John A. Dekle
Although it was very unexpected, John A. Dekle passed in his sleep early Wednesday morning in his home, October 2, 2024, and was welcomed into glory to be with his Savior, Jesus Christ, whom he loved and served with all his heart.
John was born on Dec. 12, 1946, in Highland Park, Mi., the son of Carroll D. and Alice Wilena (Matheson) Dekle.
Learning was very important to John. He graduated from Cooley High School, Detroit, Mi., February of 1965. He also attended Vancouver Bible Institute in Surrey, BC Canada where he got his Bachelor of Religious Education (BRE) degree. He got his Master of Arts Religious Education (MAR) with International College and Graduate School, and served as professor there from 1981 to 2006. That wasn’t enough, he then completed his Doctor of Religious Studies (DRS) at Trinity Theological Seminary in 2009.
In his early teens, John knew God was calling him into full-time ministry. So, after high school graduation, he joined God’s Invasion Army (GIA), a gospel team traveling all over the U.S. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, DiAnna Marie Dwire, “on a piano bench” in Seattle, Wa. John was group leader for their team. They were engaged by the time he was called for military service and married the following year. John was discharged from the U.S. Army with the rank of E5 in 1969. He then pastored Bay View Baptist Church while getting his BRE degree. After this, they joined Child Evangelism Fellowship where he served for 39 years, 35 of those years as state director in Hawaii. He was very active at International Baptist Church in Honolulu, Hi., and then later at New Bethel Baptist Church in Harrison, Tn., where he also filled the roll of interim pastor twice and helped the interim pastor when the need came up a third time. Serving the Lord wherever and however was his continual passion to the end. The last 10 years he also served as newsletter editor with the American Association of Woodturners (AAW) Tri-State Woodturners. In 2021 he received the national Best Chapter Newsletter award. His newsletters were always impressive as he never did anything half-heartedly. But not only that, he was constantly challenging the woodturners to be creative. Johns woodturning abilities were incredible.
Surviving in addition to his wife, Di (Dwire) Dekle, are his two sons, Timothy John and his wife Mari, and Robert Carroll and his wife Wendy. Bob and Wendy have six children and 15 grandchildren and one on the way. John is also leaving behind three brothers: George, Neil, and Ross, and two sisters: Alice and Barbara, along with many nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed.
One of his favorite Bible verses was 2 Timothy 2:2, “You have heard me teach many things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Teach these great truths to trustworthy people who are able to pass them on to others.” John never stopped teaching others about his Savior. Now he is home!
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 7, at New Bethel Baptist Church, 8740 Harrison Bay Road, Harrison, Tn. 37341 with Rev. Timothy Dekle and Rev. Stephen Halstead officiating. Family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until time of service Monday at the church. Interment will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 15, at the Chattanooga National Cemetery with military honors.
Please share your memories of John with the family at www.hamiltonfhofchattanooga.com
Arrangements are by Hamilton Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 4506 Hixson Pike, Hixson, Tn. 37343.