The Reverend William W. “Bill” Wightman, 78 of Forks Twp., PA died Sunday, March 25, 2018 at St. Luke’s Hospice House. Born November 18, 1939 in Forty-Fort, PA he was a son of the late W. Warren and Frances (Williams) Wightman. A graduate of Forty-Fort High School, he received his Bachelor’s Degree in History from Muhlenberg College and his Master of Divinity from the Lutheran Theological Seminary. Pastor Wightman began his ministry in Schuylkill Haven, was then called to Trinity Lutheran Church in Valley View, PA before serving as the pastor at Christ Lutheran Church in Easton for more than 20 years. He also served as a Chaplain at St. Luke’s Hospital, St. Luke’s VNA Hospice, the Lutheran Home at Topton and until May of last year was the Visitation Pastor at First United Church of Christ in Easton. He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Easton where he sang in the choir and served on the finance committee. He was also a member of the Easton Rotary Club and chaired their basketball tournament for several years. Bill enjoyed golfing and traveling and he played a mean game of solitaire.
He is survived by his son: Paul Wightman with whom he resided; his daughter: Beth Wightman (husband Michael LeFebre) of Los Angeles, CA; and grandchildren: Zachary, Hanna and Francesca. He was predeceased by his wife: Elizabeth “Betty” (Barnish) Wightman in 2015 and his brother: David Wightman.
Services are 2 PM Thursday (March 29) at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 330 Ferry St., Easton with visitation 6 to 8 PM Wednesday in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton. Interment will be private.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Luke’s Hospice, 801 Ostrum Street, Bethlehem, PA 18015. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.
The Rev. Canon Andrew T Gerns
March 27, 2018 at 9:26 am
Bill was a good friend and colleague, a patient and wise counselor. He communicated Christ’s love in many small and great ways. He will be missed by many in Esston. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.
Vic Palm
March 27, 2018 at 9:33 am
I will miss this good natured friend.
Nancy and Ken Amore
March 27, 2018 at 9:55 am
We will miss this dear sweet man, and his inspirational sermons…..
and that impish smile! Our condolences go out to his family and dear friends, who loved him, and will miss him greatly.
Karl and Gloria Miller
March 27, 2018 at 10:43 am
Rev. Bill was a good friend as well as his wife, Betty. We had known them for many years, mostly due to the family’s involvement with Boy Scouts. When he was a poll worker in Forks Township, we had long conversations during “lull” times, especially during the spring elections, when few voters came in.
Bill was devoted to his calling as a pastor and shepherded several churches. Hi was
a pastor wherever he was in everyday life.
It was a pleasure to have known him.
Karl and Gloria Miller
Barbara & Leland (Jerry) Winkler
March 27, 2018 at 6:16 pm
We are deeply saddened at the passing of our dear friend whom we had the pleasure and honor of knowing for over 50 years. Our fondest memories were celebrating holidays and traveling with Bill and Betty. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Our sympathies to Beth, Paul and family at this difficult time.
Wendy DeFrancesca
March 28, 2018 at 11:59 am
What a kind man with a great sense of humor! He married my late husband Angelo and me in 1980 and baptized our 2 children at Christ Lutheran. His reunion with Betty and our Lord was a joyful one I’m sure. Until we meet again…Wendy ( Moll) DeFrancesca
Shirley Hylton, Starr, JimII, and Rhonda
March 28, 2018 at 1:49 pm
Our deepest sympathy to Paul, Beth and Family at this most difficult time. When your dad shepherded Trinity, Valley View our families were very young. We have fond memories back then, so long ago. My you find strength and peace in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at this most trying time. He will be missed by many.
Nancy Rothermel
March 28, 2018 at 8:35 pm
Beth and Paul, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. He was such a wonderful, kind man and neighbor. Unfortunately one realizes in their passing how much they meant to you in life. Take comfort in how many lives he touched.
Brooke Mitman
March 29, 2018 at 11:04 am
My condolences on the loss of Bill. Bill is such a beautiful soul. He and I got to know each other through Rotary and I am so grateful to have had two years of friendship with him. He will be sorely missed…i take comfort knowing he is risen, healed and with our Lord! God bless.
Carol Ann Stem
April 1, 2018 at 9:37 am
We thank his family for sharing him with our church for many years. He was loved and will be greatly missed. Love and family.