Rev. C. Edward Weisheimer 1934-2025

Edward was born July 31, 1934, in Columbus, a son of the late Carl and Georgie Thorpe Weisheimer.

He graduated from North High School in Columbus and studied architecture at The Ohio State University from 1952 to 1953 before becoming a partner in a family feed business. Edward operated the feed and supply business in Columbus from 1953 to 1960.

He later felt a call to ministry and pursued academic excellence in theology and philosophy. He earned a B.A. with honors in philosophy from Transylvania University in 1962, followed by a Master of Divinity from Yale Divinity School in 1965. His theological journey continued at Salisbury-Wells Theological College in Salisbury, England (1976), and Queens Theological College in Birmingham, England, and culminated in a Doctor of Ministry degree from Christian Theological Seminary in 1989. He was also awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree by Eureka College in 1995.

Following his graduation from seminary in 1965, his first calling for ministerial service began as associate minister at Heights Christian Church in Shaker Heights (1965-1968). He later served as the organizing pastor for a new congregation near the South Side of Chicago (1968-1971). In 1971, he became senior minister at Central Christian Church in Youngstown, where he served until 1985. He went on to serve as associate regional minister for the Christian Church in Indiana (1985-1991) and then as regional minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Indiana, beginning July 1, 1991.

Rev. Weisheimer was deeply committed to service, peace and justice within both the church and community. He and his wife, Annabelle, led several mission trips abroad to Honduras, Nepal, Thailand and Lesotho, South Africa. Additionally, he served as chair of the Ohio Peace with Justice Task Force and held leadership roles in the Disciples Peace Fellowship Executive Committee from 1975 to 1983. Nationally, he served on the board of trustees of Christian Theological Seminary, the General Board of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and as President of the Indiana Interchurch Center.

His many contributions included work as a consultant and liaison for the “Church and Community Project,” participation in clergy peer study groups, and leadership roles with numerous task forces and councils, including the Suran Search and Call Task Force, the steering committee for Indiana Partners for Christian Unity and Mission, and the Interfaith Home Maintenance Service, where he was awarded the Mayor Community Service Award.

Edward was blessed in his life from the beginning to the end by a wide chorus of family and friends. A devoted husband, father and grandfather, he poured his heart into both his faith and his family. When he wasn’t inspiring others through his preaching, community service or mission work, he was creating unforgettable memories with his grandchildren — whether that meant weekend adventures on a train, backyard campouts or hikes filled with life lessons. His legacy lives on in the love he gave so freely and the lives he touched so profoundly.

Edward is survived by his beloved wife of 71 years, Annabelle Allard Weisheimer, whom he married Oct. 11, 1953. He also leaves behind two daughters, Lisa (James) Peretti of Boardman and Laura (David) Pennybacker of Rowlett, Texas; five grandchildren, Jason (Danielle) Peretti, Christopher (Amanda) Peretti, Gina (Will) Grimsley, Wynston Pennybacker and Spencer Pennybacker; seven great-grandchildren; and a sister, Grace Brumfield of Columbus.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Dolores Squillace.

Family and friends may call 11 to 11:45 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025, at Davis-Becker Funeral Home, 8536 Market St., Boardman, with a memorial service to follow at noon, officiated by the Reverend Don Baird.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to Camp Christian, 10299 Maple Dell Road, Marysville, OH 43040; Heights Christian Church, 2860 Coventry Road, Shaker Heights, OH 44120; or The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Indiana Mission Fund, 1100 W. 42nd St., Suite 150, Indianapolis, IN 46208.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Olivia, Becky and Cynthia at The Inn at Walker Mill, as well as Dr. James Demidovich, Roseann Lisko and the staff at Sanctuary Hospice for their loving care and support.

Visit www.beckerobits.com to share memories and condolences with the Weisheimer’s family.

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