Rev. Robert L. Pumfery

Rev. Robert Pumfery Age 80 Bob completed the physical phase of his existence on June 6, 2016 in Breedsville, Michigan, which had begun on October 4, 1935 in Coloma, Michigan. His parents were Lester and Louise (Hetler) Pumfery. He graduated from Coloma High School, the University of Michigan (BS) and Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary (M. Div. In Honors). Bob completed graduate studies in astronomy at Indiana University and Islamics at Hartford Seminary Foundation. On January 23, 1960, he and Carole Nies were joined in marriage. They have two children, John (Virginia) Pumfery and Marguerite (Pumfery) Medler; six grandchildren, Jason (Emily) Pumfery, Aaron (Lindsay) Pumfery, Matthew Pumfery, Nicci (Jared) Petrowski, Daniel Medler and Jennifer Medler; 5 great grandchildren, Annabell, Trevor, Reese, Macy and Jaxon. Bob was predeceased by his parents and sister, Eloise Enevald. Bob worked as an astronomer for the Smithsonian Institution in their satellite tracking program. This took them for two year assignments in each Iran and South Africa. While in South Africa, he became a Local Preacher in the Methodist Church in South Africa. After ordination, Bob pastored churches at Camden and Montgomery, New Buffalo and Lakeside, Muskegon Heights, Allegan, Three Rivers First, Ovid, Townline and Breedsville and St. Johns Church in Wangeria, New Zealand. The Pumferys also spent 4 ½ years as missionaries in the Philippines, where Bob worked in church development and taught at Dansalan College. Bob served as voluntary chaplain at Camp Teetonkah Boy Scout Camp, US Air Force base at Cagayan de Oro, Philippines, Hackley Hospital in Muskegon and Allegan General Hospital. After retirement he spent several years as chaplain for Wings of Hope Hospice in Allegan. He helped lead several Crop Walks and was Construction Supervisor and Board member of Habitat for Humanity in Three Rivers for 7 years and was Scout Master for 4 different troops. Bob lead many seminars on world religions and authored a book based on his experiences entitled, “Lord, When Did I See You?” Bob played trombone for 8 years in the New Horizons Symphony Band in Grand Rapids and for 16 years in the Casco Community Band. Bob was a man of great faith. A quiet, supportive husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. There will be an empty space in the lives of many. Visitation will be held at the Bangor Chapel, D.L. Miller Funeral Home on Thursday, June 9 from 5-8 PM and Friday from 10-11 AM at Simpson United Methodist Church in Bangor where a celebration of life will follow at 11 AM. The family suggests memorials be made to Wings of Hope Hospice, Allegan or Simpson UMC.

Rev. Robert L. Pumfery

October 4, 1935 - June 6, 2016