The Frank R. Hamblen

THE REV. FRANK R. HAMBLEN, 91, died at 10:33 a.m. May 2, 2005, at the Lima Convalescent Home. He was born Sept. 1, 1913, in Chattanooga, Tenn., to Gilbert Rankin and Carrie Lee Smith Hamblen, who preceded him in death. On April 10, 1938, he married Erdine Roberts of Lima, who died Jan. 26, 1957. On May 18, 1958, he married Mary Jane Armitage Augsburger, who survives in Elida. The Rev. Mr. Hamblen was a pastor for 57 years in churches in Indiana, St. Marys, Columbus Grove, Sidney and the High Street EUB Church, Lima. In 1960, he joined others to establish Calvary Bible Church, where he served as pastor for 35 years. He saw the need for Christian school education, and in 1970 led Calvary Bible Church in establishing the Lima Christian Academy, which was one of the earliest schools in the Christian school movement in Lima. On Dec. 25, 1931, he was saved by the grace of God (Ephesians 2:8-10) in the Wheeler Rescue Mission, Indianapolis. He received a quarterly license to preach in 1932 and an annual conference license to preach (United Brethren in Christ) in August 1932. He was ordained on Sept. 1, 1939, in Bowling Green. He graduated from Moody Bible Institute, received his bachelor's degree from Bluffton College, a master's in divinity from United Theological Seminary and an honorary doctorate of divinity from Bob Jones University. He had served as president of the Lima Area Fundamental Ministers Association and the Christian Schools of Ohio. He was a member emeritus of Buckeye Christian Schools board of directors. He was known for his love of the Scriptures and the people and land of Israel. He traveled five times to Israel and regretted only not being able to go one more time. He will be remembered as a witty and gentle man, strong in belief and compassionate toward all. He has now passed on to his heavenly home. Survivors also include six children, David A. (Laurie) Hamblen of Easley, S.C., John R. (Barbara) Hamblen of Naples, Fla., Ruth F. (Roy) Hollenbacher, the Rev. D. Keith (Linda) Hamblen and Janis G. Grover, all of Lima, and Stephen P. (Cindy) Hamblen of Greenville, S.C.; a sister, Margaret Chalberg of Victorville, Calif.; and 20 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Alan and Avery Hamblen. Services will begin at 11 a.m. Thursday at Calvary Bible Church. The Rev. Keith Hamblen will officiate. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery, Elida. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Lima Christian Academy, 3180 W. Elm St., Lima, OH 45805. Condolences may be expressed at www.chamberlainhuckeriede.com. Arrangements are by Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home.