Birth date: Jun 25, 1950 Death date: Apr 18, 2015
Pastor John Allen Colyer, 64, of Ankeny went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, April 18, 2015 while doing missionary work in Lusaka, Zambia. John Allen Colyer was born on June 25, 1950 to James and June Colyer in Cincinnati, O Read Obituary
Wow there are so many sweet memories of Pastor John, the best one to describe them all is he was a REAL true man of God.
In his memory I will give blood.
I met John Colyer on December 21 1975 when he led me in prayer to receive Christ at High Point Baptist Chapel. I was 13 years old. That summer I spent week after week at camp and I can remember during free time waiting by the little house on campus where John and Judy lived in the hope of having a conversation with him. That summer, and John's influence, changed the trajectory of my life. He was a beautiful man who could make a joke anytime about anything but who could also shepherd in a beautiful way. He was tinged with the Love of God and it came out through his smile. I will never forget the stories from being a 'preacher boy' at Calvary in Lancaster for several summers when John was on staff. I'm not sure who got in more trouble, him or me, ok...it was me, but he was close. I love you John. Thank you very much for being who you were. I love you Judy and boys and although Lyn and I can't be at the funeral, you are in our thoughts and prayers constantly. Peace to you all.
I held John in my arms the week he was born. I have held him in my heart ever since. I was his favorite uncle. His life would take a volume or two, his story is all about the Grace of God. From a rowdy college freshman to a giant servant of God. Only a wife like Judy could have kept pace with him. I rejoice in how God has used him to touch the lives of thousands. He is the combination of wit and wisdom. Another soldier has gone home. What a proud uncle I am to have been blessed by a giant of a nephew. God bless the family until we all join him in Glory. John 17:24
John was a friend, a brother, and one I counted an honor to serve with. His positive and God honoring spirit, his thirst for God's truth, his love of people will never be lost with me. John could relate to any ministry but his pastors heart was the biggest of all, seen in ministry, with his family, and in his loyalty to those he worked with, one of whom was me. Thank you John for your many years of faithfulness and thank you Judy for the testimony you displayed along with your husband. John will be missed but only for a time, see you later my brother in Christ.
John had a great heart for God and passion for life! He was a dear friend when I was at Baptist Bible College and enjoyed renewing our friendship when I had lunch with him here in Michigan a few years ago. Sue and I are praying for John's family and church and are confident in God's grace to sustain you all (Heb 4:16)
To the wife and children of John Colyer, we extend our deepest sympathy and love for your loss. For your church family in Ankeny who are grieving, we ask God to give them strength and extra love at this time.
John was my youth pastor, college and seminary professor, co-laborer in Christ and my friend. John brought me out of shell so that I could live with confidence and joy. He was a spiritual pillar in my life and I was never ready to say goodbye. A part of him was woven into the fabric of my soul over these 35 years. I love him and rejoice in who he was and all that he meant to so many. May God's grace abound to Judy and the entire family. Grace to you.
Pastor John was a great pastor and a great brother in Christ. He was one of my instructors when I (Bob)enrolled in Luther Rice Bible Institute and both Maryann and I took Grace Evangelical Ministry classes taught by Pastor John. He was a great teacher, very loving person and lite up the room when he entered. I just received an email from him about 3 weeks ago answering a ministry question I had asked and he was a great help and encouragement. I loved him dearly and cannot wait to see Him again when I enter Heaven's gates and see the Lord face to face.
I loved Pastor John and my deepest sympathy and prayers are extended to Judie and family, Pastor John's church family and others whose lives were touched by our beloved pastor and mentor.
I had the privilege of knowing John when he was serving the Lord in PA. He loved the Lord, loved his family, and loved to laugh. His joyful spirit was contagious. He knew the Lord and the joy of the Lord. He was faithful to the end of his earthly pilgrimage and encourages us through his entrance to the eternal kingdom to hear from our Savior - "Well done good and faithful servant... Enter into the joy of your Master." We will see him again. Maybe sooner. Maybe later. Yet surely! Our prayers and condolences to his family.
He was such a great Pastor! He will be missed by many. I can remember that he would get my twin and I to see every year at the Mother and Daughter banquet at Calvary Baptist Church in Lancaster PA. He loved to joke and carry on. He loved his passion in music and serving the Lord. He will be missed greatly.
