Raymond J. Barkman, 81, of McConnelsville, Ohio took his heavenly flight from his earthly home on Thursday, January 29,2015. His 8 children were by his side when he passed from this life. Raymond was born in Holmes County, Ohio on December 13,1933 to John and Elizabeth "Lizzie" Barkman, who preceded him in death. Raymond married Clara E. (Mullet) on October 14,1954. They were married for 47 years. Clara preceded him in death on November 4 2001. All who knew him heard him speak of her with great love and affection. They had 8 children: Elizabeth Sue Beachy (R. Merle) of Free Union, Va., Ervin John (Martha) of Bird-in-Hand, Pa., Martin Jay (Rosseta) of McConnelsville, Oh., James Alan (Christina) of McConnelsville, Oh., Joel Dean (Patricia) of Catlett, Va., Clement Dale (Michelle) of McConnelsville, Oh., Gaylord Yost (Celesta) of Beach City, Oh., (currently serving in missions to Thailand), and Marcus Lael (Cheryl) of Harlan, In. They had 39 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Raymond was ordained a minister in 1973 and ministered until several months before his death. He was Bishop of Ebenezer Mennonite Church in the McConnelsville/ Malta area from 1975-2005 when he retired. His passion was to "spread the fame of Jesus everywhere he goes". Soon after his wife's death, he served as a chaplain for Christian Aid Minintries at sites set up to rebuild areas ravaged by natural disasters. He was the charter tele-counselor in 2006 for CAM's billboard mininstry and served there until health disallowed it. Raymond and Clara had also served as missionaries to Belgium for nearly 2 years. In addition to his mininstry, he was also a carpenter and a farmer. He and Clara had purchased the Eldon Eppley farm on Dutch Hill, providing a place that the family could work and grow up together. He loved the house of God, his family, and the land. Raymond also loved snow with great passion. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Anna Mae Troyer, and a brother, Emmanuel Barkman. Surviving are 2 brothers; Albert of Lakeland, Fl. and Atlee of Walnut Creek, Oh. Viewing will be held on Monday, February 2,2015 from 1-4 and 6-8 p.m. The funeral will be held on Tuesday, February 3,2015 at 10:00 a.m. with son-in-law Merle Beachy, and Pastors LaVerne Yoder and Jons Beiler officiating. Each will be held at Cornerstone Full Gospel Church at 4509 Salt Creek Drive Duncan Falls, Ohio 43734. Burial will be in the Ebenezer Mennonite Church Cemetery. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christian Aid Ministries PO Box 360 Berlin, Ohio. Miller-Huck Funeral Home in McConnelsville is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.miller-huck.com. Local contacts for further information and details: Phil and Grace Mast phone 740-962-3304 Cell 740-651-8653 [email protected]