Stage, Jr., Francis Marion
4/22/1984
| Frank Stage was born January 24, 1919 in Jonesboro, Arkansas. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Arkansas to pursue a secular career. These plans were interrupted by the call to military service in the U.S. Navy in World War II where Frank served on a PT boat. On August 3, 1944, Frank did one of the smartest things that he ever did. He married Janelle Fowler from Star City, Arkansas at First Methodist Church in Pine Bluff. They had four children, Mary Beth, Dr. Ben Stage, Dr. Steve Stage and Mrs. Pamela Stage Booker. After his release from military service, he acted on a call to serve in the Christian ministry that had been growing in his life for years. He was released from the Navy in April, and the next fall he entered the Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas, where he received a Bachelor of Divinity Degree. He was received on probation with the North Arkansas Conference in 1945, then in 1946 as Deacon and in 1947 into full connection and ordained an Elder. While in Arkansas, Frank served the Aubrey Circuit, Kenselt and Wheatley, Blytheville, and Leachville charges Louisiana was fortunate to receive several pastors from Arkansas when the same bishop served the Louisiana and Arkansas Conferences. One of these was Frank Stage. In Louisiana, Frank served at Barksdale, Blanchard-Belcher, Lottie-Rosedale, New Roads, Kentwood -Mt. Herman, Reville-Crew Lake and Heflin-Brushwood charges. On April 22, Easter Sunday evening, Frank suffered a fatal heart attack and shared the new life of Christ’s Easter people with His Lord. Funeral services were held for him in his beloved Blanchard United Methodist Church in the lovely sanctuary, which was built during his pastorate there. The Reverends Ralph Mann and John R. Johns officiated, and Dr. Douglas L. McGuire, preached. Praise be to God who gave us our friend, Frank, to share his zest for living, his sense of humor, and his dedication to service. We thank God for the heritage that is left to his children. Thanks be to God who has given Frank the victory of eternal life. |
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| Source: Journal Louisiana Conference, 1984; p. 199 By John R. Johns | |
