Rev. Dr. Vernard Marion Eller

July 11, 1927 - June 18, 2007 Vernard Marion Eller was born in Everett, WA, the oldest son of Jay and Geraldine Eller of Wenatchee, WA. He is survived by Phyllis Eller, his wife o f over 50 years, brother Eldon Eller of San Marcos, CA, and sister Elfreda (Eller) Holmes of Tonasket WA; children Sander Eller of La Verne, CA, Enten Eller of Richmond, IN, and Rosanna (Eller) McFadden of Goshen, IN, and three grandchildren, Kathryn, Rebecca, and Joel McFadden of Goshen, IN. After completing a Bachelor's degree at La Verne College, he was called by the Church of the Brethren General Board in Elgin, IL, to be editor of youth publications. He met Phyllis Kulp of Pottstown, PA while leadi ng a Brethren heritage tour, and they were married on July 9, 1955. Vernard received an M.Div. from Bethany Theological Seminary, an M.A. in English Literature from Northwestern University, and a Th.D. from the Pacific School of Religion. He had a thirty-four year career as a professor of philosophy and religion at the University of La Verne, and is the author of more than twenty books, including The Mad Morality, and The Most Revealing Book of the Bible. He was a founding member and free minister with the Fellowship Church of the Brethren (La Verne), which later merged with the Pomona Church of the Brethren to become the Pomona Fellowship Church of the Brethren. He provided leadership as a preacher, speaker, and Bible study leader in those congregations, in camp and conference settings, as a member of the Church of the Brethren General Board, and as a Board member of Bethany Theological Seminary. In his last years, Vernard suffered from Alzheimer's disease, and was cared for at home until his death. He wi ll be remembered for his many books and articles, his wit and humor, his dramatic teaching, his interest in his students, his passion for Brethren history and theology, and his extensive collection of video animation. Services will be held at the Pomona Fellowship Church of the Brethren, 875 W Orange Grove, Pomona, on Tuesday, June 26, 2007, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Pomona Fellowship Church of the Brethren, or to Heifer International.