Luther Severn Hollowell II

Luther Severn Hollowell II, 61, died Sunday, February 27, 2011 at Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene. The son of E. W. (Dinger) Hollowell and Modelle Keys Hollowell, he was born on April 24, 1949 in Crane, Texas. A May, 1967, graduate of Cooper High School in Abilene, he received from McMurry College (now University) his Bachelor of Arts-major in English, minor in Speech in May, 1971. He became a life member of Sigma Tau Delta National English Honor Society during this time at McMurry He taught as a substitute teacher from 1971-1977. His baptism and confirmation in the Presbyterian Church was on April 2, 1961 at Central Presbyterian Church, 5th and Grape, Abilene. He was ordained an Elder in the Presbyterian Church on January 11, 1974 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Abilene, where served as Co-chair of the Education Department and superintendent of the church school, 1974-1976. He graduated from Texas Woman's University Graduate School of Library Science in August, 1978. with a Master of Library Science. He served as superintendent of the church school at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Odessa, Texas, 1988-1993. Luther married Beverly Ribble on March 9, 1996. He was a loving husband. He graduated from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary on May 8, 1996 with a Master of Divinity. He served as Chaplain Resident at Methodist Hospital in Lubbock, Texas, from August, 1996, to August, 1997. On March 1, 1998, Luther was ordained as minister at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Abilene. He was installed as pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Haskell and First Presbyterian Church, Throckmorton (Yoked Parish) on March 8, 1998. He also served as substitute librarian in the Haskell School District during his time as pastor in that parish. On March 1, 2001, he was installed as pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Mineral Wells. Luther was employed by Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene as a part-time chaplain on February 17, 2006. He also occasionally delivered devotions at the rehabilitation hospital and preached in the hospital chapel of Sunday. He also served as an occasional supply preacher beginning in 2007, serving Westminster Presbyterian Church, Abilene and First Presbyterian Church, Sweetwater. He served countless families as a chaplain throughout his career. The name "Luther" means - warrior, a soldier of the people, gentle and kind, a man of "true grit", firmness of mind and spirit..., unyielding courage in the face of hardship and danger. That is how he lived his life. His parents preceded him in death. Luther is survived by his wife, Beverly Horowitz Hollowell of Abilene. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 2, in Elmwood Memorial Park with Rev. Dr. Tom Fuller and Rev. Fred Watson, O.S.B officiating, directed by The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to one of Luther's favorite charities: Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, 100 E. 27th Street, Austin, TX; Westminster Presbyterian Church, 4515 South 14th Street, Abilene, TX 79605, Presbyterian Children's Homes and Services; West Texas Rehabilitation Center, 4601 Hartford, Abilene TX 79605, and of course, the ministry of Rev. Dr. Tom Fuller (fuller.tom@att.net).