The Rev. Melvin G. Sponsler, Jr., 84, of Willow Valley Communities, passed away on Monday, February 12, 2018. A Retired Elder, he served in pastoral ministry for over 40 years, starting as a student pastor at Lebanon Valley College and several rural churches.
He went on to serve the below Eastern PA Conference churches:
- Manheim: Salem UMC
- Campbelltown UMC
- Allentown: Trinity UMC (closed)
- Mountville: St. Paul’s UMC
- Mount Hope
In addition, he taught at United Wesleyan College, Allentown; was an evangelist and Bible teacher at retreats and Bible conferences; was a pastor supervisor for seminary students; and chaired the Eastern PA Conference Board of Evangelism.
Rev. Sponsler was the husband of the late Marilyn Derk Sponsler, who died in 2008. He is survived by four children; Timothy (Melanie Bryan) Sponsler; Tamara (Daniel) Johnson; Theodore Sponsler of Mountville; and Thomas (Sharon Buttemere) Sponsler; plus seven grandchildren, a great-grandson, and a sister.
A funeral service honoring Rev. Sponsler’s life will be held on Saturday, Feb.17, at Glossbrenner United Methodist Church, 713 Church Street, Mount Joy, promptly at 11 AM. A viewing will be held from 9:30 AM to 10:45 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Glossbrenner UM Church, 713 Church Street, Mount Joy PA 17552 would be deeply appreciated. Online condolences may be sent through www.sheetzfuneralhome.com.