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Bervin O. Dr. Bervin O. Caswell, long-time United Methodist minister in New Mexico and West Texas, died at home in Carlsbad, NM, March 30, 2007. Services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 4, 2007, at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Abilene, Texas with Reverend Greg Kennedy and Reverend Roland McGregor officiating. Burial will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park, directed by Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 542 Hickory. The family will receive friends at a visitation 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Born in Sunset, Montague County, Texas on March 25, 1917, he moved with his family in 1926 to Lynn County, Texas, south of Lubbock. Bervin graduated from McMurry University in Abilene, Texas in 1938, the year he married Etha Mae Sherrill, his wife of nearly 70 years. He received a Bachelor of Divinity degree from Southern Methodist University in 1943 and an honorary Doctor of Divinity from McMurry in 1964. For 45 years, he served pastorates in West Texas and New Mexico, retiring in Abilene in 1984. Dr. Caswell received a lifetime achievement award from McMurry in 2004. He is survived by his wife, Etha Mae; a sister, Fern Barnes of Draw, Texas; and a brother, Noel Caswell of Lubbock, Texas; their four children: James (Dallas), Leonard (Carlsbad), Karen (Carlsbad) and Jon (Dallas); three daughters-in-laws: Jackie, Kathy, and Linda: six grandchildren: Angela Secrest, James Robert Caswell, Toni Clark, Benjamin Caswell, Shannon Ingram, and Joshua Caswell, all of whom will serve as pallbearers; and 12 great-grandchildren. Members of the Emmanuel Class of St. Paul United Methodist Church, which Dr. Caswell taught for many years after his retirement from active ministry, will serve as honorary pallbearers. There will be a Memorial Service at Landsun Homes in Carlsbad, NM at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given to Landsun Homes Caring Hands Fund, 2002 Westridge Road, Carlsbad, NM 88220, or a charity of choice.
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