On December 20, 2022, Dr. Kevin Donley, beloved husband, father, and pastor, went home to be with the Lord. He was sixty-four. Born to Robert and Elinor Donley, Kevin graduated from Mount Vernon Nazarene University with a religion degree, was ordained in the Church of the Nazarene, and served as a lifelong minister. In 1982, he married Cynthia Chapple, the love of his life. They were blessed with forty years of marriage, three children, and two grandchildren. Kevin served congregations in Ohio, New York, and Oregon before becoming district superintendent for the Wisconsin District Church of the Nazarene in 2013. In 2018, he received his honorary doctorate from Olivet Nazarene University.

Kevin’s heart was filled with a profound love and burden for his neighbors, which is why he often said, “Lost and broken people matter to God, therefore, lost and broken people matter to us.” Every week, rain or shine, he could be found in the parking lot to greet folks warmly as they arrived for Sunday morning worship services. He spent countless hours visiting the sick and imprisoned, mentoring pastors, offering godly counsel, breaking bread with friends, sharing with those in need, throwing bbqs, serving the community, and preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. No task was too difficult or messy; whatever needed to be done, Kevin was always the first to volunteer his shoulder for the plow.

Kevin enjoyed Star Trek, smoked brisket, golf, Elvis Presley, ocean views, Christmas, the Rocky films, haggling deals, impish practical jokes, and working on home improvement projects. Above all, Kevin’s love for his Lord, his family, and his friends was boundless. He will always be remembered as a kind, joyful, charismatic, thoughtful, and selfless friend to all who met him.

Kevin is survived by his wife, three children, two sons-in-law, and two granddaughters. As per Kevin’s wishes, no funeral or memorial services will be observed. May the grace and peace of Jesus Christ be with you all.