Rural Chaplain's Association

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Rural Chaplain's Association Chaplains gather annually in community for communion, education, and prayer.

Rural Chaplains are lay and clergy persons who have responded to the call to live in, work with and advocate for town and rural persons, families, churches and communities.

10/26/2026

West Virginia Conference area of the United Methodist Church posted the following:"

We Remember Rev. O. Richard (Dick) Bowyer, who died October 21, 2026. Dick was a retired Elder of the West Virginia Conference. He served Pritchard Ct.; Cherokee Indian Mission ( Associate); First, Rockingham (NC); West Liberty-Short Creek & Campus Minister, West Liberty State; Part-time State Director MSM/Conference Board of Education and part-time Wesley Foundation, Fairmont State.

He then was appointed full time to the Wesley Foundation at Fairmont State, serving a total of 43 years there. During his time at the Wesley Foundation, he also served part-time at Trinity, Fairmont for a season, plus 30 years part-time as adjunct faculty at Fairmont State. He retired in 2005, briefly serving Farmington Charge from July 1 - September 30, 2009.

This past summer, Dick was honored with the Marion County Chamber of Commerce’s D.D. Meighen Humanity in Action Award."

10/26/2026

Dick Bowyer's son shared the following on Facebook.

"With a heavy heart I'm sharing the news that my father Rev. Orman Richard (Dick) Bowyer passed away last night (21 October 2026) at the age of 91. Dad was driven by his passion for helping others. He had a positive impact on so many people's lives whether through his ministry, with his support of the Arts and Humanities here in Fairmont, as a founder and chairman of Valley Mental Health systems, and through so many other ways. He was a powerful force for good, peace and love that will be missed. His energetic way of working and enjoying his life kept him ahead of Father Time until some recent heart trouble made him slow down. I will cherish the memory of our last round of golf in April where he chipped in a 30 footer for birdie then, at 91, ran around whooping it up like a teenager. I will post soon about dates for the viewing and funeral service."

Please keep the Bowyer family in your prayers...

Introducing the most recent certified Rural Chaplains: Laszlo Mark (Romania), [presiding during the certification ceremo...
10/23/2026

Introducing the most recent certified Rural Chaplains: Laszlo Mark (Romania), [presiding during the certification ceremony--Bishop Merrill], Alice Kyarimpa (England, UK), and Derrek Belles (Oklahoma). The certification service was held during the 2026 Focus Event in Oklahoma City.

07/18/2026

Text message from Dick about 6:30 pm EDT Friday, July 17:
The surgery actually went well and I am recovering well. 🙏👍

07/16/2026

Please remember Rural Chaplain Dick Bowyer in prayer.

Below is Dick's explanation and request for prayer.

I am in West Virginia University hospital since Sunday with severe chest/heart pain. Tomorrow I am scheduled for catherization to place stints. This is the third time the doctor advised against it due to high risk I wouldn’t survive.
The option is medication that seemed to work until strong events Sunday and Monday.
I must decide whether to try the procedure or face uncertainty with medication and likely a big heart attack. I am at ease with dying but concerned for my wife and sons.
Lots of prayers focused on the procedure that it will work. I am inclined to do that whether I survive or not.
Dick

06/18/2026

Deepest sympathies to Michael Allway, his wife Lynn has passed.

06/17/2026

Deepest Sympathies to the Family of Dorsey Walker.

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Dempseytown, PA

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(814) 587-3662

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