Rev. Adam B. Esbenshade, 95, went home to be with Jesus on Monday, June 6, 2016, at Fairmount Retirement Homes, Ephrata, where he has been a resident since 2010.
Born April 30, 1921, in New Holland, PA he was the son of the late Ferree F. and Lizzie (Weaver) Esbenshade. On November 15, 1940, Adam married his surviving wife, Alta Burkhart Esbenshade with whom he was blessed to share 75 years of marriage.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by one brother, Ferree Esbenshade, Jr., his children, Geraldine, wife of Ivan Martin, Sarasota, FL, Wilmer husband of Janice (Sauder) , New Holland, PA and Linda, wife of D. Ray Geissinger, Mifflintown, PA, grandchildren: Rodney Martin(Angie), Lititz, PA., Wendell Esbenshade (Lorelei), Wade Esbenshade (Jenn) both of New Holland, PA., Denise Oberholtzer (Tom), Penn Laird, VA, Dan Geissinger (Joni), Mifflintown, PA, Judy Mummau (Chris), East Waterford, PA and 10 great-grandchildren.
Adam was preceded in death by two sisters, Grace Reiff and Edith Sensenig.
Adam began his ministry in Atmore, Alabama, serving with the We Care Prison Ministry. Later he served under Eastern Mennonite Missions in Belize. He attended Kitchener Bible Institute, Kitchener, ON, and served as a church planter and pastor in the Lancaster Mennonite Conference at the Bible Fellowship Center, New Haven, CT, Lebanon Christian Fellowship, Lebanon, PA and New Life Fellowship, Ephrata, PA. In addition, he was interim pastor at Ashton Mennonite Church, Sarasota, FL and Delaware Mennonite Church, Thompsontown, PA and Assistant Pastor at Cedar Lane Chapel, East Earl, PA
He was a member of New Life Fellowship, Ephrata, The Retired Minister’s Association, the Antique Classic Car Club, and a charter member of the Buccaneer Hunting Camp.
Before going into fulltime ministry Adam was a dairy farmer at New Holland. He also was a salesman at L.J. Denlinger, Paradise, and factory rep for Heritage Custom Kitchens, New Holland. Adam’s enjoyment came from golfing, hunting, fishing, antique cars and volunteering at the Re-Uzit Shop of New Holland, but his greatest enjoyment was spending time with his family.
Family will receive friends for a viewing on Sunday, June 12, from 6 – 8 PM at Wheat Ridge Chapel, Fairmount Homes, Ephrata. A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, June 13, 11:00 AM at New Life Fellowship, 410 E. Fulton St, Ephrata with a visitation from 10 – 11 with Pastors Kevin Horning and Rodney Martin officiating. Burial will be private.
Memorial contributions may be made to Eastern Mennonite Missions, P.O.Box 458, Salunga, PA 17538. To send the family online condolences, visit us at www.groffeckenroth.com. Arrangements by Groff-High Funeral Home, New Holland.

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