostolic oversight for 6 churches and/or ministries throughout West Virginia and North Carolina. He was also a founding member and active President of PrayWV Servant Leadership Team.

In addition to his mother and wife, he is also survived by:

(2) Sons: Eric Kisner of Spring Hill, Tennessee

Jonathan Kisner and his wife Stacy of Summerville, South Carolina

(1) Daughter and son in law: Erin and Kevin Loudin of Charleston, South Carolina

(2) Grandchildren: Micah and Caleb Loudin of Charleston, South Carolina

(2) Brothers: Arlington Kisner and his wife Christine of Orlando, Florida

Brad Kisner and his wife Sue of Rock Lake Community

(1) Sister: Sally Boyce and her husband Doug of Brock Hollow Community

He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Friends may call the Ford Funeral Home, Ford Chapel, 201 Columbia Street, Fairmont, on Saturday, January 3, 2009 from 6-9 PM and on Sunday, January 4, 2009 from 12-4, 6-9. Visitation will continue on Monday, January 5, 2009 from 10:00-11:00 A.M at the Everlasting Covenant Church, 17 Everlasting Drive, Fairmont (near Mom‘s Restaurant). Funeral services will be held at the Everlasting Covenant Church on Monday, January 5, 2009 at 11:00 A.M. with the PrayWV Servant Leadership Team officiating. Interment will follow at the Mt. Zion Cemetery and Mausoleum in Fairmont. Online condolences may be at www.fordfuneralhomes.com.