Pastor Ivan H. French, 88, Winona Lake, passed away at 10:30 p.m. Dec. 12, 2013, at Grace Village Health Care Facility, Winona Lake. He was born April 14, 1925, in Ontario, Ore., to Harry and Anna Maude Wright French. On Sept. 17, 1944, he was married to Arloeen Edith Krause French, who survives in Winona Lake. He was the pastor of Pleasant View Bible Church of Warsaw from 1975 to 1992. After serving three churches, Professor Ivan French taught for over 20 years at Grace College & Theological Seminary, Winona Lake. He was known for his warm heart and humorous stories (what he called “illustrative anecdotes”); he taught Bible, theology and church history with both an academic knowledge and practical application. His teaching infused a heart and energy for Christ and the church in the seminary program. During this time, he continued to be active in pastoral ministry, campus leadership, global missions and Bible conferences, encouraging and strengthening the men and women he had helped to train. He was a member of Independent Fundamental Churches of America (IFCA) and was on the board of directors of Spanish World Ministries. He also served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II and was honorably discharged in May 1946. Also surviving are a daughter, LaNita French, Warsaw; three sons: John (and spouse Christine) French, Winona Lake; David (and spouse Lori) French, Manila, Philippines; Douglas French, LaPorte; and four grandchildren: Suzanne (and spouse Shawn) Osborne, Fort Wayne; John David French, Winona Lake; and Alexandra French and Tobin French, both of Manila. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and four sisters. A graveside service will be conducted at 10 a.m. Friday at Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw. Those wishing to attend are asked to meet at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw, by 9:50 a.m. to go in procession to the cemetery. Services are at noon Friday at Pleasant View Bible Church, 2782 W. CR 200N, Warsaw, with Pastors John French and Mike Hontz officiating. Calling is from 2 to 4 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. ***** Condolences may be sent via www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com
