Charles "Chuck" Denmore Killian

"The most visible creators are those artists whose medium is life itself. The ones who express the inexpressible — without brush, hammer, clay, or guitar. They neither paint nor sculpt. Their medium is simply being. Whatever their presence touches has increased life. They see, but don't have to draw. Because they are the artists of being alive." — Donna J. Stone, American poet

Charles Denmore Killian was born at home in Tyner, Indiana (Pop. 206) a left-hander who found himself in a right-handed world. He was graciously equipped by his Heavenly Father with many gifts that enabled him to fit in and thrive. Early in life he determined to be one of God’s helpers and began his life’s mission by preaching to his uncle’s cows and conducting funerals for neighborhood pets. He faithfully attended Sunday School and placed his penny offering in the globe bank each week to be sure everyone around the world could know about Jesus.

Charles earned a Bachelor of Arts at Marion College (now Indiana Wesleyan University) in 1959 and a Master of Divinity at Asbury Theological Seminary in 1963. He received a PhD in Rhetoric and Public Address from Indiana University in 1971. As an ordained member of the South Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church, he served under special appointment as a Homiletics Professor at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, KY. In retirement he filled several pastoral appointments in North Carolina.

Chuck’s first teaching experience was certainly unique. While a pastor in northern Indiana, he was pressed to accept a position as teacher in a one-room Amish school. More than 50 pupils looked to him for instruction; some younger ones spoke little English, and a few older students were spending additional years as eighth graders to avoid moving on to high school. Chuck had a wonderful time! Later in his career he moved on to teach at Houghton College and Asbury Theological Seminary. He also taught courses for the Baltic Methodist Theological Seminary in Estonia, the Methodist Theological Seminary in Moscow, the Rotary Leadership Institute and the Salvation Army Officers Training program.

Though teaching was his profession, Charles was a pastor at heart. He began his ministerial journey during his college days, serving the Wesleyan Methodist Church in Longtown, Ohio, most notable historically as a tri-racial community and an important stop on the Underground Railroad. This was a treasured experience that gave him much joy and confirmed his commitment to ministry. In the years that followed he continued to serve as a pastor for many churches in Kentucky, Indiana, New York, and North Carolina.

Throughout his career Chuck generously gave himself to his communities. He has been a City Councilman, school board member, Rotarian, Education Foundation member, volunteer mentor in local schools, storyteller, and YMCA supporter. He fervently honored the command to love God with all his heart…and to love his neighbor as himself (Matthew 22:37-39).

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and MayBelle Killian, and his brother, George Killian (surviving wife Pearl). He is survived by his devoted wife of 65 years, Jane of Raleigh, NC, sister Patricia Schultz (husband Joe) of Elizabethton, TN, brother William Killian (wife Linda) of Tucson, AZ, his two daughters, Joy Mau of Raleigh, NC, and Elaine Olsen (husband Rev. Billy Olsen) of Benson, NC. Chuck is also survived by his four grandchildren and two great grandchildren, Nicholas Woods (wife Chelsea, daughter Finley) of Christiansburg, VA; Colton Woods (wife Rachel, daughter Eliza) of Goldsboro, NC; Jadon Olsen (wife Kelsi) of Siler City, NC; Amelia Olsen of Benson, NC.

A memorial service for Chuck will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 2 PM at Springmoor Life Care Community Auditorium, 1500 Sawmill Rd., Raleigh, NC 27615. Family will receive visitors following the service in the reception area.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Asbury Theological Seminary, 204 N. Lexington Ave., Wilmore, KY 40390, designated for scholarships. They may also be directed to the Endowment Fund at Springmoor Life Care Retirement Community, 1500 Sawmill Rd., Raleigh, NC 27615.