Joyful remembrance gathering
We gather with heavy hearts but also with immense gratitude to celebrate the life of John A. Dekle, who passed away quietly in his sleep during the early hours of Wednesday, October 2, 2024. John is now in the presence of his beloved Savior, Jesus Christ, a testament to a life well-lived and deeply devoted to faith and family.
Born on December 12, 1946, in Highland Park, Michigan, John was the cherished son of Carroll D. and Alice Wilena (Matheson) Dekle. From a young age, John demonstrated a love for learning and an unwavering commitment to his spiritual calling. He graduated from Cooley High School in Detroit in February 1965 and took a significant step in his educational journey when he attended Vancouver Bible Institute in Surrey, British Columbia. There, he earned his Bachelor of Religious Education (BRE) degree, setting the foundation for a lifetime of ministry.
John did not stop there. He went on to further his education, completing a Master of Arts in Religious Education (MAR) at the International College and Graduate School, where he also dedicated years to teaching. His pursuit of knowledge culminated in a Doctor of Religious Studies (DRS) from Trinity Theological Seminary in 2009. It was clear to everyone who knew him that John’s thirst for knowledge was insatiable, particularly when it came to his faith.
From his early teens, it was evident that John was destined for full-time ministry. Shortly after his high school graduation, he joined a gospel team known as God’s Invasion Army (GIA), where he traveled across the United States spreading the love of Jesus. During this whirlwind journey, destiny intervened when he met the love of his life, DiAnna Marie Dwire, on a piano bench in Seattle, Washington. Their love story blossomed quickly, and they were engaged before John’s military service. After he was honorably discharged in 1969 with the rank of E5, the couple married and embarked on a beautiful journey together in faith.
After his time in the military, John began pastoring at Bay View Baptist Church while simultaneously completing his BRE degree. His dedication to serving children and families through religious education led him to the Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF), where he spent an astonishing 39 years—35 of which he served as state director in Hawaii. His active participation in churches such as International Baptist Church in Honolulu and New Bethel Baptist Church in Harrison, Tennessee, was a testament to his leadership and commitment to nurturing congregations.
Even in his later years, John continued to serve faithfully. He was passionate about making connections, evident through his role as a newsletter editor for the American Association of Woodturners (AAW) Tri-State Woodturners. His impressive newsletters garnered recognition, and in 2021, he won the national Best Chapter Newsletter award. John’s enthusiasm and creativity made a lasting impression on all who received his inspiring words.
To those he leaves behind—including his wife Di, their sons Timothy (with his wife Mari) and Robert (with his wife Wendy), and his ever-growing number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren—John’s passion for teaching and his unwavering faith will be inseparable from their lives.
John’s legacy is beautifully encapsulated by his favorite Bible verse, 2 Timothy 2:2: “You have heard me teach many things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Teach these great truths to trustworthy people who are able to pass them on to others.” He lived out this verse until the very end, imparting wisdom and love to all around him.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Monday, October 7, at 2 p.m. at New Bethel Baptist Church located at 8740 Harrison Bay Road, Harrison, TN 37341. Family and friends are invited to gather starting at 1 p.m. to share in memories before the service begins. John will receive military honors during his interment on Tuesday, October 15, at Chattanooga National Cemetery.
John A. Dekle will be missed but his spirit, teachings, and love will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.
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