Tom Letchworth

Tom Letchworth, 62, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, June 27, 2018. He was born Aug. 20, 1955 in Dayton, Ohio to Clarence and Billie (Wood) Letchworth. Preceded in death by his parents, Tom is survived by his wife of 37 years, Celesta Lynne (Shaulis); his sons, Sam and Joe; and his big brother Steve (Nancy). Other survivors include his nephew, Dan (Koh); his sister-in-laws, Zola (Will) and Jane (Joseph); and his niece, Mila (Jesse). The son of an Air Force chaplain, Tom grew up in Ohio, France, Maine, Spain, Michigan, Japan and California. Tom received the call to ministry while he was a student at San Jose State University in 1974. "I discovered that God is Real. And if God is Real, life is meaningful. And if life is meaningful, I wanted to tell everyone I possibly could. From this seed, my understanding of God's love — revealed in Jesus Christ and confirmed through the Holy Spirit — has continued to grow." Tom graduated from the University of California, Riverside with high honors and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. He graduated cum laude from Perkins School of Theology with a Master of Theology degree. Tom was ordained an Elder in the Little Rock Conference of the United Methodist Church in 1985. Tom pastored dynamic churches of varying sizes throughout his ministry since 1980. Twice, Tom received appointments as a full-time General Evangelist, in which he enjoyed adding drama to his sermons. He preached, taught and wrote as a means of fulfilling his call to ministry. Tom and Celeste wrote full-length plays published by Lillenas Drama: Mysteries With a Message, Volumes I and II; and Meet Me at Luigi's. Their two favorite "creative collaborations" are Sam and Joe. Tom's book, War Ain't No Picnic: 30 Civil War Stories & Devotionals, was released by Fermata House in August, 2017. Since the Lectionary calendar cycles every three years, Tom's weekly Bible studies will continue to be posted at soarlectionarybiblestudy.wordpress.com. Tom earnestly attempted to "speak the Truth in Love." The week prior to his death, the Confessing Movement of Arkansas acknowledged Tom's life work by awarding him the Defender of the Faith award. We will celebrate Tom's life at 2:00 on Tuesday, July 3rd at Searcy First United Methodist Church. Viewing begins at 1pm. In lieu of flowers, donations to Heifer International are appreciated. Arrangements by Powell Funeral Home of Searcy. www.powellfuneralhome.net