Obituary of Howard Oliver Wakelin

Rev. Howard Oliver Wakelin lost his fight to Alzheimer's disease on Monday September 19th 2011 at the Tuscany Hospice House with his family gathered around. Howard was born in Scott, Saskatchewan, Canada where he later graduated from high school. Howard met the love of his life, Marion (May) Kamp as he biked to and from Bresaylor, Saskatchewan to lead vacation bible school. Howard married May on Friday, November 13th, 1942. Serving in the Canadian Air Force from June 1943 to October 1945 Howard was honorably discharged and continued his education as he attended Victoria College in Toronto, Ontario, Canada where he received a Bachelors of Arts degree. He then attended Emmanuel College in Toronto from 1948 to 1949 where he received his theological education and Bachelor's of Divinity degree that was later promoted to a Master's of Divinity degree. Rev. Wakelin ministered to numerous Christian Church (Disciple of Christ) congregations throughout Canada and the US from June 1950 to December 1986. Upon retirement, Howard continued ministering as he served various interim ministries and enjoyed leading an adult Sunday school class at the First Christian Church - Ocala. Howard also served in various capacities as he could at his church. Howard always held a pastor's heart in tending to the hospitalized, shut-ins, and elderly well into retirement. His ministry was further blessed with musical talents he discovered and developed as a child. Like his ministry, Howard's personal life was blessed as well. He enjoyed various sporting events - avid golfer, and curler in younger years, Howard always loved watching all sports on television. But one of his greatest loves was time spent with children and grandchildren. At a young age Howard discovered his knack to fix things. If it was broke, Howard could fix it. This became especially useful in retirement as he fixed anything they brought to him by family or friends. Howard loved a mental challenge whether it came from a jigsaw puzzle to crossword puzzle or a bridge hand in the morning newspaper. Preceding Howard in death are his parents and brothers, Halsey Wakelin, and Baby brother, Frances Elgin Wakelin. Surviving include wife, Marion of Summerfield, FL; eldest son, Cecil (Eloise) Wakelin of Oviedo FL; daughter, Brenda Irvin of Summerfield, FL, youngest son, James (Diane) Wakelin of Ottumwa, Iowa; eight grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren; siblings surviving are sister, Gladys Hanson-Three Hills, Alberta, Canada, brother, Charles (Elsie) Wakelin-Sebring FL, and sister, Francis (Wayne) Berg of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada; and numerous nephews, nieces, and a host of friends and loved ones. Visitation Thu., Sep. 22nd 6-8PM at HIERS-BAXLEY FUNERAL SERVICES, 352-245-2424. Funeral service Fri., Sep. 23, 2011 2PM at First Christian Church, Ocala, FL. The family has asked that memorials would be directed toward the First Christian Church, Ocala Florida. Sentiments may be left online at www.hiers-baxley.com