Pastor (Mel) Brubaker

Pastor James Milford (Mel) Brubaker 6/28/34 - 4/5/21 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. - 2 Corinthians 4:18 Pastor James Milford (Mel) Brubaker, 86, of Ickesburg, PA, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, April 5, 2021. He was born June 28, 1934, in Granville, PA to Allen Graybill Brubaker and Barbara Musser Hess. He graduated from Messiah Academy, studied at Temple University, ministered as a lifelong Brethren in Christ bi-vocational pastor, and served his Lord and others with his whole heart. Pastor Brubaker was a life-long minister in the Brethren in Christ (BIC) Church, a farmer, and for over 25 years, a dedicated employee of the Quaker Oats Company, mechanical department, Shiremanstown, PA. His pastoral ministry in mission churches for the BIC began near Alpena, Michigan, in 1957, not long after completing two years of 1-W (conscientious objector) service at Byberry State Hospital in Philadelphia, PA. He faithfully served the congregations and communities at Maple Grove (Rust) Church (1957-1964), Springhope Church (1964-1966), Saville Church (1967-1995), and Centre Grove Church (1995-2010), concurrently with Blairs Mills over two years. He continued preaching in various churches as requested during his "retirement" years. His ministry was marked by a deep heartfelt concern for others and a determination to follow the call of Jesus unreservedly. His inherited love for agriculture was enhanced by tilling three different farms in Perry County from 1972 through 1976. He augmented ministry and farm work by nightshift employment with Quaker Oats from 1967 through 1992, where he derived many engaging sermon illustrations and built lifelong friendships. While on assignment in Philadelphia at the Byberry State Hospital, Mel also served at the BIC Philadelphia Mission. Over time, Ella Clark, a city girl with a beautiful voice, caught his eye. Not long after that, they were married by his father in a simple service. They faithfully served the Lord together through many health issues, challenging ministry assignments, difficult financial periods, and the challenges of raising five children. Family was important to Mel. He wanted to ensure that each of his children developed with an exemplary work ethic, a love for music, a foundational understanding of Scripture, and a passion for serving all people groups. For years, he fasted and prayed that all of his descendants would love and serve Jesus faithfully. In his spare time, Mel loved to hunt, explore, solve problems, and devour the information in books (including audiobooks after he lost his eyesight). He also loved to the creative challenge of construction. He designed and constructed four homes, led numerous renovations and provided significant volunteer effort for at least six substantive church building projects. But most of all, he loved to sing. As his sight deteriorated, family members helped him compile 111 of his favorite hymns in a booklet that he would provide for nearly all visitors to his home to sing together before their departure. Mel is survived by his wife of 66 years, Ella (Clark); by daughters Mary (Ash Dotson) NV, Rhoda (Partner Sylvia) CA and sons John (Kathy) Thailand, Jay (Melinda) PA, and Ken (Carol) TX; by siblings Merle (Ila), Stanley (Sarah) and Lois (Roy Lehman); by 14 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Pastor Brubaker was preceded in death by his parents and elder brothers A. Hess and A. Graybill. SERVICE DETAILS A Celebration of Life service will be held at a future date. A graveside service was held in Buffalo Cemetery adjacent to Saville BIC Church, Ickesburg, PA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Touch of Christ Ministries, Chantilly, VA. The Boyer Family is honored to handle the arrangements for the Brubaker Family.

Pastor (Mel) Brubaker

April 7, 2021