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Ed Bousman Obituary
Mr. Bousman, who broadcast his weekly Sunday morning show, "God Is Just a Prayer Away," on 50,000-watt WCKY-AM and WLW-AM for nearly 50 years, died Monday at his Highland County home. He was 92.
"He loved radio, and he knew that if could get on a 50,000-watt station, he could preach the gospel to a lot of people," said Bill Wills, a Lynchburg native and former WLW-AM morning host now working for Cleveland's WTAM-AM (1100).
Born in 1918 in Matewan, W.Va., Mr. Bousman earned a bachelor's degree from the Cincinnati Bible College and Seminary (now Cincinnati Christian University), and a master's in communications from Xavier University.
He started his ministry in 1943, and began broadcasting in 1962 by buying a Sunday half-hour evening time segment on WCKY-AM for $180.
Mr. Bousman switched to paying WLW for a time slot before 1970, said Wills, who as a child attended Bousman's Lynchburg Church of Christ in Highland County.
"He did not want to be called a 'reverend.' He was a pastor and an evangelist," Wills said about the longtime family friend.
At the time of his death, Mr. Bousman was heard on stations in Indianapolis; Louisville and Prestonburg, Ky.; Wheeling, W.Va.; Richmond, Va.; Waterloo, Iowa; Little Rock, Ark.; and on short-wave stations in India, Russia, Europe and Africa.
He often mailed Bibles and clothing to African and European regions that listened to his broadcasts, Wills said.
"Lynchburg is a town of 1,000 people, and he had it on the map," Wills said.
Mr. Bousman also hosted "Preaching Christ TV" (1984-94), which ran on both Channel 19 and satellite television, according to his wife, Naomi Angel Bousman. All former broadcasts can be heard on the ministry's website (www.gijapa.org).
His theme song - which Mr. Bousman sang each broadcast - was written by his first wife, Roberta, who died in 1980. Wills said Mr. Bousman recorded the program in his home studio.
In December 1982, he married Naomi, aformer teacher at Sycamore High School.
Last year, after Mr. Bousman became ill, the couple "got organized" Mrs. Bousman said. They recorded an estimated five-years' worth of future broadcasts to be heard without repetition.
In addition to his radio program, Mr. Bousman traveled frequently on weekends, speaking across the country at Church of Christ-hosted revivals and annual events such as the Hillsboro (Ohio) Family Camp and Prayer Clinic in Grundy, Va.
"He was a living Bible, who had the entire New Testament memorized,'' Mrs. Bousman said. "He ate, slept and drank scripture."
In addition to his first wife, he was preceded in death by a sister, Lucille Livesay, and a brother, Jay Bousman.
In addition to his wife, survivors include a daughter, Melanie Rightmyer of Holtville, Ala.; a son, Eric Vail of Edgewood; and three grandchildren.
Visitation is 4-8 p.m. Friday at Allensburg Church of Christ, U.S. Highway 50, Lynchburg, and 9:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday with services following at the church. Burial will follow in Lynchburg Masonic Cemetery.
Memorials: "God Is Just a Prayer Away" Radio Broadcast, P.O. Box 511, Lynchburg, OH 45142.
Turner Funeral Home is serving the family. Condolences: www.turnerfuneralhomes.cc
Written by John Kiesewetter | [email protected]
Memories and Condolences
for Ed Bousman
58 Entries
Pam Fields
October 13, 2024
My mother got so much joy from listening to your broadcasts. I enjoyed listening with her. Thank you and may you sing forever with the Lord.
shirley ison
March 27, 2022
Have Heaven to look forward to, to meet this dear Child of God. I am 80+ an have listened every Sunday morning for like 40 yrs or so. at first while getting breakfast for family's for church now while getting ready to go to church.
Steve Becker
August 14, 2020
I am so sorry to learn about Pastor Bousman’s passing, but I know he’s in the presence of God. I know you’re probably thinking why it took so long... I was reading and suddenly his name came to my memory and I looked him up on the internet, and learned of his passing.
In 2003 my Army Reserve unit in Bossier City, Louisiana was activated and I spent the next two years at Ft Polk, Louisiana, 120 miles away, so therefore I was able to come most weekends and returned on Sunday evenings. It was a lonely drive which nearly 50 miles was through a desolate spot called the Kisatchie National Forest on a windy LA Hwy 117. The only radio station I was able to pickup, I wanted talking and not music because l felt less alone, was the one out of Cincinnati, Ohio, and God Is Just A Prayer Away came on (my normal time of travel) as l was about to leave or pass through the tiny village of Provencal, the last town until I got to Leesville where Ft Polk is located.
Pastor Bousman was literally with me as I traveled through a forest (a pretty forest in the daytime) but dark and desolate at night. As I know he led many people out of a dark, desolate forest to Jesus.
Again, I am truly sorry for his earthly passing and happy for his arrival to his eternal home.
Ray Gulley
June 14, 2020
I listened to Eds Sermon this morning (Radio Station WHAS 840 - Louisville, Ky), and the message was very inspirational Christ and his inner circle; Peter, James and John.
Although I never had the pleasure of meeting Mr Bousman in person, I enjoyed hes Sermons. His interpretation of the scriptures always remained sound and unchanging as the Author intended. Rest in Piece Pastor
Ray.Gulley - June 14, 2020
Judith Foster
June 14, 2020
HIs broadcasts helped get me thru the coronavirus lockdown when the government closed the churches. Wonder what Ed would have thought. His messages have been a blessing to me and many others. A true man of God.
Robert Baird
April 17, 2020
I never had the pleasure of meeting Ed Bousman, but I certainly did have the pleasure of hearing his radio broadcasts on many occasions. Even though we never met, we certainly knew some of the same people!! I knew the entire Mackey clan from Hillsboro and I'm sure they knew Ed very well.
Anna Bradshaw
February 9, 2020
I am saddened by mr. Bausman passing greatly it hurts my mother has not found out every sunday morning she would make it a point to listen it is real sad my deepest thoughts are with his family
Chris Jones
December 15, 2018
Thanks Ed for your words of wisdom.
It was nice to listen to you on shortwave on Sunday mornings in England. A lot of your words I will not forget.Just found out today.
Rick Perpich
September 2, 2018
Rest In Peace Ed. Your words of encouragement and faith has helped me through my darkest times!! God Bless You!
fran piper
March 11, 2018
still listening to Mr Bousman after all these years..one of the very best Bible teachers ever!
Anthony S.
January 29, 2018
Ed,your spirit is still on my radio Sunday nights on 720 am.Bless you.
Richard Bauman
December 24, 2017
I listened to ed bousman on a cristal radio I had built in the late 50s or early 60s on wls radio Chicago. I enjoyed the broadcast then and now on whas radio Louisville.
Lawrence Gamby
November 19, 2017
Listening this morning. Always been a word of faith. Just saw he passed away 6 years ago. Didn't know, but it really doesn't matter. His words have saved me. Rest in peace Ed. I shall always thirst for the word of the Lord. Praise you and thank you for your ministry. You saved me and I am so indebted. I walk the road of saving grace. Bless the word of God. Bless you Ed Bousman. May God help all of us in this time of need.
Billy Ford
August 26, 2017
Even after all these years I miss Ed at the National Prayer Clinic. I have used sermon ideas from his books for 40 years. He was my favorite preacher of all times.
Jack Willey
March 12, 2017
I am from Georgetown Delaware. I was introduced to Ed Bousman through a Friend named Bob Bricker. Ed's preaching style was so captivating and true to the New Testament and by extension the whole bible that you could get a relatively large amount of biblical doctrine and sound teaching in a short time frame. I remember is sermon titles and message outlines. One in particular now I remember was United-Ations ! Rest in peace Ed much love to you.
Richard Schildmeier
May 8, 2016
Now, at age 73, I remember so enjoying Ed's messages while milking cows out in the barn. Truly the Word of God is brought into hearts and lives by his ministry. Now, in May of 2016, blessed to be continuing to benefit by his admonition in The Word to stay faithful, even unto death, and we will receive a crown of life. Thank you.
July 26, 2015
Bro Ed's ministry still inspires my soul
January 5, 2014
MY CONDOLENCES. I LOVE HIS MINISTRY AND LISTEN MOST EVERY SUNDAY. I BELIEVE JESUS HAS WELCOMED HIM HOME WITH A GREETING WE ALL WANT TO HEAR. 'WELCOME HOME MY GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT. ERNIE WILSON, MOORESVILLE, IND
Taras Bobiwsky
November 3, 2013
I listen to Bro. Bousman on WRVA here in Richmond. What a wonderful man with a unique voice. I was shocked to find out when he went to The Lord! RIP dear man!
April 25, 2013
I am sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Bousman. I still listen to his Sunday morning gospel,on WRVA in Richmond Va. His voice is world renowned, . He will be missed.
April 6, 2013
I did not know Br. Bowman passed away. My father and I used to listen to him almost every Sunday in Louisville KY. Much love and fond memories.........A Stephenson
Mark Noll
December 9, 2012
I listen to Mr Bousmans inspirational straight forward sermon every Sunday on the way to work. RIP
Billy J. Manuel
November 4, 2012
Sorry this is such a late entry. I have admired brother Ed since I was a boy. I used to listen to him on the radio, even in my car when the static was so bad I only heard about every other word. He was a great inspiration to all that knew him. His stand and his message will surely be missed. There are only a few of his caliber left and they and their families need our prayers. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." Amen.
heath lee
February 26, 2012
thanks for everything youwell be missed
October 23, 2011
I listened to Br. Ed for over 40 years.Every Sunday morning while
preparing breakfast for my family prior to heading off with my family
to church. Started listening in Cincinnati and later after moving to Indianapolis, IN contionued my pre church learnings from dear Ed.
He will rest in the Lord from his earthly labors.
Dick Egan, Indianapolis,IN
M. Fonseca
July 23, 2011
We have been deeply blessed by Ed Bousman and GIJAPA's ministry. We praise God for having come to know our Savior Jesus Christ after hearing Mr. Bousman's sermon on the radio in India. Ed is with the Lord in heaven, Praise God!
--Fonseca
July 20, 2011
I heard Brother Ed preach many times at the Kiamichi Clinic and was always greatly impressed. Two things standout in my memory: 1.His ability to sieze your attention & 2.How fearlessly he proclaimed the Word. Virgil McNeil
Pascal Redfern
June 14, 2011
It is admirable that a Roman Catholic and a Methodist can give such heartwarming thanks to this great preacher. There is always hope that the plea for unity will take hold among all denominations. Well done, Ed, good and faithful servant
June 12, 2011
Our condolences from Indianapolis Indiana. We would often listen to Brother Ed while getting ready for worship on Sunday mornings on WIBC. We will look forward to hearing the messages he left behind to encourage us to press on. Lee and Sherri Walker
June 5, 2011
What a beautiful inspiration, A man like
my uncle Pastor Burton Harkins, Both
are compared to Abraham. Well done was
your job here on God's great earth. Let's
give God the glory for them both.
Roger, Irvine, Kentucky
June 1, 2011
I met Ed and his wife years ago and they bought a Bouvier des Flanders puppy from me. I would listen to his program on Sunday mornings as I was heading to the golf course. Mrs. Bousman you may contact me at work at 513-489-0300. May God Bless you and your family. Tim Fleckenstein (Sharonville OH)
Mike Patton
May 28, 2011
I remember my Dad taking me to the Kiamichi clinic as a young boy. It was there that I first heard Ed Bousman speak and will never forget the impression he made on me. We will see you again someday!
Joe Reeves
May 27, 2011
Thanks Ed. Now, you can clearly see that "It was worth it all". As a boy many years ago, I rembember you coming to Wilkinson, IN; then at the Northmen; then every Sunday morning on WIBC. I was so impressed with your memorization of the Scriptures. We shared the same Oct 1 birthday.
Brett Cox
May 26, 2011
I really enjoyed listening to Mr. Bousman preach during my time in Cincinnati. He was a true man of God. Rest in peace Ed.
Jeff Q
May 24, 2011
Glad to hear that this fine gentleman had the presence to provide us with five more years of Sunday teachings. He was and is a fixture in many households. Even a post humus lesson is still a lesson well received.
God Bless Ed for all of his giving. Jeff in Dent
Roy Hill
May 24, 2011
Mr Ed Bousman, a man sent from God,a workman
that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly
dividing the word of truth.
Mary Scholz
May 24, 2011
I have been listening to Ed Bousman since 1980 and have enjoyed his Sunday morning recordings. His message of God is Just A Prayer Away has helped me for the last 30 years over
many rough situations, how true it is GOD IS JUST A PRAYER AWY. I will never for get Mr. Bousman. Thank You very much.
Aubrey Priddy
May 22, 2011
I heard brother Ed when I was a lad many years ago at Laurel Ave. Church of Christ. Throughout the years my wife and I have been inspired by his preaching and to get you thinking about things in your life. We are thankful for his life and his preaching. See you on the other side brother.
Robert Schaefer
May 22, 2011
I will miss Mr. Bousman and his preaching. I always found his sermons to be scripturaly sound and Ed was a big help for me as a sunday school teacher. May God richly bless your family and welcome you into His kingdom. Well done good and faithful servant
William McMillan
May 22, 2011
This the first Sunday that this Episcopalian has missed Ed's heart warming sermon in five years. I began by listening on clock radio while preparing for our 8:oo am service. Within a few short weeks, I found myself listening to Ed's words from the Gospel. I had to start getting up a half hour earlier to get to Church
on time.
Aline Chowning
May 21, 2011
Thank you for being a loyal servant, I have found it a privilege to have know you since I was a teenager.
Howard "Bud" Henderson
May 21, 2011
Thank you Ed. Despite being a Methodist, I was a huge fan of yours from ten years of age growing up on in Lynchburg.
Steve McClure
May 20, 2011
Ed was a wonderful preacher. He helped set the course for my life through his powerful and convicting message.
John Owens
May 20, 2011
Only got to hear Ed one time in Grundy, Va. at the Prayer Clinic but he really touch my soul and heart. He we truly be missed here on earth but I know he is and has been loving every thing and every moment in heaven since passing on Monday. Thank God for men like brother Ed Bousman. -- John O. Gladys, Va
Joe Guthrie
May 20, 2011
Thanks for his many sermons and especially his messages at Restoration Destination, I still remember the "I found a bottle" with so many followups by the rest of the preachers there. God bless all who will continue preaching with the enthusiasm that Ed gave.
Bruce Goosman
May 20, 2011
Thank you Ed for being such a faithful servant and excellent example for the rest of us preachers. Oh that we would have a tenth of your boldness and conviction! I cannot wait to see the millions that will stand before the King of Kings and say they are here because of Ed Bousman! Our prayers are being offered for you Naomi and the rest of the family.
May 20, 2011
Wow, another Catholic here who loved his message and his song...many good lessons learned...prayers to his family
May 20, 2011
He will be truly missed on Sunday morning radio. - Tim W.
May 20, 2011
Thank you, Ed, for being such a warrior for Christ and for reminding us that Christians never retire. Enjoy your eternal home.
Tim Babb
Dayton Ohio via Jamestown Ohio.
Rosena Hagee
May 20, 2011
God go with you, blessings to the family.
Jon Lanier
May 20, 2011
See you in the morning, Ed. See you in the morning.
JOHN HERBERT
May 20, 2011
GOD HAS BLESSED A GOOD MAN .A GOOD MAN HAS GIVE THAT BLESSING TO MAN.!!!MAY HE SEE GOD THE FATHER AND JESUS THE SON !!!
Carol Pfirman
May 20, 2011
I likewise am a Roman Catholic and didn't miss a Sunday broadcast. I loved the song and the message. I am deeply sorry for his family and for all of us.
BOB WILSON
May 20, 2011
WHAT A GUY ! TRULY A MAN WITH A ACOMPLISHED MISSION WHO I WOKE UP WITH EVERY SUNDAY MORNING HIS LIFE NOW IS JUST BEGINING WITH THE LORD. YES, WHAT A GUY !!...BOB FROM FAYETTEVILLE
BOB WILSON
May 20, 2011
WHAT A GUY , YOU WILL BE MISSED !BOB FROM FAYETTEVILLE
Michael Myers
May 19, 2011
I remember Ed on Mack Sauer's radio show from Leesburg and how he would crow like a rooster if he had 300 in church on Sunday. Truly a man of God with a down to earth sense of humor.
May 19, 2011
I am a Roman Catholic, but have listened to Rev. Bousman's broadcasts on Sunday morning since the early 1970s. I will miss him more than you know.
May 19, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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