Loel L. Resler

Loel L. Resler, Ph.D., Th.D. February 2, 1941, Loel Leamon Resler was born to parents Dean Standish Resler and Ellen Mae (Carnahan) Resler in Sterling, Colorado. He is a descendant of Captain Miles Standish, one of the original Pilgrims who landed at Plymouth Rock. Loel has also been a resident of Weirton, West Virginia since 2006. He passed into the arms of our Lord Friday, August 9, 2013 from complications following a brain surgery. Loel graduated from Sterling High School (Sterling, Colorado) in 1959. He was the third generation of his family to drive for his family's trucking business. He alternated driving a big rig truck and attending college, eventually earning his Doctorate in Theology. He became the pastor of a Seventh Day Adventist Church in Denver, Colorado then continued on earning a Ph.D. in pastoral counseling and had his own counseling practice in Phoenix, Arizona. Loel was a man of vision who enjoyed starting up new businesses. He loved horses and was part owner of a cattle ranch in Colorado. His greatest entrepreneurial accomplishment was as the founder of Westbrook University, a world leader in distance education. He also helped to found and oversaw operations for the World Congregational Fellowship Church, a small missionary church, and the National Chaplains Corps. While living in New Mexico, Loel also served as the alternate municipal judge for the City of Aztec and served on the Governor's Committee for Private Schools of Higher Education. Loel enjoyed the company of others, especially if he could meet them over a cup of coffee at his favorite hang outs. He cheerfully would acclaim, "Let's go get a biscuit and a bean!" which was an open invitation to join him at his favorite restaurant(s). Loel's accomplishments include becoming a 32nd degree Mason . He was a member of the Osiris Shrine and performed as a Shrine clown named "Jingles." As Jingles, he enjoyed riding around in a tiny train for parades and special events. When he moved to Weirton, WV he became a hillbilly as part of the Osiris Hillbilly Clan of Wheeling, WV. As a young man, Loel was active in the Civil Air Patrol and a youth ham radio club. He loved to sing and was a two time winner of the Stars of America singing contest. He also once rode his horse through his parent's home because his friend Larry slapped the horse and his sister happened to be holding the door open. As an adult, he continued as a HAM Radio Operator, his call sign was K8LLR. He also went on to become a HAM radio examiner. Loel pursued a new hobby after retirement and became stained glass artist, donating many of his stained glass pieces to local charities for raffles and fundraisers. Loel is survived by his wife, Nita Marie Resler, sons Michael Dean Resler and his wife Kimberly, Timothy Resler and his wife Linda and Scott Resler and his wife Tanille, his sister Lois (Resler) Smith and husband Charles Smith, step children DeeAnn Greene-Marszalek and husband Bob Marszalek, Patrick Greene and wife Maggie, grand children Dustin Bertran Resler and wife Trinity, Megan Jean (Resler) Anaconda and husband Mike Anaconda, Darla Marie Resler, William and his sister Megan Greene, and his first great grandson, Brian Dean Resler. A Memorial Service has been scheduled for 11am Saturday, August 31, 2013 at the Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219 Main Street, Weirton, WV. In lieu of flowers, Loel's family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, International Headquarters, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607.