2000s

Jonathan (2010) and Axa (2011) Samuels became the youth pastors of a church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, following graduation. After six years on staff, the Samuels transitioned to Westover Hills Assembly of God in San Antonio, Texas. Jonathan is the Middle School Pastor. Axa is Production Director for the Next Gen Department. Axa is thankful for SAGU Professor Rob Price for the blessing he was to her throughout college and even now.

1990s

Dana Richardson (1997) travels and speaks in churches with her husband. Dana is a full-time library director for the county public library.

1980s

Mickey Click (1984) attended Southwestern Assemblies of God College (SAGC) along with Terry and Larry Bryant. During this time, President Delmer Guynes held office. President Kermit Bridges and Keenan Bridges were Mickey’s classmates during this time.

1970s

Charles Satterwhite (1972) received his Master of Divinity from Lexington Seminary in 1988 and a Doctor of Ministry from Asbury Seminary in 1993.

1960s

Douglas Rose (1965) Douglas served as Student Council President, Editor of the school newspaper, and member of the Harvesters. He and his wife celebrate their 50 th wedding anniversary this year. Douglas would like to thank the Alumni Department and President Bridges for the historic gold medallion that he received for the Class of 1965.

Celebrations

Josh (2004) & Amanda (2003) Blanchard welcomed their fourth child, Sophia Grace, in July of 2014. Josh received a Master of Divinity from St. Paul School of Theology and a Master of Church Ministries from United Theological Seminary. He is an Elder in the United Methodist Church and serves two churches in West Midland that are merging through a church planting strategy called a Vital Merger. Amanda recently completed a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Saginaw Valley State University and is a registered nurse at Covenant Hospital in Saginaw, MI.

Karen Parker (1972) married Dr. Michael Parker on January 27, 2016, and moved to Talco, Texas.

Laverne Smith (1949) married James Earl “Jim” Smith on April 14, 1951. The couple celebrated 65 years of marriage on April 14, 2016.

Dr. James Barnes, Barnes Student Center Namesake, Passes at 88

Alumnus and Former Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) Dean of Students, Dr. James Lee Barnes, passed at the age of 88 on July 26, 2016, after a battle with cancer.

Dr. Barnes was born in the community of Sleigh in Ellis County on Sept. 8, 1927, to Lee and Daphne Steele Barnes. The family moved to Fort Worth where James studied auto mechanics and graduated from Fort Worth Technical High School in 1945. He later worked for Earnest Allen Chevrolet as a mechanic for three years.

In 1945, Dr. Barnes was drafted into the United States Army. After discharge, he returned to Fort Worth and began working for First National Bank of Fort Worth and enrolled at Texas Christian University (TCU).

After attending First Assembly of God Church, Dr. Barnes became eager to study the Bible, causing him to transfer to Southwestern Bible Institute, where he earned a bachelor's degree.

At SAGU, Dr. Barnes met his wife of 65 years, Winnie Allen, and married on Aug. 11, 1951. They entered full-time ministry, pastored several churches and pioneered a church in North Richland Hills in 1957 where he pastored until 1974.

During his pastorate, Dr. Barnes decided to pursue counseling to help the people around him. He earned a bachelor's degree in psychology and history and a master's in counseling and psychology from the University of North Texas. Dr. Barnes was a Licensed Professional Counselor with the State of Texas and engaged in counseling until the very last years of his life.

In August of 1974, Barnes accepted the position of Dean of Students at SAGU and served until his retirement in 1993. He viewed his role to be, “To do the best job I know how to do,” to understand the students' needs as they relate to SAGU, to serve the students and maintain policy.”During this time, Dr. Barnes completed his Doctorate of College Administration.

After his retirement in 1993, he remained as an adjunct professor teaching classes in Psychology, Pastoral Counseling, Church History and Pentecostal Doctrine and Theology until 2003.

In 2002, under the presidency of Dr. Kermit Bridges, The Student Center building was inaugurated as the “James L. Barnes Student Center.”

In 2004, an endowed scholarship honoring Dr. James and Winnie Barnes' 27 years of service was established to award one on-campus student, who is either a Sophomore, Junior or Senior studying either Business or Education with above average academic achievement. Student teachers held a special place in the Barnes’ heart.

Dr. Barnes made an impact in the community around him. He held religious services at the Cedars Hospital in DeSoto, Texas, for many years. Dr. Barnes served as chaplain for the Texas State Guard and retired with the rank of Lt. Colonel and served as the director for the aviation program for the North Texas District.

He was preceded in death by his mother, father and infant sister. Barnes is survived by his loving wife Winnie; his son Danny and daughter-in-law, Anita of Waxahachie; his daughter, Faith O'Brien and son-in-law, Curry O'Brien of Houston; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a host of friends, former students and former parishioners.

If you would like to donate to the Dr. James and Winnie Barnes’ scholarship, click here.

In Memoriam

Kathi Ann Pruett (2007) passed away on August 14, 2016. She was born October 27, 1958, in Corpus Christi, Texas, to Richard Terrell and Berna Mae Pruett. Kathi is survived by her mother Berna Robinson Pruett, sisters Sherri Lynn Pruett, Vicki Sue Pruett, Judi Faye Goldston and husband Ken, brother Richard Terrell Pruett II and wife Lindy and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and a multitude of friends.

Gregory Simon (1984) passed away on June 29, 2016, after a long battle with brain cancer. He was born on August 31, 1963, in Abbeville, Louisiana. Marcus worked for Leo Martin Chevrolet for almost 15 years and was a member of Grace Bible Church. He is survived by his wife, Deborah, son, Gregory Michael Simon, daughters; Emily and Julia Simon, father, Allison Simon and wife Claudia, sisters; Shari O’Hearn and Rechelle Kovacik, and brother Brandon Marshall.

Richard McElhannon (1982) passed away on Friday, September 2, 2016. Rev. Richard Dean McElhannon was born on August 28, 1962 in Cordova, Alaska, to Rev. Edgar and Nadine McElhannon. Rick served as a youth pastor and as a senior pastor. Rick is preceded in death by his mother, Phyllis Nadine Walls McElhannon. He is survived by his wife, Rhonda Posey McElhannon; daughter, Lindsay and her husband Rev. Chris Mathis; son, Richard Casey McElhannon and his wife Leanne; daughter, Katie Spencer and her husband Stephen. He is also survived by his father Rev. Edgar McElhannon and his wife Ruth; a brother, Reggie McElhannon; a sister, Regina Lang and her husband Jeff of Benton; step siblings, Robert Kersey of Laramie, Cindy Caton and Jayson Kersey.

Dr. Morris Paschall (1961) passed away on August 29, 2016. Dr. Morris was born on August 13, 1940, to Morris D. Paschall and Vera White Paschall. He was the basketball coach, Dean of Students, and Vice President at SAGC. He was preceded in death by his father, Morris D. Paschall, mother Vera White Paschall, sister Imogene Simpson, brother Joseph “Jo Don” Paschall, and sister Mina Carlisle. He is survived by his loving wife Earline Paschall, five sons, Kirk (Susan) Paschall, Kip (Theresa) Paschall, Kreyton (Janice) Paschall, Charles (Cheryl) Johnston, Dan (Vicki) Johnston, one daughter Jan (Jon) Florence, and one sister, Charlotte Anderson.

Sylvia Shortes (1961) passed away on August 3, 2016. Sylvia Jo was born to Joseph and Pearl Milford in Pasadena, Texas, on November 10, 1942. Sylvia was an active member of The Oaks Fellowship Church. Sylvia was employed with the Waxahachie Independent School District as a Special Education Teacher from 1974 until 2001, when she retired. In 2004 she was employed with Life School in Red Oak, Texas, where she taught special education until her re-retirement in 2008.

Harry “Cherokee” Rinehart (1957) passed away on Saturday, July 30, 2016. Harry was born in 1933 to Harry W. and Hazel Rinehart. He graduated from Southwestern Bible Institute, earned a Bachelor of Arts from Tulsa University and a Master of Education in Physical Education and Administration from North Texas State University. His career in education included teaching, coaching and serving as Principal of the Lavaca Public School System. He is survived by his wife Paula McClure. He was preceded in death by his parents; foster parents, Reverends Winston and Rosie Gilbert; and his brother, Jerry Lee Rinehart.

Ethel Lee White (1955) passed away on July 25, 2016. He was born on January 25, 1932, to Rev. Robert Thomas and Sallie Margaret Uselton. Ethel attended Southwestern Bible Institute from 1950 to 1955. Later, Ethel and her husband served as missionaries in the Philippines. Ethel was preceded in death by her parents, first husband Garland Pittman; two children Garland Pittman Jr. and Ethel May Pittman; her second husband Gerald Raymond White; brothers James Uselton, George Uselton, sisters Bethel Hegar; and her twin sisters Betty Foster and Lois Morris.

Laurence Kelley passed away on Sunday, July 3, 2016. Larry was born to Adell and Samuel Kelley in Ironton, Ohio. Larry was a proud army veteran who served in Korea, a financial planner, a registered principal at Ameriprise Financial, and a loving member at Christ Chapel Bible Church. Laurence is survived by his wife, Iris Jean Kelley; sister, Gaynel Poteat; brother, David Kelly; along with a host of nieces nephews and friends.

Lona Robertson passed away on Friday August 12, 2016. Lona was born February 22, 1933, to William and Irene Carter. She was a principal at a Christian school, worked as a secretary, and pastored with her husband for 50 years. Lona is preceded in death by her parents; 16 siblings; and son Jeffrey Robertson. She is survived by her husband, Billy Robertson; children Bill Robertson Jr. and wife, Nathaniel Robertson and wife Sharon, Bradley Robertson and wife Patricia, Eric Robertson of Blossom, Elizabeth O'Berry and husband Dewayne; and brother F. Wayne Carter.

Arthur E. Hokett (1961) passed away on August 6, 2011, at the age of 73. He and his wife, Doris (Hinkle) Hokett (1961) have been missionaries in Africa since 1966, serving first in Ghana and later in Nigeria. Arthur and Doris ministered in 40 different countries as missionary evangelists, especially in Africa. They have one son, Jeff, who was born in Ghana. Arthur was a powerful preacher and much loved by thousands of people all over the world. He helped Doris write and publish 14 books, some of which have been translated into different languages. He enjoyed helping pastors in northern Ghana build churches. A total of 45 churches were completed before he passed away. Doris continues as a missionary evangelist in Africa and helps build more churches with a total of approximately 60 churches now completed. Arthur prayed with thousands during his ministry in Africa to receive Christ and was a great blessing to pastors all over Africa.

If you would like to give to the SAGU Foundation in memory of a friend or loved one, click here .