Pastor David O. Justis

Pastor David O. Justis, age 58 of Lewisburg, Ohio went home to where the streets are made of gold and claimed his mansion in the Kingdom of Heaven on Saturday, August 2, 2025. “Well done, my good and faithful servant”.

Pastor Justis moved to the Village of Lewisburg in July 1994 and it has been his home ever since. He was born in Salisbury, Maryland, on August 10, 1966, the son of the late Delmas Fletcher and Sheila Joan (Sterling) Justis and was raised in nearby Fruitland, all of which is part of the Eastern Shore of Maryland and the Delmarva Peninsula. Dave was a 1984 graduate of Parkside High School in Salisbury, Maryland.

Dave was Pentecostal at birth but joined the St. Jone’s United Methodist Church in Salisbury, Maryland, when he reached his teenage years. This is where he was inspired to become a Methodist preacher. After graduation, he traveled westward to Wilmore, Kentucky to attend seminary at Asbury University, receiving a degree in biblical studies and social work. He also attended United Theological Seminary and Wright State University.

During his time at Asbury University, he met Sharon A. Williams, and they were married by two ministers at the Estes Chapel in Wilmore, Kentucky, on November 19, 1994. Shortly after, she made Lewisburg, Ohio her home, just months after he made it his. Their son, Logan W. Justis, was born on October 19th, 1995. Dave served from 1994 to 1999 as pastor of Calvary United Methodist Church in Lewisburg. In 2000 he accepted the congregation’s call at the Lewisburg First United Church of Christ. Serving at the Lewisburg UCC church, he had made history as the longest-serving pastor in the church’s history. This year would have been his 25th year serving the congregation. During his ministry at the church, Pastor Justis has conducted hundreds of funerals, many weddings, baptisms, and was faithful to the Lewisburg community serving many community events and activities. He traveled back to the Eastern Shore of Virginia to officiate at his grandmother’s funeral. He had also worked for Green Tokai for fourteen years.

A Freemason and member of the Lewisburg Masonic Lodge and of other Rites, along with Shriners and the Lewisburg Historical Society. Over the years, he provided invocations to hundreds of football team meals and FFA Banquets for the Tri-County North High School. He also did invocations for many community events, including the Village of Lewisburg’s Bicentennial in 2018.

Preceded in Glory by his brother: Kevin Charles Justis in 2022, step-nephew Brian, Aunt Norma and his in-laws: Ralph W. & Beverly Williams.

He is survived by his wife of 30 years: Sharon A. (Williams) Justis; son: Logan Justis of Lewisburg, Ohio, aunt & uncle: Linda & John Beasley of Onancock, VA; aunt Elsa Culp of Delaware; uncle Dan Sterling, aunt Melissa, uncle Kip, aunt Debbie Sterling all of Fruitland, MD; sister-in-law: Jenny Justis of Fruitland, Niece Megan Justis and her boyfriend and daughter of Fruitland, MD; step nephew Robbie Justis, wife Elizabeth and their children along with numerous other family members. Special childhood friends, the Taylor Family of Fruitland, MD.

Family will receive friends from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM Friday, August 15, 2025, at First United Church of Christ 400 North Main Street Lewisburg, Ohio. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 10:30 AM Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Trinity Church 511 North Commerce Street Lewisburg, Ohio with Eric Loy, Pastor Roger Stine, Brandon Peterson and Pastor Joe Hodapp officiating. Inurnment with Pastor Gary Sollenberger officiating in Roselawn Cemetery in Lewisburg, OH. Masonic service will be before the Celebration of Life Service.