DR. Donald E. Lain

DONALD E. LAIN, age 63, met Jesus face to face on March 24, 2025. He was the beloved husband of Nancy (nee Rhoades) for 41 years and loving father of Abby Wisneski (Billy) and Christa Lain. He was the son of Elaine (nee Milliron) and the late
Dr. Eugene Lain and brother to Mike Lain and Larry (Verna) Lain.
Born into a missionary family, Don himself was called into ministry, and completed his undergraduate education at Mount Vernon Nazarene College (now University – Class of 1983, B.A.). He completed his post-graduate education at Nazarene Theological Seminary (Class of 1988, M.Div.) and Asbury Theological Seminary (Class of 2009, DD). He served as pastor of Springwater Church of the Nazarene (Springwater, NY 1988-1994), Christ Community Church (Syracuse, NY 1994-2008), and Coshocton First Church of the Nazarene (Coshocton, OH 2008-2013). Don served with The Church of the Nazarene Foundation 2013-2019, then returned to pastoral ministry at Parkside Church of the Nazarene (Westlake, OH 2019-2025).
Outside of ministry, Don loved sports, especially golf which he played as often as he was able. He was an avid reader, coffee drinker, and coin collector. He is also remembered for his love of photography, especially of vacations to Hilton Head Island and sunrises on Lake Erie. But more than anything, Don loved God and loved people, and his ministry was a daily passion he instilled in everything he did rather than a job confined to a church building. To meet Don was to truly meet a carrier of the joy of
Christ, and the impact he had on the world is immeasurable. He was an inspiration to all who knew him.
Don passed away March 24, 2025. The memorial celebration service will be at 2pm on Saturday, March 29 at Parkside Church of the Nazarene (23600 Hilliard Blvd, Westlake, OH 44145). Friends and family are welcome to attend calling hours at the same location 12-2 pm.