Obituary of Charles L. Metzger

Thurman: Rev. Charles L. Metzger, 80, of Sky High Road went into the arms of his Lord, May 7, 2013 at Glens Falls Hospital. Born April 19, 1933 in Mishawaka, IN, he was the son of the late John C. and Pearl (Whisman) Metzger. Charles was a graduate of Lakeville High School in Indiana before obtaining his Bachelor’s degree from Baptist Bible Seminary in Johnson City, NY. He then went on to further his education at the Grace and Trinity Theological Seminaries, where he received his Doctoral degree. Charles served his country in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict, being honorably discharged into the reserves in 1957. He married Barbara Hall on March 23, 1957 in Fall River, MA. Charles taught at Seaway Baptist Bible Institute in Cornwall, Ontario, Canada, and was past president and professor at Empire State Baptist Seminary in Liverpool, NY. He began his pastoral duties, ministering at the Thurman Baptist Church and Knowlhurst Baptist Church in Stony Creek. He also pastored at Paul’s Chapel in Francesville, IN, First Baptist Church of Portage, IN, Parishville Baptist Church in Parishville, NY and once again returning home to the Thurman Baptist Church. He continued with his ministry as Interim Pastor at Knowlhurst Baptist, and Horicon Baptist Church in Brant Lake. Presently he was pastoring the Lighthouse Baptist Church in Pottersville. Charles was elected president of the Upper Hudson Maple Producers Association in the spring of 1988; he owned and operated Crane Mountain Maple Supplies in Thurman, a business he began in 1982. His favorite pastimes included antiquing and gardening. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 56 years, Barbara M. Metzger of Thurman; three daughters, Cindy Metzger of Mechanicsburg, PA, Donna Herrmann and her husband, Rev. Robert of Thurman, and Cherie Gee and her husband, Larry of Granville; one son, Dave Metzger of Preble; a sister, Clodine Hamilton of Mishawaka, IN; Charles also leaves behind 14 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews and foster grandchildren. At Charles’ request, no calling hours are scheduled. A memorial service to celebrate his extraordinary life will be conducted at 11 am, Saturday, May 11, 2013 at the Thurman Baptist Church with his grandson, Pastor Nathan Herrmann, officiating and his son in law, Pastor Bob Herrmann assisting. Burial will take place privately at the Thurman Baptist Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations in Charles’ name to the Thurman Baptist Church or to the Lighthouse Baptist Church. Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online guestbook and condolences.