Name: Visitation for Dr. Harmon Lee Schmelzenbach
Start: 2019-01-11T15:00:00.000Z
End: 2019-01-11T16:00:00.000Z
Location: Hernando Church of The Nazarene

Dr. Harmon Lee Schmelzenbach, DD., age 83 of Floral City, FL passed away January 2, 2019 at Diamond Ridge Health & Rehab Center. Dr. Schmelzenbach was born in Nampa, Idaho on December 18, 1935 to the late Elmer and Mary (Snyder) Schmelzenbach and came to Citrus County 10 years ago from Hudson, FL. He was a member of the Hernando Church of The Nazarene.
Harmon is a third generation missionary, having grown up in Africa. From childhood he knew the Swazi language and grew up loving the people and communicating with them in their own language. His grandfather was a pioneer for the work of the Church of the Nazarene in Africa, establishing the national church in the countries of Swaziland, Mozambique and South Africa. In 1960, following college, Harmon and Beverly were appointed to the Republic of South Africa, serving for the next 34 years. Their work eventually comprised of eight nationally led districts, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Eastern Zaire, and constitutes hundreds of churches. The training of pastors led to the laying of the foundations for Africa Nazarene University in Nairobi, Kenya in 1986, and is now fully operational, accredited and under national leadership. In 1994 Harmon and Beverly accepted the assignment of "Missionaries-at-Large" from the Church. This has involved them in traveling across the US and Canada sharing his passion for missions, attending conventions worldwide, the "Jesus Film" project and the establishment of national work in the country of Hungary. In 2001 they retired having serviced continuously as missionaries for just over 40 years.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 63 years, Beverly Ann Schmelzenbach, Floral City, FL; one son, Harmon R. Schmelzenbach and his wife, Cindy, now 4th generation missionaries, serving in Papua New Guinea; two daughters, LeAnn Steen and husband Geron, Floral City; Pamela Sue Wachtel and husband, Robert, Smithville, TN; his brother, Dennis Schmelzenbach, Oklahoma City, OK; his sister, Marilyn Wyss, Tucson, AZ; 5 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.
Dr. Schmelzenbach will be remembered at a Celebration of Life Memorial Service on Friday, January 11th at 11:00 AM from the Hernando Church of The Nazarene with Rev. Randy Hodges officiating. Burial will be at a later date in Nampa, Idaho. Friends may visit with the family one hour prior to services. In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to the ministerial students at Africa Nazarene University c/o General Treasurer, Global Treasury Services, Church of the Nazarene, P.O. Box 843116, Kansas City, MO 64184-3116. (indicate 133102 in check memo). Direct link: https://give.nazarene.org/donate/f/133102.
The Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home With Crematory is assisting the family.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Citrus County Chronicle on Jan. 8, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Harmon Schmelzenbach

8 Entries

January 9, 2019

On behalf of Panama City First Church of the Nazarene of Florida, I want to say how we love you and pray for God's comfort in the time of your loss. Harmon shared a tremendous Christlike life that will have an impact for years to come. God bless. You're in our prayers.

Faithful Blessings Bouquet - VASE INCLUDED

Martin Hoskins

Sent Flowers

Ruth Fetterman-Filer

January 8, 2019

Harmon visited our church on the Pittsburg District when my dad was pastor at Conemaugh, Pa. I still remember his story about being chased by a lion. He saw a tree with a limb 10 feet above the ground. He jumped and missed it.
BUT, fortunately he caught it on the way back down.
My mom told me about his family that founded the Nazarene mission field in Africa.
Thirteen years ago I was privileged to visit Africa with The Church of God National President.
We visited Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda.
What a continent.
Thank you, Harmon for your service to God and to the Nazarene Church.
Sympathy to the family in your loss.

Judith Beeler

January 8, 2019

Harmon was indeed an icon in the church and for the Lord. Heaven is much richer today because of his entrance into it. We are saddened here on earth and want you to know that we are praying for you. Thank you for sharing him with all of us.
Center Pointe Church of the Nazarene have you all at the top of our prayer list.

Rebecca Garner

January 7, 2019

The only words I can imagine for this incredible servant of GOD is what He Himself will have already said to Dr. Schmelzenbach, "Well done, good and faithful servant." His legacy will live in my heart and in the hearts of this world into eternity. I will forever recall the Sunday morning when he held in the palm of his hand, about 30 teenagers, as we related the story of the tribal king and his son. He changed the lives of several of those teenagers by his amazing gift. May GOD Himself touch and bless each and every member of his family as they continue to serve and touch this world for Jesus.

Ernie and Linda Lewis

January 7, 2019

Beverly and Family, We praise the Lord that Harmon has reached his home in heaven. What wonderful memories we have of you both at Clearwater 1st and many other venues over the years. The entire Schmelzenbach family have made such a spiritual impact for eternity, and there will never be another Harmon III in the way he could paint such beautiful pictures in his word descriptions of Africa. We love you and are praying for your whole family during this time of separation.

JKH/JW

January 7, 2019

My sincerest condolences to the Schmelzenbach Family for the loss of your loved one, Harmon, and pray you find comfort in Psalms 91:2.

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