Retired missionary Earl E. Mosteller, Jr., passed away October 27. He was 97.

Mosteller and his wife, Gladys, both graduates of Northwest Nazarene College (now University), served as missionaries for 39 years in Cape Verde (now Cabo Verde), Brazil, Portugal, and the Azores.

General Superintendent Eugénio R. Duarte, a native of Cabo Verde, said Earl and Gladys served with a "great visionary and pioneer spirit."  

"[Dr. Mosteller] was instrumental for the expansion of the church in the Cape Verde islands as well as the establishment of the church in Brasil and Portugal," Duarte said. "His vision and passion for evangelism, church planting, theological education, and holiness literature contributed significant thrust to the establishment, growth multiplication in all of the above nations. The first generations of pastors and preachers on the above were mentored and trained by him. His influence and philosophy of mission reached far beyond those who worked directly with him. At one time as I attempted to get information from him on a particular accomplishment on the mission field that I know he invested so much of himself and of his resources, he talked about those who were members of his team and gave all credit to them — such was the greatness of his spirit.

"I do not know anyone who preached, thought, and lived the message of holiness better than Dr. Mosteller," Duarte said. "The last time I had the privilege of being on the phone with him was during last Christmas season. He directed the conversation to the passion of his heart, encouraging me to spread the message. I will never forget the way his gracious presence, simplicity, and love for the lost impacted me personally. Dr. Mosteller will be greatly missed. We are deeply grateful for his lasting impact on many lives through the way he lived and modeled commitment and obedience to God."

Mosteller is survived by Gladys (Parker), whom he married on June 12, 1941; three daughters, Kathleen Loeber, Virginia York, and Elizabeth Ott; and five grandchildren.  

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. December 10 in Seattle, Washington, at Aurora Church of the Nazarene, 1900 N. 175th Street.

Anyone wishing to share memories, stories, or pictures may send them to the family by email to mosteller70th1941@gmail.com or mail to c/o Kathy (Mosteller) Loeber, P.O. Box 1727, Richland, WA  99352.

Prayer is requested for the Mosteller family. 

For more information on the Mosteller's story, see Engage magazine from November 2014.