William Zane Dement

Reverend William Zane DeMent, 86, of Ardmore, Oklahoma, departed his earthly home on October 16, 2015. His body of clay set his spirit free, and like a mighty eagle, took flight to Heaven’s shores.
William “Zane” DeMent was born December 12, 1928 on Indian Island in Greene County, Arkansas to Thomas Wayland and Veneda Pearl DeMent. He was a devoted brother to his twin, Wayne, and his younger brothers, Leland “Jim” and Clovis. He graduated in the first graduating class from Greene County Tech High School in 1948 and served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War from 1950-1952. He also attended Southwestern Bible College in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Still, his greatest adventure began on April 2, 1953, when friends and family gathered in Cardwell, Missouri to celebrate the marriage to his beloved bride, Rev. Virginia Lee Thomas.
Rev. DeMent responded to God’s calling and began his life’s work, pastoring and shepherding in churches across the Midwest and the Southeast Missouri area. Together with his wife and family, he pastored in Cardwell, Missouri, Paragould, Arkansas, Flint, Michigan, Kennett, Missouri, Jamestown and Belpre, Ohio, and Enville and Marietta, Oklahoma. In Belpre, Ohio, he pioneered, built, and established the first Pentecostal church of its kind in that area. This church continues to impact others for Christ there and in satellite churches around the world.
Reverend DeMent will be remembered best for his humble and sincere devotion to the Lord, as well as to his family and friends. Besides spending time with family, he enjoyed playing the guitar, wood working, dining out, and relaxing on the front porch, in addition to playing and listening to Country, Gospel, and Bluegrass Music.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 63 years, Virginia Lee DeMent, and his six children: Nancy Fister (Michael), Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Teresa Berryhill (Larry) Ardmore, Oklahoma, David DeMent, Gainesville, Texas, Dedra Watson (Ronnie), Anderson, South Carolina, Joy Pulvino (Russ), Marietta, Georgia and Bill DeMent (Mary), Orlando, Florida. In addition, he is survived by 19 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.
Preceding him to his heavenly home are his mother and father, infant brother, Jerrald, and granddaughters, Bethany Berryhill and Summer Newsom.
Aloha, Dad, until we meet again. We will follow you there. Set another place at the table, for the rest of the family's coming home. With great love and deep affection, your grateful Family. All hearts free, all minds clear...
Well done good and faithful servant...
Enter thou into the joys of the Lord. (Matt. 25:23)
Visitation will be Friday from 11:00-2:00 with the funeral following at Heath Colonial Chapel. Interment will follow at Cardwell Cemetery.