"MYSTERY" STRAINS

HUFF, Howard F. 78, retired as Minister of Bethany Christian Church in January, 1989, died Sunday, September 16, 2001, following a lengthy illness. Howard was born in Scottsbluff, NE. After graduation from high school, he attended Johnson Bible College, Knoxville, TN, graduating in 1946. He entered what is now Vanderbilt Divinity School and graduated Magna Cum Laude. Named the outstanding student in his class, he became a Founder's Medalist. He served Central Christian Church, Columbia, TN, as a student pastor while at Vanderbilt. Howard did his post graduate work at Union Theological Seminary in New York City studying under such scholars as Reinhold Neibuhr, Paul Tillich and James Muilenburg. His Master's and Doctoral work were in Old Testament and Christian Ethics. While at Union, he met Rosemary Bowers who was working on a Master's Degree in Sacred Music. They were married in 1951 after graduation. In the fall of 1951 they went to Japan as Missionaries for the United Christian Missionary Society of the Christian Church, Disciples of Christ. They were missionaries for 10 years. He taught Christian Ethics and Old Testament at Japan Biblical Seminary and served as Executive Director of the Literature Commison of the National Christian Council of Japan. He also served on the Board of Japan Bible Society. Returning to the U.S. in 1962, Howard accepted a professorship with Phillips Graduate Seminary in Enid, OK, where he taught a broad spectrum of classes for 17 years. In 1980 he became the Minister of Bethany Christian Church in Tulsa. He was named Minister Emeritus of Bethany Christian Church in 2001. On July 4, 2001, Howard received the Judy Halpern Religious Freedom Award from the Oklahoma Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice. Family has always been a top priority to Howard, whether it was taking the family vacations or spending time with each child. He is survived by: his wife, Rosemary; daughters, Carole Huff Hicks and husband, Larry, Tulsa OK, Angela Huff and husband, Jim STRAIN, Van Nuys, CA, Gloria Graham and husband, Keith, Tampa, FL; son, Craig Huff and wife, Anna, Tulsa, OK; grandchildren, Ryan and Natalie Hicks, Tessa and Anna STRAIN and Isaac Huff. Service will be held Thursday, September 20, 2001 at 10 a.m., Bethany Christian Church, 6713 South Sheridan Road. Family request donations may be made to Phillips Theological Seminary or Bethany Christian Church. Under the direction of Oliver Whisenhunt Funeral Service. 592-3666.