Country Boy, War Hero, Minister, Educator, Husband, and Family Man…… A celebration of a "Life Well Lived."Herbert Basil Wiley 25 March 1918 - 20 April 2010In the Old Testament we read the following passages, Micah 6:8 we read from the prophet… He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you, but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God….. In the Book of Proverbs 22:1, "A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold."… Such was the life of Reverend Herbert Basil Wiley, for he lived the life that he preached, and preached the life he lived with true conviction and devotion; and based his whole being with his relationship with Jesus Christ. When people spoke about him it was with the up-most esteem whether it be coming from his church, his colleagues, his community, or his family. It is with the highest respect, deep sorrow and regret we announce the passing of Reverend Herbert Basil Wiley. Following an extended illness and an extended stay at Georgian Gardens, Herbert passed away at age 95 years and 26 days on 20 April 2010 at Jefferson Memorial Hospital in Festus, Missouri. Herbert was born in the small community of Sunlight outside of Belgrade, Missouri on 25 March 1915, the 2nd child of the late Murphy Edward Wiley and Edith Mae (Barger) Wiley. He was preceded in death by his sisters and spouses; Edith Emerald (Wiley) King and husband Leslie King of Belgrade, Missouri; and Roberta (Wiley) Sturm and husband Jack Sturm of Hillsboro, Missouri. Preceding him in death is also a brother in law, Joseph Ostertag of Fairview Heights, Illinois. Surviving is the last family member Mary Lou (Wiley) Ostertag of Fairview Heights, Illinois. Also proceeding him in death are his wife, the late Wilma Jesseral (Marler) Wiley recently on 10 Sept 2009; two children Herbert Paul Wiley on 09 Sept 1946 and Linda Carroll (Wiley) Christopher on 04 Oct 2007. Herbert married Wilma Jesseral Marler on 04 June 1938 in Farmington, Missouri; together they shared 71 years of marital bliss. Their marriage was like none other withstanding in their love, devotion, and commitment toward each other. Even in old age they openly showed their love and affection toward each other. When ask the key to the success and the longevity of their marriage, Herbert explained they decided early in their marriage, "to put God first in their lives, themselves second, their children third, and everyone else to follow." To this union four children were born Linda Carroll Wiley Christopher, Herbert Paul Wiley, Glen Wiley and Linn Wiley. Those who remain to mourn the passing and to celebrate his life are twin sons, Glen Wiley and wife Christine of Gardner, Kansas; Linn Wiley of Kansas City, Missouri; son in law Robert Edward Christopher of Victorville, California; seven grandchildren, Lois Elaine (Christopher) Arnold and husband Donald of Victorville, California; Darin Lee Christopher and wife Nancy of Victorville, California; Jonathan Joseph Christopher of Victorville, California; Deputy Sherriff Wesley Phillip Mathew Wiley and wife Karen of Gardner, Kansas; Melissa Joy (Wiley) Schuetz and husband Adam ( Specialist Adam Russell Schuetz - Kansas National Guard) of Gardner, Kansas; Sgt. First Class Christopher Michael Wiley - US Army (presently on duty in Afghanistan) and wife Susan of Oahu, Wahiawa, Hawaii; Bethany Ann (Wiley) Chiles and husband Robert Morgan of Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania; eight great grandchildren; Christopher Wayne Arnold and wife Amy of Lewisville, Texas; Sarah Irene, Michael David, and Mathew Herbert Basil Wiley, and John Conner Wiley all of Oahu, Wahiawa, Hawaii; Michael Alexander Christopher of Victorville, California; Zachariah Alan Chiles of Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania; Addison Claire Wiley of Gardner, Kansas; one sister, Mary Lou (Wiley) Ostertag of Fairview Heights, Illinois; one very special cousin and friend Virginia (Blair) Wimer and husband Robert, and daughter Jessica of Belgrade, Missouri; and many other relatives and host of friends who will sadly miss that "gentle" man. Following the out break of World War II, Herbert disregarded his deferment because of his age and deferment due to his employment being vital sensitive to the war effort, joined the Army at Jefferson Barracks 24 March 1944. He then was involved with Patton's Army in campaigns in the Rhineland, the Ardennes, and Central Europe ending with the "Battle of the Bulge" and the fall of Berlin. He was involved in the liberation of one of the Jewish Death Camps by the German Nazis. For his outstanding services he was offered a Purple Heart (which he declined on a personal moral basis, in that he felt his injuries from shrapnel were not comparable to those that had paid the ultimate sacrifice with their lives), 3 Bronze Stars and 2 Maple Leafs. In a foxhole in Germany Herbert made a solemn vow and promise, if God would see him live through the war, he would dedicate the rest of his life as a minister preaching the Gospel. He was discharged from the Army on 04 Feb 1946. On the GI Bill, sponsored by the US Government, Herbert moved his family to Bethany, OK., and attended Bethany Nazarene College (Now known as Southern Nazarene University), from 1946 thru 1950; earning on 30 May a Bachelor of Science in Religion and then on 31 May 1950 a Bachelor of Arts in Theology. He graduated Suma Cum Laude of his class. While in school in Oklahoma he pastored two different churches, one in Vicksburg, and the other in Isabelle. In April of 1950 he then with his new vocation started the DeSoto Church of the Nazarene in DeSoto, Missouri. In 1958 he started Potosi Church of the Nazarene. In 1975 with his extended family he started an Interdenominational Church in Park Hills, Missouri. His ministry was for 54 years; keeping his vow that he made to God. Reverend Wiley not only served his community through his church, he also taught school at Athena, Belgrade, and Potosi, Missouri. His teaching career spanned for about 40 years. In his ministry and teaching he was a positive and respected influence to his community. It is then appropriate, rather than in sadness, we celebrate with joy his life well lived for others. What more success can there be than after life has ended to be able to stand before God Almighty, and to say with Timothy in the New Testament… "I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith". Finally there is laid up for me a Crown of Righteousness, which the Lord the Righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day. 2 Timothy 4:7-8. As Christians we have the "Hope" in Jesus Christ which is above and beyond any other and a "Promise" that can never be broken and eternal. We then can ask in our hearts, "Death, where is thy sting?" Daddy, we love you and thank you for all you have done and all you have meant to each and every one of us; all you have taught us, you love, your caring, your example and tender touch. By your example we too were better fathers and grandfathers to our own families. Through you as our earthly father we have had a glimpse of our Heavenly Father. God, we thank you for your Sovereignty, your Omnipotent Presence and your Infinite Wisdom in allowing each of us to belong to him and for him to belong to us. We praise you and lift up your Son's name for we know, that we know, that we know Christ is our one and only "Hope" and the rock of our salvation, are existence and being. In that we have the faith and the confidence and rest on your promises that Reverend Herbert Basil Wiley is secure and in your care: just as we too will be when our time comes to cross over Jordon's chilly tide. We know you have been united with "your Sweetie", mother, and with Linda. We specifically recall your baptism in the River Jordon and saw the pictures form 1972 in your trip to Israel. You were shouting and praising God following this watery ritual. Now that you have crossed over and reached your life's goal we can only imagine your shouting and praises now on that side of Jordon. We are looking forward to when we too may join you, Mother and Linda, and most of all Jesus Christ. What a grand reunion that will be…….. Funeral services were on Monday 26 April 2010 at Declue's Funeral Home in Potosi, Missouri conducted by Reverend David Comfort with the Wesleyan Nazarene Church from Marshfield, Missouri. Interment was at Sunlight Cemetery at Belgrade, Missouri with military presence playing taps and folding of the US Flag. The presentation of the Flag and Medal for Reverend Wiley's service for his country were given to Bethany Chiles in the absence of her brother First Sergeant Christopher Michael Wiley who was not able to attend since he is in active in duty for the US Army in Afghanistan.
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