Melva (Bingaman) Clevenger Obituary (2013)

Melva Bingaman Clevenger, teacher, pastor's wife, and missionary in Brazil with OMS International for 49 years, died on Sept 24, 2013 in Carmel, IN. The cause was pneumonia. Mrs. Clevenger was born Dec 19, 1918 in Three Rivers, Michigan to Lydia Margaret Schneider and Emory Ellsworth Bingaman. She attended schools in Michigan and California and graduated from Taylor University in 1942 in Social Work. During the 40s and 50s she was an elementary teacher in Darke County, Ohio and a pastor's wife in Ohio and Indiana. In 1954, along with her husband, she joined OMS International as a missionary. In Brazil she taught at the Instituto e Seminario Biblico de Londrina. There she taught Christian education, pedagogy, and family counseling to young pastors. She helped establish new churches in Londrina and Maringa. After retirement from OMS in February 1988, she continued to serve in Brazil until 2004. In 1942 she was married to Hubert K. Clevenger, Jr. for whom she was a faithful wife in every endeavor of their joint ministries, who predeceased her. She is survived by a daughter, Judith Clevenger Fagan of Charlotte, NC; a son, Kenneth Mark Clevenger of Zionsville, IN; 4 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. She touched many lives and is remembered as a tireless servant of the Lord and as a compassionate and caring person. A service will be held Saturday, September 28 at noon at the Church at the Crossing, 9111 Haverstick Road, IN 46240; 317-844-9355. The burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery near Farmland, IN. Thornburg Memorial Chapel of Parker City has been entrusted with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to OMS International, designated for the Clevenger/Elkjer Scholarship Fund #405123, 941 Fry Road, P.O. Box A, Greenwood, IN 46142. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wilsonshookfuneralhomes.com