Wayne J. Eberly

Wayne J. Eberly, of Palmyra, passed away on Wednesday, February 2, 2023, at the age of 92. Born November 14, 1930 in the Indiana he was the son of the late John & Ollie (Heaston) Eberly. He was the loving husband of 63 years to the late Wilda Eberly.

He was a graduate of Manchester College and Bethany Theological Seminary and received his M.A. and Ph.D. in History from The Pennsylvania State University. His career included a variety of interim and permanent pastoral positions. Interim pastorates ranged from Pennsylvania and Maryland to Florida. Wayne’s full-time pastorates included churches in Cumberland, Maryland, and Berkey, Indiana, and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He was instrumental in the establishment of the University Baptist and Brethren Church, a congregation in State College, Pennsylvania, with affiliation to each denomination.

Wayne was an educator as well, ranging from teaching seventh grade through a graduate teaching assistantship to his tenure at Elizabethtown College as Assistant Professor of History and Director of Student Financial Aid.

Following his pastorate at Harrisburg First Church of the Brethren, Wayne worked for the Church of the Brethren General Board as a Regional Coordinator for Ministry Training and Director of Stewardship Education.

His children and grandchildren remember his sense of humor that included puns, jokes, and “groaners” among his grandpa-isms. Wayne was a lifelong reader, often calling himself a professional student and wanting to always learn something new. His reading list was extensive and diverse and always included multiple books at one time. The family enjoyed traveling around the country in the summer on the way to and from Church of the Brethren Annual Conference as well as with close family friends. Wayne was notorious for his photography and his family cherishes the memories of the many hours they “suffered” through slide shows with relatives and friends. In later years, Wayne and Wilda travelled internationally with his brother David and wife Ann to Russia, Germany, Scandinavia, and England.

Wayne is survived by his wife Ruth “Betty” Rettew-Eberly, who were married in July 2019; children: Rebecca Eberly (James Winner) and Chris Eberly (Tina Fisher); grandchildren: Jason Eberly (Danielle), Kalie Esper (Alex Strickler), Alex Eberly, Jacob Eberly, and Leah Eberly; great grandchildren: Garrett, Holden, Easton, and Miles; one brother John David Eberly. He is preceded in death by his brother William Eberly.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in memory of Wayne may be made to Habitat for Humanity International, 322 West Lamar Street, Americus, Georgia 31709-3543 or Heifer International, 1 World Avenue, Little Rock, AR 72202.

Services will be held at a later date.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.FinkenbinderFamily.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Rothermel-Finkenbinder Funeral Home & Crematory, Palmyra, PA.

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