Obituary of Timothy Paul Dewhirst
On April 14,2018, Timothy Paul Dewhirst, faithful believer, loving husband, proud father, grampa, big brother, uncle, pastor, teacher, actor, friend, naval aviator and hero flew from his earthly home to his heavenly home, escaping at last the devastating disease, glioblastoma multiforme. Fully restored, this remarkable man can worship his Heavenly Father in words and song once again. A memorial service celebrating Tim’s life will be held, Friday, May 11, 2018 at 10:30am at St. Timothy Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 3001 Forest Ridge Drive, Bedford, TX 76021, his burial will take place at 2:30pm at Dallas Forth Worth National Cemetery in Dallas.
Born January 4, 1947 to Edwin McKendree Dewhirst and Miriam Jean Dunlap Dewhirst in Lancaster, California, Timothy Paul was their oldest surviving child. As the family grew, Tim became big brother to six sisters. The family spent several years in Japan, where Tim’s father was a dentist in the United States Navy. When the family returned to the states, they settled in Merced, California where Dr. Dewhirst set up a dental practice. Tim spent the rest of his childhood in Merced, graduating from Merced High School in 1965. Following high school, Tim attended Whitworth College in Spokane, Washington. It was there that he met Robin Lee Farris. The couple married following graduation in 1969. With the Vietnam War raging, Tim joined the Navy, qualifying for the aviation officer candidate program. Tim was commissioned as an ensign, received his wings, then trained as a helicopter pilot. He was assigned to Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 7 in Imperial Beach California. He deployed to the Philippines and then to the fleet flying rescue missions in the Gulf of Tonkin. Lieutenant J.G. Tim Dewhirst earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for “Heroism in Aerial Flight on 20 November 1972,” for rescuing two downed Air Force pilots, fighting high seas, thunderstorms, heavy overcast, and darkness in the rescue effort. Tim served 11 years active duty. Finishing his career as a reservist, Tim was recalled to active duty during Operation Desert Storm. He retired at the rank of Captain after over twenty years of service.
Tim and Robin’s family grew through the Navy years and beyond. God blessed their family with six children, children are a blessing of the LORD, a gift from Him, blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them (from Psalm 27:3-5). Tim considered his children God’s eternal treasures, and his greatest legacy, a legacy that continues as grandchildren are added to his lineage.
After twenty years in the Navy and working in the aviation industry, Tim answered God’s call to the ministry. He attended Redeemer Seminary, pursuing his Masters of Divinity degree. Tim was ordained as a Cumberland Presbyterian minister and served a congregation at Newberry Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Millsap, Texas.
In addition to his naval career, pursuing his faith, raising a family, and working in the aviation training industry, Tim was an accomplished woodworker, crafting beautiful furniture and decorative pieces for family and friends. The theater was another of Tim’s interests. Through the years he performed at Starlight Performing Arts Theater and School, Artisan Center Theater, Theater Coppell, and On Stage Bedford. Most notable among his performances, his role as Theo van Gogh in the one man show, Vincent, and Elwood P. Dowd in Harvey at both Artisan and Theater Coppell. Tim served on the board of directors at both Artisan and Regal Opera Company.
Tim’s faith in Jesus Christ his LORD and savior guided him in all the roles he embraced, husband, father, grampa, aviator, pastor, teacher, actor, and friend. Tim leaves behind a rich legacy of faith and family, his wife of nearly 49 years, Robin, his six children, daughter Sarah Dewhirst and wife, Kirsta Herder, son Adam Dewhirst and wife, Sally, daughter Hannah Brooks and husband Jono, daughter Rebekah Markeson and husband Keith, daughter Elizabeth Dewhirst, and son Matthew Dewhirst. Grandchildren Marsley Herder, Abigail, Mark, and Rachel Dewhirst, Tyler, Grace, and Eleanor Brooks. In addition Tim is survived by his six sisters, Miriam Meyer, Carolyn Nelson, Linda Ross, Beverly Reed, Becky Verrinder, and Donna Strango and numerous nieces and nephews.
God richly rewarded Tim in this life and has now welcomed him into heaven. Tim would want all who knew him to have the assurance of salvation through faith in Christ’s redeeming sacrifice, John 3:16.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home, PO Drawer G, Denton, TX 76202.
