Obituaries

Thomas O. Figart, Sr., 91

January 25, 2017

On Wednesday January 25, 2017, Dr. Tom Figart entered the presence of God.

He was born July 28, 1925, in Altoona PA to James and Ellen Figart, the last of 11 children. His father died when he was 10 and he was lovingly raised by his mother and sister Bertha. He has always been most proud of his Altoona roots. He learned to read before he entered school. Studying and learning became his lifelong passion. In Altoona his “cartoon-type artist” skills developed, and his exceptionally high and clear tenor voice became a trademark.

He graduated from Altoona High School in 1943 and traveled to Philadelphia to attend Philadelphia School of the Bible. While in Philadelphia he met Edna May Lewis, fell in love, and married her June 9, 1945, in Baltimore MD. Following graduation from PSOB in 1946, he enrolled in Dallas Theological Seminary in Texas. During his four years in Dallas he was the regular tenor of the Seminary Quartet. He completed his studies for the Th.M. degree at Dallas in 1950 and moved to Baltimore MD, where he completed the requirements for the Bachelor’s degree in social sciences from Johns Hopkins University in 1955. Dr. Figart pastored the Second Congregational Church in Baltimore, MD, for 7 years and during this time he became the leader of Baltimore School of the Bible, a lay institute that allowed him to fulfill his lifelong passion of Bible teaching.

In 1961 Dr. Figart began a 30-year career as Academic Dean and Professor of Theology at Lancaster Bible College, Lancaster, PA. During that time he finished his theological education at Grace Theological Seminary receiving his Th.D. degree in 1971. Requirements for that degree included a thesis, the basis of which became the first of several books he authored. Not only did Dr. Figart love to teach, he loved to preach. So many Sundays found him filling the pulpit at several different churches. For 20 years Dr. Figart taught at Word Of Life Bible Institute in Schroon Lake New York as an adjunct professor.

During his 62-year marriage to Edna, they opened their home to LBC students. Several summers they traveled the country with singing groups from the school. His door was always open to pray with students, many of whom kept in close contact with him up until the time of his death. He was an inspiration to untold many LBC students and friends stemming in large part from his unwavering devotion to the Bible, its teaching, and the Biblical principles by which he lived. His favorite Bible verse was Hebrews 11:25 “Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season.”

Dr. Figart was preceded in death by his wife Edna. He is survived by his four children, Kathy Ohlson wife of Jim, Beth Kime wife of Harold, Tom Jr husband of Cathy, and Phyllis Baughman wife of Art. He has 9 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren, to them he is PopPop!

A Memorial Service will be held at Good Shepherd Chapel of Lancaster Bible College, 901 Eden Road, Lancaster PA 17601 on Saturday, February 11. Family visitation will start at 1 PM followed by the service at 2PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Lancaster Bible College Scholarship Fund.

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Condolences to the Family

February 22, 2017

My wife and I are so thankful for the ministry of Dr. Figart during our years at Lancaster School of the Bible.  He was always such a blessing and encouragement to us.  We send our prayers and sympathy to his wonderful family.  His ministry lives on in the lives of his former students and family.  Dr. Figart was a man of God who had an impact on the lives of so many people.  
In Christ, Dr. Guy and Donna Rathmell

February 11, 2017

Greetings to the family of Dr Figart, from Michael and Shirley Johnson, Fall River, Ma. As we entered our 34th succesful year of Pastoral Ministry since graduating from LBC and Grace Seminary, there was one giant reason we reflect on often, THE FAITHFUL PRAYERS of parents and several faculty members from our past, as well as key elders/deacons in our 3 churches since 1983. As we would wind our way back thru Lancaster over the years, Dr and Mrs Figart were regularly on our visitation schedule, even when we there for 2 days seeing family. Dr and Mrs Figart wanted personal updates. AMAZING !! Mr “Theologian” wanted to talk ministry, a little theology and pray together. Shirley and I would leave each time filled with inspiration and awe, as we left them. His book he wrote years ago, “A LEGACY OF GODLINESS”, about a great Pastor of Grace Baptist, Lancaster, would be modeled for us in unforgetable prayer times. I
As we visited in 2015 and 2016, Dr Figart surprised us. He took us literally to his prayer closet, opened up a PRAYER JOURNAL, and showed us writings about us since 1980 and what he prayed about !!  We were paralyized with joy and appreciation. Many of our victories and spiritual challenges were tied to Dr and Mrs Figarts prayer for us.
AS we tried desperately to re-arrange our schedules to come to LBC for Dr Figarts Memorial, it seemed impossible to travel the nearly 800 miles roundtrip in 2 days, due to snowstorm, people in the hospital, church ministry demands, a son with major medical problem and needs of the area. We groaned and cried and released our desires to the Lord. We sooooo wanted to say good-bye and visit with so many GREAT CHRISTIANS of LBC and Grace Baptist and the Dr and Mrs Kime. Some day we will all be together in glory, and we like you CAN’T WAIT !!   We will miss our great prayer partners, they can never be replaced.
Pastor and Mrs Michael & Shirley Johnson,  Baptist Temple Church   508-717-4839

February 07, 2017

Words will never be able to express the influence and impact Dr. Figart (as well as his wife) had in the lives of LBC students’ lives from the day we set foot on the LBC campus. He challenged us as well as encouraging and praying for us. His life reflected his committment to our Lord. Peggy Long , class of 1978

February 05, 2017

Dear Figart Family,
Joel annd I had the privlage of being in Tom’s Bible Study at Brethren Village. His teaching was a blessing to us. Tom was a good teacher and a good friend. Joel went to be with the Lord in Oct. and now they are together again. May you feel God’s peace, presence and comfort today and in the days to come.
Sincerely,
Carol Kaltreider

February 02, 2017

 
Dr. and Mrs. Figart were prayer warriors in my life for well over 50 + years.  From a young person in Baltimore, Maryland to being on staff at Word of Life Bible Institute in New York and now in Florida their faithfulness in service and encouragement  were an inspiration and ministry in my life.  My sincere condolences to all of their children and family.
Ginny Newton

February 02, 2017

Dr. and Mrs. Figart were prayer warriors in my life for well over 50 + years.  From a young person in Baltimore, Maryland to being on staff at Word of Life Bible Institute in New York and now in Florida their faithfulness in service and encouragement were an inspiration and ministry in my life.
My sincere condolences to all of their children.
 

February 01, 2017

Nancy and I were also saddened by the news of Dr. Figart’s passing. We attended LBC from 1973-1977. We so enjoyed Dr. Figart’s classes (theology, OT survey, etc.). I (Ray) still have all Dr. Figart’s notes. Nancy and I met at LBC and were married in August after we graduated in May of 1977. Dr. Figart did our pre-marital counseling. We met together six times (as we remember). This year (2017) we celebrate our fortieth wedding anniversary. I’m thankful for the solid grounding in theology, Bible, and practical theology that I received from LBC. Dr. Figart was a favorite professor of mine. After graduation, I went on to receive my Th. M. in Old Testament and Hebrew. I’ve joyfully served two churches over the past 35 years. Our sincere condolences are extended to the family. – Ray & Nancy Laborde (’77)
 

February 01, 2017

Dear Figart Family – I was a student in the 70’s and was very fond of Dr Figart.  He was a ‘father’ to me and helped me in growing closer to God. He sang a ‘hymn’ a few times through the years at chapel.  I remember the lyrics to this day.
“How tedious and tasteless the hours
when Jesus no longer I see.
Sweet prospects, sweet birds, and sweet flowers
have all lost their sweetness to me.
The midsummer sunshine grows dim
the fields strive in vain to look gay.
But when I am happy in Him,
December tis pleasant as May.
His name yields the sweetest perfume
and richer than music His voice.
His presence dispels all my gloom
and makes all within me rejoice.
I should since He’s always thus nigh
have nothing to wish or to fear.
No mortal as happy as I
my summer shall last all the year.”
Dr Figart is truly happy now in the presence of the Saviour and that makes me happy too. I will miss him.
Carolyn A (Gwyn) Lloyd

February 01, 2017

Scott and I  were saddened  by the news of Dr  Figart’s passing.  We were students of  his from 82-86. He was a blessing to  his students.  We loved hearinf him sing. Praying for your family  at this time. Sincerely, Scott and  Barb Carey  Gerber 

January 31, 2017

Although I did not have Dr. Figart as a professor, I always appreciated his gentle spirit and the way he could light up a room with his kind smile.  He was a godly example; an inspiration and encouragement to everyone who “rubbed shoulders” with him.   Blessings.  – Charlotte Rissler – LBC Class of 1986 
 

January 31, 2017

Very sorry to the Kime family.   never easy to say goodbye to a loved one, but thankfully we know his final resting place will be filled with peace and love from our dear Lord and Saviour.   blessings and love to all of you these past few weeks in all your losses.   Nancy Deering ??

January 31, 2017

I have so many wonderful memories of Dr. Figart during my years as a student at LBC.  One of the clearest is a final exam for which I overslept and was fearful of not being allowed to take the exam and possibly failing the course. Dr. Figart calmed me down, told me to take my time and not worry if I didn’t finish when everyone else did. He was so kind and compassionate. I’ve had some email contact with him in recent years and it has always amazed me that he would remember a student from more than 30 years ago and still pray for me. What a gracious and godly man. I know he will be greatly missed. Ruth (Lockhart) Schmidt, class of ’80

January 31, 2017

I have to share a quick story.  Your father was an amazing man.  I attended LBC for 5 years.  I worked hard but was barely a C average student.  Dr. Figart’s Psalms class was my last exam.  I needed a 100% in the final exam to graduate.  He wrote me a special exam.  He wouldn’t give me the !00% unless I earned it.  After correcting it and giving me th e 100% on it we knelt by that famous couch in his office and thanked God he could give it to me because I had earned it.  I NEVER forgot that moment.  I’m only sorry I never stopped to see him at BV.  I am a 1980 grad of LBC.  Looking forward to meeting him again some day in GLory!  Jean Slagle

January 31, 2017

Dr. Figart was admired by many.  His teaching laid the foundation for many of us in pastoral ministry and other ministries in the church.  His tag line “you can disagree with me, you will be wrong the rest of your life, but you can disagree with me” always made me smile and I have used it a time or two in the ministry God has called me to. Thank you Dr. Figart for your faithfulness
Rev. Kevin S. Bushart
Pastor First United Methodist Church, Hereford, TX
LBC class of 1984.  

January 31, 2017

Our thoughts and prayers go out to this wonderful family. It was such a pleasure knowing Tom and Edna over the years. I loved his quiet way and that sweet smile. Kendra loved when she was able to be around him when he visited at the Like a. We are in Florida and will not be able to attend the service but we will be there with our thoughts and prayers. 
Bob and Shirley Thomas

January 31, 2017

To:  Kathy, Beth, Tommy and Phyllis, Spouses and families 
From:  Linda (Yohn) Michael – Martinsburg, WV
Just wanted to let you know how much your dad, your mom – meant to me personally and to our family through the years with both of your parents offering fervent prayer support. After your mother’s passing I was able to visit your dad from time to time, speak together on the phone rather often and email back and forth through the end of this past year.  I am sad, like you, humanly speaking; but then we all rejoice he has gone ahead of us to his heavenly home.  What a joy to have known him as my professor, my mentor and my intercessor!  So happy he was able to see a big answer to his prayers for our daughter, Kristen, as she received her double lung transplant in August.  He so faithfully and lovingly reached out to her and committed himself to pray through the years for her, along with your mother. Hoping to attend the memorial ervice on February 11th.  My thoughts and my love are with you at this time.
 
 

January 31, 2017

I was a student at LBC from 1987-1891. Many times I was motivated from listening to Dr. Figart during chapels or in his classes. My prayers go out to his family and friends during this time. 
Cyndy Lucas

Visitation
Saturday, February 11, 2017
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Good Shepherd Chapel of Lancaster Bible College
901 Eden Road
Lancaster, PA
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Services
Saturday, February 11, 2017
2:00 PM
Good Shepherd Chapel of Lancaster Bible College
901 Eden Road
Lancaster, PA
Map and Directions

Get Maps and Directions >
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