Reverend Edward P. Gant, 93, passed into the arms of his Lord and Savior on November 29, 2023, in Lynchburg, Virginia. Ed was born on July 23, 1930, in Newell, West Virginia. He was the only child of Pearl Gant and Goldie Gant. He is survived by his devoted wife of 65 years, Louise Gant and their three children; Doug (Liz) Gant, Debbie Barry Schmitt, and Libby (Tim) Roberts. He is also survived by his 7 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild; Alexandra Schmitt (Ben) Norwood, Caitlin Roberts, Jonathan Schmitt, Christopher Schmitt, Anne Gant, Camden Roberts, Grayson Roberts, and Charlotte Norwood.
As a young man, Ed felt a strong call to Christian ministry and began pastoring a small church in the mid-1950s. During this time, Ed attended a Church of the Nazarene delegate event in Huntington, West Virginia, where he met Louise Clark. They spoke briefly and saw each other one other time before he volunteered to serve in the United States Army – accepting what he believed was his responsibility. Ed served in the Army in Germany from 1955-1957. He returned home in August of 1957 when he met Louise again. They were soon married on January 4, 1958 in Moundsville, West Virginia.
His call to ministry would lead him and Louise to spend their lives in service to the Lord, and to the communities in which they lived. First, serving small churches in West Virginia, and then serving for 39 years as a minister in the Virginia United Methodist Conference for churches across the state. In addition to pastoring churches, Ed was involved with Industrial Commercial Ministries (ICM) where he spent time in the field riding with officers of the Fairfax & Danville Police Departments. He also served as a member and Chaplain of the Virginia Defense Force. When Ed retired from full time ministry in 1995, he and Louise settled in Lynchburg, Virginia and became active members of Heritage United Methodist Church where they would continue to serve their church and support other local churches when needed.
Over the years, Ed’s engagement in the communities he served outside of the church, included being part of the local Masonic Lodge and membership in both the Scottish Rite and Shrine Club. His interests also included all things photography. Ed loved taking pictures and as technology evolved, he was always excited to embrace new ways to capture special moments, the images of the people he loved, and the places he visited.
Ed and Louise led an active life together loving their children, grandchildren, and their many church families. He was privileged to officiate many weddings and baptisms over the years, but it was his special joy to be able to officiate the weddings of his three children, baptize his seven grandchildren, and most recently officiate the wedding of his granddaughter, Alexandra.
Ed had a true servant’s heart and was devoted in his service to the Lord and to sharing the gospel. He genuinely loved those he ministered to, was willing to see the good in people, and was never hesitant to share his time or pray with them.
A memorial service will be held at 1 P.M on Thursday, January 4, 2024 at Heritage United Methodist Church. The internment will be private for his family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either Shriners Hospitals for Children and/or Heritage United Methodist Church Lynchburg Virginia.