Calvin Richard Sones, June 18, 1934 — May 11, 2019

Calvin’s Obituary Rev. Calvin Richard Sones, of Wellsville, PA, went to be with Jesus while surrounded by family at his home on May 11, 2019. Calvin was born June 18, 1934, at his family’s home in Tyrone, PA to William Leroy “Roy” and Sovilla Jane (Wagner) Sones.

At 19, Calvin gave his heart to the Lord, marking the beginning of a life of service. Several years later, he received his call to preach. Calvin graduated from God’s Bible School with a Bachelor of Arts in Theology in May 1961.

Three months later, on August 9, 1961, he married his lovely wife, Wanda Ivonne Cranor, in Independence, KS, before they returned to Pennsylvania. Together, they pastored in the Oil City Conference of the Free Methodist Church, serving churches in Marienville, Mayburg, and New Castle from 1961 to 1975. Calvin also served as the conference youth advisor.

In 1975, Calvin began to pastor in the Alabama Conference of the Bible Methodist Church. He served churches in Cordele, GA (1975 – 1978), Birmingham, AL (1978 – 1984), and Miltonvale, KS (1984 – 1995). Calvin took great joy in spending time with his family, being outdoors, and working with his hands.

He enjoyed music, whether he was singing, playing guitar, or playing his harmonica. Rev. Sones had a gift for loving people, and led his congregations with a pastor’s heart.

He became a mentor to many young pastors and a trusted colleague among his peers. Calvin was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Jane Sones, and siblings Earl, Cealia (Weller), and George, and three infant brothers, Carl, Jean, and Edward. Calvin is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Wanda; his son Rodney (Rachel) of Circleville, OH; daughter Janice (Darrin) Russell of Wellsville, PA; grandchildren Bethany (Marcus) Chong of Delaware, OH; Nathaniel Sones of Circleville, OH; Son-Ja Russell of Titusville, PA; and Kerri Russell of Wellsville, PA.

He is also survived by his siblings Joan Sones of Huntingdon, PA; Adaline Daugherty of Port Matilda, PA; Fred Sones of Upper Marlboro, MD; and Frances (David) Fuller of Hobe Sound, FL, as well as many loving nephews, nieces, and cousins. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 15 at 1:00 PM at Cocklin Funeral Home in Dillsburg PA, with Pastor William Reese officiating, assisted by Rodney Sones, Rev. Chris Cravens, Rev.

Al Sones, and Rev. Stirling Walsh. Interment will follow at Dillsburg Cemetery.

Visitation will be at noon, immediately preceding the funeral.

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