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Richard Corey Besteder
01/15/2022
Richard Corey Besteder, son of Corey C. Besteder of Centermorland, PA. and Florence M. Honeywell of Kunkle PA. passed into the glorious presence of his sovereign Lord Jan 15, 2022. He passed peacefully at home surrounded by family.
Richard travelled the world serving his nation as a US Air Force chaplain for 21 years and retired at the rank of Lt. Colonel.
He loved to learn and completed a Doctorate degree from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena CA. He also received two bachelor’s degrees and three graduate degrees.
Richard served as a senior pastor at seven churches in Virginia, Pennsylvania, Mississippi, and Florida. He was involved in many ministries including that of a college professor. He helped found one church and did missionary work in Brazil along the Amazon River. He was an author of 5 books and 2 more currently awaiting publication. Richard was a member of the NRA and loved to hunt.
He sponsored several children around the world through organizations such as World Vision and the Gospel for Asia.
As a boy he was proud of his paper route for the Times Leader of Wilkes Barre PA, which he carried for 5 years. He was the squadron leader of the Air Scout Troop 151 in Dallas PA.
Richard loved sports and was captain of his high school football team playing the position of linebacker. He was also on his high school track team. He loved to lift weights which he did well into his 70’s.
Richard is a member of the Tomoka Christian Church in Deland FL.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years Elaine Harley of Starke FL, a son Corey D. Besteder of Orlando FL, a daughter Corlissa D. Besteder, and a grandson David Corey Brewer of Deland FL.
He is also survived by his 3 younger siblings, a sister Karen Kovalick of Dallas PA., a sister Judy Kirkendall of Dallas PA., and his brother Charles C. Besteder (Barbara) of Harvey’s Lake PA.
There are many cousins, nephews and nieces as well.
Throughout Richard’s service in the military and in his numerous ministries he touched countless lives and made friendships which will last forever even beyond the constraints of this world.
Richard’s greatest passion in life was to read the bible and share the gospel of Jesus Christ with others. His favorite phrase was “God Bless You”. His message to you today is “God Bless You”.