Dr C. E. French

Dr. C. E. French

Chancel Eugene French was born April 12, 1914 in Leadwood, Mo. to William Henry and Zora Henderson French, the 7th of 9 children.

The defining moment of his life was his conversion and commitment to a Christian life when he was 17. He attended Bible Training School in Cleveland in 1934 and was ordained to ministry in the Church of God September23, 1939. He received an honorary Doctor of Divinity from Indiana Christian University in 1978. He served the church as missionary, evangelist and pastor through 42 states and 8 countries.

Reverend French shared his ministry with Ellen Merritt Brown, whom he married on March 25, 1936. They served for 5 years in India, organizing and building numerous churches. Other missionary postings included Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Peru and Haiti. He served in several pastoral roles at the North Cleveland Church of God spanning 30 years, beginning in the 1960s, and was the founding pastor of the Westmore Church of God. Drs. C.E. and Ellen French were inducted to the Hall of Prophets at the Church of God Seminary, where a scholarship fund was established to honor their lifelong work together.

He is survived by Ellen, his wife of 73 years; five sons: Chancel, David, William Joseph, Samuel and Gordon; 12 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by grandchild John French.

Funeral services will be at the North Cleveland Church of God Chapel on Saturday, March 7, 2009, at 12 Noon with Dr. F. J. May and Rev. Douglas LeRoy officiating. Interment will follow in Hilcrest Memorial Gardens. The body will lie in state from 10:00 a.m. Saturday until the time of service at the church.

The family will receive friends Friday, March 6, 2009, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Grissom Funeral Home who has charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.grissomfh.net