Rene Manuel Luis Adelantar Chanco

Rene Manuel Luis Adelantar Chanco, 65, passed away on November 29, 2025, in Dayton, Tennessee, after a year long battle with cancer.

Born in Manila, Philippines, Rene was the son of Ruben Buenaflor Chanco Sr. and Caridad Ponce De Leon Adelantar. His life of faith began early-at ten years old he accepted the Lord after attending Bible studies taught by a CBFMS missionary in his home. Captivated by Scripture, he eagerly shared what he learned with his classmates. During a high school summer camp, Rene sensed a clear call to full-time ministry. Soon afterward, he began teaching Sunday School at his home church, the first expression of a passion for teaching and shepherding that would define his life.

Rene pursued theological education with dedication, earning a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) and Master of Theology (Th.M.) from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in the United States, a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) from Asian Theological Seminary in the Philippines, and a Bachelor of Christian Ministries (B.C.M.) from Conservative Baptist Bible College in the Philippines.

Throughout his decades of ministry, Rene served in a wide range of academic and leadership roles. He was Executive Director, faculty member, and board member for Conservative Baptist Bible College (CBBC), Conservative Baptist Bible Seminary (CBBS), and Conservative Baptist Seminary Asia (CBS Asia). In these ministries-and in every place he was called-Rene was more than a leader and professor; he was a mentor and friend to colleagues, students, and fellow servants of Christ.

In 1987, Rene married Carla Ann Sneathen, whom he met while serving together in the Philippines. Rooted in their shared love for the Lord, their marriage became a deeply meaningful and steady source of strength throughout Rene's life. He cherished Carla and valued their partnership-at home, in ministry, and in every season they walked through together. For more than 30 years as missionaries with WorldVenture, they served side by side, teaching in seminaries across the Philippines and encouraging countless students. Rene was also a devoted father who delighted in raising Annalyn and Benjamin. He prioritized his family, loving them with intention, gentleness, humor, and joy. Together, the four of them shared a life marked by faith, service, and a deep, enduring love that shaped Rene just as profoundly as his academic and pastoral work.

In addition to their role as parents, Rene and Carla invested their lives in preparing men and women across Asia for faithful, effective ministry. Rene spent the longest of his academic calling with Asian Theological Seminary, where he influenced generations of students and poured his heart into preparing church leaders across Asia.

Rene pastored numerous churches over the course of his lifetime. Key churches over the years included Capitol City Baptist Church, Faith Christian Fellowship, and Diliman Bible Church, where he served with humility, compassion, and unwavering love for God's people. He was also a guest speaker at countless churches over the years, inspiring many congregations, both in the

Philippines and the United States. His pastoral ministry was marked by gentleness, depth, and a steady devotion to shepherding others well.

Rene is survived by his siblings Rosemarie Angeles, Ruben Chanco Jr., Ronceval Chanco, Rhea Maria Caridad Punzalan, and Rida Corazon Exconde; his children Annalyn Ebersole (Caleb Ebersole) and Benjamin Chanco; and his grandchildren Adelyn, CJ, Kaylee, and Sophie Ebersole.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Fortunata Roxanne Querubin and Asuncion Rowena Nable, his wife Carla, and his daughter in law Megan Acord.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. EST in the chapel of Coulter Garrison Funeral Home, the family will receive friends from 2:00 PM until the time of service. Internment to follow at Buttram Cemetery. A memorial service in the Philippines will be held on Wednesday December 10, 2025 from 10:30am - 12:00pm at Asian Theological Seminary Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to a scholarship fund at one of Rene's beloved ministries, Asian Theological Seminary. Contributions may be made at: ats.ph/online-payment; please write "Rene Chanco Memorial Scholarship Fund" under Remarks.