John Charles Rumsey, Jr.

John Charles Rumsey Jr. was born August 15, 1928 in San Diego, California to John Charles Rumsey and Henrietta Estelle Trout Rumsey. He had three older siblings, Eugene, Charlene, and Marcia, all whom preceded him in death. John Jr. greatly enjoyed growing up in San Diego and sharing these stories with his family, as there were always things to do and adventures to be had, especially playing in the canyons and swinging from big trees. After graduating from San Diego High School, he attended San Diego State University (SDSU) where he initially studied to become a sociologist. After nearly completing the Master's program, he realized that God was calling him into the ministry, so he then attended Concordia Lutheran Seminary in Springfield, IL. During his third year, a vicarage, he met his future wife, Dorothy Mae Meyers. They married at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Oklahoma City, OK on June 1, 1956. In 1957, before John Jr. finished his seminary training, their first child, John C. III, was born. Upon graduating the seminary, his first call/assignment was to Fort Lauderdale, FL. In 1959, John Jr. accepted a call to Trinity Lutheran Church in Woodward, OK. During the seven years he served in Woodward, he also served as a vacancy pastor at Shattuck and Buffalo, OK and Follett, TX. During their first year in Oklahoma,1959, Rebecca Dorothy was born. Two years later, in 1961, Judith Elizabeth was born. In 1962, Grace Ann was born, and in 1964, David Ralph was born. In 1966, John Jr. accepted a call to Redeemer Lutheran Church in South Gate, CA where he served for eight years. Then, in 1974, he accepted a call to St. James in Imperial Beach, CA where he served as pastor for the next 25 years. He then retired as a full-time pastor, but continued to minister to people and congregations, including Living Waters and Holy Cross, both Lutheran churches in San Diego County. In 2019, John Jr. and Dorothy moved to Guthrie, OK where he continued his life long gift of ministry to others and occasionally helped his son John III, the pastor at Our Savior Lutheran Church by preaching and leading Bible Study. As a “people person,” he enjoyed attending pastors’ circuit meetings and conferences. John Jr. loved spending time with his kids, grandchildren, great- grandchildren, and extended family. He was a great husband, father and grandpa. Other interests included traveling domestically and internationally, camping, San Diego Padres baseball, San Diego Chargers football, SDSU football, ice cream, watching westerns on television, and telling jokes. In his younger years, John Jr. enjoyed playing baseball, softball, and participating in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod Walther League. John Jr. leaves behind his lovely bride of nearly 66 years, Dorothy, sister-in-law Ruth (Clark) Gable, son John (Karen) Rumsey, daughters: Becky (Dietrick) Gladden, Judy Sisson, and Grace (Gary) Rohwer. He is preceded in death by his son, David (Angie) Rumsey, who died in 2002. No doubt father and son are now rejoicing in Heaven. John Jr. also leaves behind many grandchildren: John IV (Janeena) Rumsey, Robert (Kimberly) Gorney, Jeanne (Paul) Ambriz, Ryan (Kristen) Sisson, David (Amanda) Gorney, Daniel (Rebeca) Rumsey, Jackie Sisson, Anna Rohwer, Chastiny Gladden, Amy (Stephen) Castelow, Ashley (engaged to Luu) Gladden, Rachael (Joey) Fergurson, Amelia (Ben) Oesch, Nathan Rohwer, and Sydney Rumsey. In addition, he leaves behind many great-grandchildren: Aiden Merricks, Hazel Rumsey, Kendall Gorney, Gage Ambriz, Harriet Rumsey, Casen Ambriz, Riley Gorney, Shiloh Sisson, Kenzie Gorney, Praise Castelow, Tanner Gorney, Walker Sisson, Juniper Rumsey, Hank Rumsey, and Samuel Castelow. Flowers are welcome, and other contributions and memorial gifts can be sent to Our Savior Lutheran Church Guthrie, OK for use in blessing others through future ministry.

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