The Reverend Thomas R. Jarrell died on January 1, 2026. He was born in Wheeling, WV on December 22, 1926. Upon graduation from high school, he enlisted in the Army Air Corp and served in WWII. He was also recalled for the Korean War and served with the 101st Airborne. Having graduated from the Elliot School of Business he worked for 7 years as a cost accountant with the Ohio Power Company. In 1953 he felt called to the ministry of Jesus Christ. In preparation for that ministry, he earned a BA from Fairmount College in Fairmont, WV, a MA from Garrett Theological Seminary in Evanston, IL and a MA from Vanderbilt-Scarrit College in Nashville, TN. Additional work had been done at the University of Dayton in Dayton, OH, Indiana University in Bloomington, IN and Wesleyan College in southern WV.

He was a Methodist minister for 71 years. His first appointment was in Wadestown, WV. Moving to Wisconsin he served in South Wayne, Madison, Tomah, Eau Claire and Sheboygan. Retiring in June 1990 he and his wife Jeanette moved to Hot Springs Village, AR and he immediately began to serve as associate pastor in the Village United Methodist Church. After 12 years he retired again and was subsequently called to serve as Senior Pastor in the New Salem United Methodist Church. Upon his retirement he was asked again to serve in his former capacity as Associate Minister in Hot Springs Village Church.

Rev. Jarrell served in practically every church office in which a minister can serve. He attended several World Conferences. Jarrell was 1 of 32 pastors in the United States to be selected to spend 10 weeks in South America touring the mission work of the church plus preaching and teaching. He has been active in service clubs and most community organizations. He was privileged to have his church services throughout his ministry broadcast on the radio and in the later years some exposure to TV. Serving as Tour Guide for Educational Opportunities of Lakeland, FL and as a Cruise Chaplain for Holland American Cruise Company provided him many opportunities to do extensive worldwide traveling.

In 1947 he married Wilma Jeanette Richardson of Bloomington, IN. They were married for 70 years. He saw and referred to her as his most “precious Net”. She preceded him in this journey on March 23, 2017. They have three daughters, Patricia Jean (Richard) of Lombard, IL, Shirley Ann (Dwayne) of Belleville, IL and Rebecca Lynn (Randy) of Sheboygan, WI. Their son Wesley Richard (Terry) was waiting for both of them, having gone ahead on February 2, 2011. His beloved grandchildren are Christopher, Cassandra, Michael, Benjamin, Jakob, John, Tom, David, Alex, Jessica, Sara and Scott. He had 14 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Gary United Methodist Church in Wheaton, IL on January 24, 2026 at 2 o’clock. A memorial service will be held at the Village United Methodist Church in Hot Springs Village, AR on March 28, 2026 at 11o’clock. His cremains have been placed in the urn containing the cremains of his wife. Together they will be placed in the Garden of Memories of the church as were those of their son.

Memorials may be given to the Village United Methodist Church or the Good Samaritan Society.

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