On Thursday evening, June 6, 2019, Dr. Kenneth F. Hall, age 92, died peacefully of natural causes at St. Vincent Hospital, Anderson. Several members of his family were present to offer their prayers, gratitude, love and comfort.
Ken was born December 13, 1926, the only child of Herbert D. and Martha Starbuck Hall of Columbiana, Ohio. He is survived by his wife of nearly 70 years, the Reverend Arlene (Stevens) Hall.
Also surviving are son Rick Hall and wife Judi of Anderson; son Doug Hall and wife Marla of Anderson; five grandchildren: Kaedra Hall Clark (husband Marcus) of Greenwood; Connor Hall of Indianapolis; RuthAnn Abraham Lane (husband Harrison) of Arcadia; Jonathon Hall of Anderson; and Rachel Abraham (partner Zac Clevenger) of Golden, Colorado; and three great-grandchildren.
Ken obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, Bible, and History from Anderson University (then Anderson College) in 1948. While a student there, Ken started and became founding editor of The Andersonian, the college newspaper. He was ordained as a minister in 1951. Ken later obtained a Master of Divinity degree from Butler University School of Religion and also a Doctor of Ministry from Christian Theological Seminary.
As acts of his faith, Ken served God, the local community, university, church and far-reaching places through social organizations, his writing, editing, and travels. He worked at Warner Press for 30 years in several capacities, such as News Editor for Vital Christianity magazine and church school curriculum writer and developer. This work continued at the national level with the Interdenominational Cooperative Curriculum Development from 1963-1972. He authored more than a dozen books, including one co-authored by long-time friend, Charles M. Schultz, creator of the comic strip, Peanuts.
After leaving Warner Press, Dr. Hall taught at Anderson (College) University as a professor of Christian Education, both in the undergraduate and graduate schools and served as Chair for the Department of Bible and Religion. During his tenure there, he traveled to Israel, Jordan, Greece, and Italy as part of the Lily Endowment program. In 2014, Anderson University awarded him and Arlene both an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity degree.
In the community of Anderson, Ken was a long-time member and officer of the Kiwanis Club. He also received awards for his volunteer service with Contact Help of Madison County. He served various age groups as Sunday School teacher at Park Place Church of God and volunteered with the church’s food pantry program.
Ken and Arlene traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and to forty countries. His travels also included the first Church of God World Work Camp to Trinidad.
Services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 12, 2019 at Park Place Church of God with Dr. David Markle officiating. The burial will take place in East Maplewood Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Rozelle-Johnson Funeral Service and one hour prior to the service at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Park Place Church of God Food Pantry.