The Reverend Dr. Howard A. Gleason

For some reason I was thinking of Howard today and decided to "google" him. Sorry to hear of his passing. I used to confuse St. Mark's and St. Martin's as they each had a Howard as head minister when I was on the staff at Manchester United Methodist. It was pretty much Gleason, Episcopalian Parks, the UCC minister and the three - Manchester, Ballwin and Ellisville - guys standing up for the forward thinking Christian churches as West County burst into being. Gleason was the quieter of my two Howard clergy friends but a good man. And his BBJ program has helped many people of different faiths throughout the years.

Rosella, Ben, Janet and family. As I've been living in CT. since Jan. 2019, I'm saddened to hear of Howard's passing.
A truly wonderful minister and friend of my family for decades, he presided at my wedding and spoke at both of my parents funerals. Always available, he and Rosella provided comfort and counsel to our community. You may recall, I did a show for Ben's birthday.
At Howard's suggestion, I performed for the Bethesda group during a trip home to St. Louis. Your family is in my prayers during this difficult time and please know, "This too shall pass."

Rev Gleason was such a special person to our family. He was very important to my parents, Hazel and Irv Schaberg and our whole family. He and Rosella were so supportive of me and our son Bryan while my husband Don was in Vietnam. I especially remember the fun times Rosella and I had taking our young sons to swim lessons at the YMCA and Rev Gleason always wanted to know how each lesson went! He
was such a wonderful, caring man and he will be truly missed!

You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Dr. Gleason helped shape my faith and provided guidance that still impacts me today. I am grateful for all I learned from him. Sending thoughts, prayers and strength.

Rosella, Howard was always available to talk to. I really had some problems, and I know my parents talked to him too. He was the most understanding person I knew.

Rosella, Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Ben, and family. Howard was a wonderful, caring pastor, thoughtful and kind. He was the voice of comfort and faith for our family during difficult times. He was truly dedicated to the vision of the church of caring, nurturing, shepherding. Comfort and love to you and your family.

Howard recruited me to preach at Bethesda Meadows and also served as a mentor by teaching me what it really means to be a pastor. He was an inspiration there spreading a sense of hope and joy as he personally engaged with each resident. You could see how even the most severely ill patients would brighten as he took the time to honor them with his full attention and care. He taught me so much about what it means to be a true reflection of the light of Jesus. It was an honor and a privilege to have known him and a true blessing to have had the opportunity to learn from such a special and humble servant for the Lord. I am sure heaven is rejoicing to have Howard return home but he will be sorely missed down here on earth. Blessings and peace to the family that he loved with all his heart and that inspired him throughout his decades of ministry in the Lord's service.

I am so very sorry to hear about Rev. Gleasons passing. He was a wonderful man who helped me through lots of trying times when I was a teenager. He also officiated our 25 year wedding vow renewal with my parents 50 year renewal. Such a sweet, kind man. I will always remember him. He will be missed! Sending hugs and prayers to the family.

Rosella & Ben,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Howard was a wonderful person and all of us at PFA will miss him very much. Please let us know if you need help with anything.

Jim Reding

Dr. Gleason was so caring, wise, any funny. I never saw him in a bad mood are unwilling to listen to others. There were a couple times that he listened to me. He never made me feel unwelcome at church or his home. He was my Reverend, neighbor, and my friends Dad. He was also a very good man and is already greatly missed.

My deepest sympathies to you, Rosella. I enjoyed the many years of Christmas newsletters after we moved away in the 1970s when Ben was just a little boy. Fond memories of Howard, sermons, Bible school, and now I'll look for my old snapshots from St. Louis to reminisce. Thinking of you.

We moved away 22 years ago but we always remember Howard as calm and dignified. He listened entirely, responded thoughtfully and comforted all. He will be missed.

I have so many wonderful memories about my Uncle Howard including my wedding day. His laugh was one of his best features and will most definitely be missed. Thinking about the entire family. Much love.

Ben, Janet, and family,

I am so very sorry for your loss. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Kim Meyers

One of my favorite memories isn't even mine. My husband was in a coma for 6 weeks and the one thing he remembers about that time period was hearing Howards' voice---so comforting, so peaceful, filling him with hope. Thank you Howard from many warm memories but this one still brings me to tears.

To say that Howard was our pastor and my colleague is not enough. Howard welcomed us in 1987 and continued to care for us till the day he died. A man of vision, who worked to make the vision real. A valued Presbyter who ministered and cared for our family both as pastor of St. Mark and afterwards. Our appreciation for this man will continue.

He was such a kind man. He officiated my wedding in 1997 at St. Mark Church. I know he will be greatly missed as he has touched so many lives.

Rosella and family, Most sincere condolences to all. Memories of B.I.L. Of Chapter LU are heartwarming. What a caring man he was and how he loved his family. Although we are unable to attend services we are with you in spirit. Lovingly in P.E.O.,

Howards visit right after I first visited St. Mark was the reason I joined the Church. I was always impressed about his ability to remember names. Even after Howard retired and we would meet in the aisles at Dierbergs he hadnt forgotten my name. He will be missed. Love and prayers to Rosella, Ben and family.

When we joined StMark Church Howard was so friendly and welcoming, he remembered everyones name!

Howard was such a kind soul and so wonderful to our family, through celebrations and sadness. We really loved this man, my heart is sad to hear this news. Karen Ammann

May all the words of comfort and assurance that Howard brought to others over many years, now be brought to Rosella, his family, and his many friends and colleagues. May peace, love, and joy be with all.

Howard was a kind man with a wonderful sense of humor. He did so much for others and his church. He will be remembered with fondness.

Thinking of you at this difficult time. We remember Howard as such a kind, warm and patient man. May your happy memories bring comfort.

Rosella, Ben and the rest of the family,

Im so sorry to hear of Howards passing. My condolences, hugs and prayers to all of you.

Love in Christ,

Denise (Hudson) Wade

We were all blessed by Howards love for God and others. His faithfulness will always be remembered and his laugh will be missed. Much love, The Keating family

Dear Howard was on of my favorite cousins. His mother was like a second mother to me even tho she was my aunt. Anyone who knew him has lost a real friend. God's blessings to Rosella and Ben and family. Janice Kay