The Reverend William E. (Bill) Hazlett, 89, of Brighton Township, Beaver County, passed away on Tuesday evening, December 28, 2021, at home. Bill’s life was a testament to servant leadership dedicated to the Lord and spreading the good news of Jesus Christ. “This is the day the Lord has made: we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24 was a verse he quoted every morning.
Bill was born in Portage to the late David and Mildred (Helsel) Hazlett. He spent his early and teenage years in Martindale (Portage Township) working in the family store. Subsequently, he felt a call to ministry and enrolled at Toccoa Falls Bible College, Georgia and then transferred to St. Paul Bible College (now Crown College), Minnesota. After graduating from St Paul in 1955, he became an ordained minister for the Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA). He served as pastor for C&MA churches in Western Pennsylvania including Trees Mills (Greensburg), Cobbs Corner/Excelsior (Midway Alliance), Pottersdale (Karthaus), Nanty Glo, Corry, and Beaver.
Bill was resourceful and organized; he enjoyed setting goals and working to achieve them. He spearheaded building projects at multiple churches. He had leadership positions at C&MA summer camps throughout his ministry and served on several district leadership committees. He mentored students at his churches who are currently in the ministry. After retiring from senior pastor responsibilities, he served as chaplain and as interim pastor for five churches in Pennsylvania. During these active retirement years, he lived in his hometown of Martindale. Several years ago, he and Vernice moved to the Brighton Township home of their daughter, Priscilla, who has lovingly cared for them.
The attribute, people most commented on was the love Bill lavished on people. He was genuinely caring about the lives of the people he knew and had a generosity of spirit toward those he didn’t know as well. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golf, reading, and studying. Spending time with his treasured family and friends brought him great joy.
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Dorothy Zaman, Ethel, George, Velma, Clair, Donnie, and Richard Hazlett. He is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Vernice Mae (Turnquist) Hazlett; children, Ruth (Brian) Condit of Tupelo, MS, James (Deborah) Riede, of Haworth, NJ, Priscilla Hazlett, of Brighton Twp, David (Belinda) Hazlett, of St. Simons Island, GA; grandchildren, Anne (Joseph) Vann, Brian William (Emily) Condit, Abby Condit, Helena, Hannah, and Hailey Riede, Amanda Surman, Daniel (Kendra) Surman, Becca and Jacob Hazlett; and a great-grandson, JW Vann.
Friends and family will be received for a visitation and viewing from 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, January 2, 2022, at the Martindale Alliance Church, 179 Alliance Avenue, Portage, PA. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, January 3, 2022 at the Martindale Alliance Church with the Rev. Paul Cope and the Rev. Brad Sickler officiating. Interment will be private to the immediate family. The Matthew R. Decort Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc in Portage is serving the Hazlett Family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Martindale Alliance Church, 179 Alliance Avenue, Portage, PA 15946.
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