Ben Merold - Harvester Christian Church

On November 16th Ben Merold answered one final call from Jesus, the call to come home. Our prayers are with Pat, their family and loved ones.

Funeral Service

Obituary

Ben Merold, of Saint Charles, Missouri, walked into the Glory of the Lord on Wednesday, November 16, 2022, at the age of 96. Loving husband of 73 years to Pat Merold; beloved son of the late Phyllis and Carl Merold; devoted father of the late Mike Merold, Mark (the late Elaine) Merold, the late Joe Merold, Vanda Yorks, and Eleanor (Arlen) Pope; dear father-in-law of Linda Merold and Cindi (Kirk) Marshall; cherished grandfather of Josh (Amy) Merold, Matt (Kelli) Merold, Joseph F. Merold, Catherine Merold, Trenton Yorks, Tammy (Greg) Tucker, Susan (Wes) Heaton, and the late Jay Pope; treasured great-grandfather of Elizabeth Merold, Caleb Merold, William Merold, Harrison Merold, Benjamin Merold, Jaxson Merold, Mia Merold, Hayden Merold, and Jayden Merold; brother of Carlene Merold; and dear brother-in-law of Judy (the late Ward) Behrens, David (Patti) Bock, Danny Bock, and the late Jimmy Bock (survived by Terri).

Ben attended Johnson Bible College in Knoxville, TN and Lincoln Christian College in Lincoln, IL. He met his wife on the campus at Johnson and they were soon married. Their love for God and each other carried through to their children, grandchildren, and now their great-grandchildren. Ben and Pat did everything together and were pretty much inseparable. Wherever they went, they were always hand in hand. Ben’s family meant the world to him, and he loved spending time with them.

As an incredible man of faith, Ben loved preaching the Word wherever he went. He believed in people, and he was kind and always uplifting others. He carried a wide influence among other church leaders, however he never took advantage of his authority. Ben was wise and many looked to him for his amazing gift of Biblical insight. He worked as pastor for many churches over his career, which included Assumption, IL, Villa Grove, IL, Sullivan, IN for 13 years, Eastside Christian Church in Fullerton, CA for 22 years, and then Harvester Christian Church for 17 years as Lead Pastor and “Minister at Large” for 14 years. Ben also received 3 honorary doctorate degrees, and he served as a professor at Kentucky Christian University and Lincoln Christian University. In honor of Ben, Harvester Christian Church established the Merold Institute in 2014.

Ben proudly served in the U.S. Marines during World War II. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Memorial contributions may be made in Ben’s name to Harvester Christian Church

Pat Merold Obituary & Service

Patricia Merold

November 26, 1930 — June 5, 2023

Patricia Ann Merold (nee Bock), of Saint Charles, MO, walked into the Glory of the Lord on Monday, June 5, 2023 at the age of 92. Loving wife of 73 years to the late Ben Merold; cherished daughter of the late Alex and Helen Bock; devoted mother of the late Mike (Linda) Merold, Mark (the late Elaine) Merold, the late Joe Merold, Vanda Yorks, and Eleanor (Arlen) Pope; dear mother-in-law of Cindi (Kirk) Marshall; cherished grandmother of Josh (Amy) Merold, Matt (Kelli) Merold, Joseph F. Merold, Catherine Merold, Trenton Yorks, Tammy (Greg) Tucker, Susan (Wes) Heaton, and the late Jay Pope; treasured great-grandmother of Elizabeth Merold, Caleb Merold, William Merold, Harrison Merold, Benjamin Merold, Jaxson Merold, Mia Merold, Hayden Merold, and Jayden Merold; dear sister of David (Patti) Bock, Judith (the late Ward) Behrens, Danny Bock, the late James (Terri) Bock and the late Harold Bock.

Patricia was a one of a kind woman. She was multi-talented and creative. She was a published author, had a flair for fashion and was considered a trendsetter. A wonderful and supportive leader and teacher, Patricia impacted many people’s lives; she taught a college bible study, was a successful realtor in California and she was an accomplished public speaker; she was one of the first women to be a featured speaker at the North American Christian Convention.

Patricia was always compassionate, hospitable and caring; she opened her home up to those in need. She founded Step Up House (safe house and recovery for victims of domestic abuse) and won Woman of the Year in St. Charles in 2008. Patricia was loved and admired by many and she will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Watch Pat’s service here.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8 ESV

NACC 2014 Message

One of Ben’s great messages to the whole of the body of Christ, the Church, large and small, old and young, was at the North American Christian Convention in 2014. This message serves as a succinct compilation of some of Ben’s most important teaching, encouragement and exhortation to lead people to find and follow Jesus at any age, in any place.

Click here to watch.