Photo courtesy of Chambers Funeral Homes - North Olmsted
North Olmsted, Ohio
Apr 5, 1934 – Aug 23, 2020 (Age 86)
Phillip Wendell Kizzee was born April 5, 1934 in Ironton, Ohio, to Andrew Jackson Kizzee and Fannie Saunders. He graduated from Ironton High School in 1953, Olivet Nazarene College in 1956, and Nazarene Theological Seminary in 1959. Wendell was ordained as an elder in the Church of the Nazarene in 1960. The Doctor of Divinity Degree was conferred on him by Mount Vernon Nazarene University in 2000.
Wendell married his childhood sweetheart, Vivian (Bates) in 1955. Vivian’s first memory is of him when they were four and five, respectively. They were married at the ages of 19 and 21. After seminary, they faithfully served in ministry together. They planted the Reynoldsburg Church of the Nazarene before moving to Cleveland and pastoring the Lakewood Church of the Nazarene, relocating it to Westlake, where it became Parkside Church of the Nazarene. He pastored the Parkside congregation for 39 years. He served as treasurer for the North Central Ohio District Church of the Nazarene for over 40 years. After retiring from the pastorate, he served in various roles for the North Central Ohio District. While working for the District their greatest joy was to visit churches and encourage pastors, many of whom they counted as dearest friends. Wendell considered it a privilege to serve for 37 years as a Trustee at Mount Vernon Nazarene University.
Wendell and Vivian have three children: Kathy (Mike) Pelley, Phil (Brenda) Kizzee, and Joy (Alan) De Vries. They have six grandchildren: Andy (Susan) Kizzee (children Marion, Spoorthi, Dean & Drexel), Austin (Elizabeth) Kizzee (children Carter, Riley, and Colton), Joanna Pelley, Grace, Pelley, Ruby Pelley, and Rochelle De Vries.
Wendell is preceded in death by his parents, and siblings, Richard & Kathleen.
A private family burial is planned. A Celebration of Life service will be held at the Wooster Church of the Nazarene on Saturday, August 29, at 10:30 am. (3100 Oak Hill Road, Wooster, Ohio 44691). There will also be a service of celebration and remembrance on Sunday morning, August 30, at Parkside Church of the Nazarene (23600 Hilliard Boulevard, Westlake, Ohio 44145) at 10:00 am. Parkside will stream the service on Facebook and YouTube.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to either Parkside Church of the Nazarene, (23600 Hilliard Boulevard, Westlake, Ohio 44145) or the Wendell Kizzee Scholarship Fund at Mount Vernon Nazarene University (800 Martinsburg Road, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050).
Read MoreOur thoughts and prayers are with you all. He was a good man and a man of God! I am appreciative of the inspiration he had on my life! Blessings on you.
David Lord
October 14, 2020 | Louisville, TN | Friend
Wendell was the most kind, encouraging man I'd met. He encouraged me in ministry when few others did. He truly was an example of Christ's love. I'm sorry to hear of his passing but look forward to seeing him again one day!
Keith Irey
September 18, 2020 | Marion, OH | Friend
God bless you Joy and your whole family as you gather to celebrate your father’s life.
Leslie Prescott
August 27, 2020 | Sierra Madre, CA | Friend
Condolences to Wendell’s family. May your precious memories of good times together serve to comfort you until you are reunited in heaven!
Nancy Carolyn & Roger Lofts
August 27, 2020 | Melbourne, FL | Family
What an incredible, joyous man!
Rich Henry
August 26, 2020 | Amherst, OH | Friend
A giant of a man of faith with a heart for all people.
Carl & Vicki Commons
August 25, 2020 | Aiken, SC | Friend
It was a joy to get to know Rev. Kizzee - a very gracious and Godly man. It was wonderful to have him at the Ironton Elm St. Church in 2000 while I was there as Pastor. He was always an encouragement to the Pastoral families. May the Lord bring comfort to his family.
John Cadwell
August 25, 2020 | Coshocton, OH | Friend
No words can describe the love people had for you. You showed me what it was to be Godly. I respected you and I am so glad you were part of the village that raised me and my children. You will always be thought of and have a special place in my heart. Prayers and much love to Mrs. Kizzee and the kids.
Tammy Schroll
August 25, 2020 | Lakewood, OH
Wendell held a special place in our hearts and played a vital part in our lives. He was a great mentor who we could always go to. We know he is enjoying his time in heaven but our hearts break for you, his family who will miss him greatly. Lean into the Lord's strength and know we will all be together again. In His Love,
Doc & Sheila Burrows
August 25, 2020 | Beaufort, SC | Friend
