Elmer Mast

Elmer Mast, age 76, resident of the Whiteville Community and retired minister at the Whiteville Mennonite Church died at his residence. He died suddenly of a massive heart attack.

Services for Elmer Mast will be at 10 Thursday morning at the Whiteville Mennonite Church with interment following in the Mennonite Cemetery. A visitation for Bro. Mast will be from 2 until 4 Wednesday afternoon and 6 to 8 Wednesday evening at the Whiteville Mennonite Church. Arrangements will be provided by Peebles Fayette County Funeral Homes & Cremation Center - Main Chapel of Somerville.

Elmer Mast was born September 11, 1935 in Hutchinson, Kansas. He was preceded in death by his parents, Noah and Elizabeth Nisly Mast.

As a young lad, Elmer's family moved to Stuarts Draft, Virginia where he met Mary Jane Yoder, daughter of Alvin and Ida Byler Yoder. They were married October 25, 1956 and in April of 1966, moved to Leon, Iowa, where Elmer was ordained as bishop in 1980. He served in that capacity faithfully until 2002 where he semi-retired due to health issues. Mary Jane preceded him in death on July 15, 2003 after sharing the joys and sorrows of life in loving matrimony for 46 years 8 months and 20 days.

To this union were born three sons and two daughters who survive: Marvin Eugene Mast (Lois Miller) of Hutchinson, KS, Susan Darlene Overholt (Paul) of Dickson, TN, Ruby Fern Overholt (Loren) of Williston, SC, Nelson Ray Mast (Donna Champ Byler) of Bonners Ferry, Idaho and David Lavon Mast (Luann Steiner) of Seneca, SC.

Also surviving him are his wife, Norma Kuepfer Jantzi Mast, whom he married June 12, 2005 and stepchildren, James Jantzi (Sheila) of New Hamburg, Ontario and Kathy Lebold (Floyd) of Lucknow, Ontario, Mark Jantzi (Linda) of Wellesley, Ontario. Elmer and Norma were united in matrimony for 6 years, 6 months and 27 days.

Elmer also leaves two surviving sisters, Sylvia Parker of Hampton, VA, Verna Mast of Sarasota, FL; and his brother, Eli Lloyd Mast of Whiteville; 26 grandchildren and 14 step grandchildren.

In addition to his first wife and parents, he was preceded in death by two grandsons, Friedrick Mast and Caleb Overholt; and four sisters, Fannie, Mary, Sadie and Wilma.

Those honored to serve as casketbearers are Mr. Mast's grandsons, Mark Overholt, Ronald Overholt, Derek Overholt, Josiah Overholt, Matthias Overholt, Karlton Overholt, Benjamin Mast and Samuel Kauffman.

The family requests that memorials be directed to the Whiteville Mennonite Church, 960 Walker Drive, Whiteville, TN 38075.

In our grief, we also know joy, as we think of the rejoicing in Heaven, as another dear one has reached his goal, and as we anticipate that glorious day, when all of God's children will gather to sing His praises throughout eternity. We know that it would be our Father's heartfelt desire that each of you, too, may be among those redeemed.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for the many prayers and other exressions of sympathy. May God bless you all.