The Los Angeles Times from Los Angeles, California • 43

42 Parti Sunday, Davmlvr 4, 1988 Cos Angeles QJimea ODITUARIES Rev. J. Vernon McGee, 84; Pioneer Radio Evangelist Church in 1955 after he charged that the church's "liberal leadership has taken over the machinery of the presbytery with a boldness and ruthlessness that is appalling." McGee, the author of more than 100 books on Bible subjects, is survived by his wife, Ruth of Pasadena, a daughter and two grandsons. A private graveside service is planned for Monday. Officials of Thru the Bible Radio Network plan to hold a memorial service next month.

national Church of the Open Door at 558 S. Hope St. famous for its neon "Jesus Saves" sign where he remained until his retirement in 1970. Fifteen years later, he delivered the final sermon at the church's downtown site before the congregation relocated to Glendora. Wolery said McGee preached at dedication services for the new facility last July.

McGee had a well-publicized break with the Presbyterian said. "He explained the Scriptures verse by verse and taught them clearly." 1 Born irTHillsboro, McGee and his family moved 24 times before he was 14. After the death of his father, a cotton mill engineer, the family settled in Nashville, Tenn. McGee became a bank teller but left that job to study at Southwest University (now Rhodes College) in Memphis, Tenn. He earned a bachelor of divinity degree from Columbia Theological Seminary in Georgia and master and doctor of theology degrees from Dallas Theological Seminary in Texas.

Ordained a Presbyterian minister in 1933, he was pastor of churches in Nashville and in Cleburne, before taking up the pulpit at Lincoln Avenue Presbyterian Church of Pasadena in 194 1 Retired in 1970 After eight years in Pasadena, he became pastor of the nondenomi- W. SIMMONS i -x tk By TERRY PRISTIN. Times Staff Writer The Rev. J. Vernon McGee, a pioneer radio evangelist and pastor of the Church of the Open Door in downtown Los Angeles for 21 years, died Thursday of heart failure at a nursing home in Temple-ton, Calif.

He was 84. McGee's "Thru the Bible" series, which he launched in 1967, was eventually heard on 600 radio stations and was also broadcast overseas. The program was based on a midweek Bible class he had begun teaching in his early days as a pastor. McGee first recognized the value of radio ministries in the 1930s, and his popular broadcasts and powerful personality helped swell attendance at the downtown church at a time when other urban parishes were in decline. Under his leadership, membership grew by a third, with as many as 4,000 worshipers crowding into the church on Sundays.

Despite the acclaim, McGee played down his oratorical talents, often describing himself as "just a plowboy," according to the Rev. Dale O. Wolery, associate pastor of the Church of the Open Door. fi (rll iMiOW Mtexw Stag) ANNIVERSARY 3 1958-1988 The Rev. J.

Vernon McGee "I do not feel that I have the gift of an evangelist," McGee said in 1965. "I am not a pulpit thumper. I just talk." But it was precisely McGee's down -home approach that inspired his listeners. "He was very practical in his Bible teaching," Wolery John Maher; Founded Program for Addicts in San Francisco $2.000 GIVE AWAY 1 ASI Ot-ra W. SIMMONS MATTRESS Win A Shopping Spree at Nordstrom! Fill Out The Coupon and Deposit at any W.

SIMMONS Showroom. Anniaermrtf ffiriitect Sciti(M TWIN SET FULL SET QUEEN SET KING SET $299 $389 $469 $599 SHOPPING SPREE it place $1000 2 $5003 $500 Los Angeles Times I I I I I John Maher I NAME ADDRESS By WILLIAM OVEREND, Times Staff Writer John Maher, the founder of a San Francisco-based drug -rehabilitation program called the Delancey Street Foundation, died Saturday at his mother's home in New York City, according to friends. He was 48. A former New York street hoodlum and child heroin addict, Maher had turned his own life around after coming to Los Angeles in the late 1960s and becoming a member of Synanon, one of the nation's pioneering recovery programs for drug addicts. In 1971, Maher broke from Synanon and founded Delancey Street in San Francisco with the help of a few close friends, including Mimi Silbert, a criminologist and psychologist who has run the program since 1985.

Facilities in 5 Cities Delancey Street gradually expanded its operations, growing to a program of more than 600 residents with facilities in Santa Monica, New York, Santa Fe, N.M., and Greensboro, N.C., in addition to its San Francisco base. A prominent figure in San Francisco politics, Maher helped elect his younger brother, Bill Maher, to the San Francisco Board of Education and later the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. "He was a wonderful man, and the things he left behind are his legacy to all of us," Bill Maher said Saturday. A charismatic and outspoken advocate of liberal causes, Maher was the subject of two books, a television movie and dozens of adoring newspaper and magazine articles at the height of his popularity in San Francisco. After building Delancey Street STATE ZIP PHONE: I No Purchase Necessary Winner Need Not Be Present Drawing Dec.

7, 1988 I TAKE THIS COUPON TO ANY W. SIMMONS SHOWROOM BY DEC. 4, 1988 I mmmmmMMw TWIN FULL QUEEN KING i One Entry Per Person, Must Be 18 Years Old to Enter! jj SET -Mtflft lis i All! into a nationally recognized leader in the rehabilitation of drug addicts and former convicts, Maher resigned from the organization in 1985 after personal problems which included a drunk -driving arrest in San Francisco. He returned to New York where he was employed as a construction worker at a housing project on Roosevelt Island. Silbert said Saturday that she was told by Maher's family that he died in his sleep and that no cause of death has been established.

Maher had a history of heart trouble. "He started something that has helped thousands and thousands of people, and he will be remembered by them for a very long time," Silbert said. Silbert said that funeral services immoiS A TRADITION OF NORTHRIDGE, 19478 NORDHOFF ST. (818) 349-7711 RIVERSIDE, 3394 TYLER ST. (714) 359-6267 SAN BERNARDINO, 1440 SOUTH ST.

(714) 889-5883 RANCHO MIRAGE, 72074 HW. 111 0 (619) 341-3848 LA HABRA WHITTIER. 1240 W. WHITTIER BLVD. (213) 697-0348 ANAHEIM, 517 S.

EUCLID (714) 776-5140 COSTA MESA. 3040 BRISTOL ST. (714) 557-3525 ORANGE, 2263 N. TUSTIN AVE. (714) 998-3930 LAGUNA HILLS, 23401 AVENIDA DE LA CAHLOTTA (714) 768-4234 PUENTE HILLS.

17707 GALE AVE. (818) 965-4139 HUNTINGTON BEACH, 7225 DINGER SUITE (714) 897-2911 CANOGA PARK, 6559 T0PANGA CANYON BLVD. (818) 594-5765 CERRITOS MAIN SHOWROOM ft FACTORY 11030 ARTESIA BLVD. (213) 865-0294 (714) 828-7792 WEST COVINA, 557 N. AZUSA AVE.

(818) 966-7144 ALHAMBRA, 1032 E. MAIN (818) 282-4464 SAN DIMAS, 762 W. ARROW HWY. (714) 599-8236 PASADENA, 60 S. ROSEMEAD (618) 792-4690 LAWN DALE, 17001 HAWTHORNE BLVD.

(213) 542-1848 TORRANCE. 1645 W. SEPULVEDA BLVD. (213) 534-1944 WEST LOS ANGELES, 10931 W. PICO BLVD.

(213) 475-6114 LOS ANGELES WILSHIRE, 5162 WILSHIRE BLVD. (213) 936-4541 NO. HOLLYWOOD, 6512 LAUREL CANYON BLVD. (818) 762-1272 UPLAND, 1398 W. 7th ST.

(714) 946-2027 IRVINE, 15315 CULVER SUITE 175 (714) 552-2868 QUALITY COMFORT ISPA for Maher in New York are pending and that there are plans for a FACTORY DIRECT MANUFACTURER MEMBER memorial service at Delancey Street's San Francisco headquarters later this month. STORE HOURS: MON-FR1 10 am 9 pm SAT 10 am 6 pm SUN Noon 6 pm MASTER CARD, VISA, AMERICAN EXPRESS, DISCOVER DEATH NOTICESFUNERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS SESNON, Mary Kate Keeslluf be- A BR AMS. Lottie HHIslae Mortusry FuneH-al Directors Fun aval Directors ALLAN, Ode I Memorial services Monday, December 5, 2pm, Armstrong Family Cha-pel. Armstrong Family, directori SERVING JEWISH GLASBAND FAMILIES ASTIAZARAN. Estelle OVER 50 YEARS VESELICH, Nleollaa 93; beloved mother of Helen (John) Bectch and Martin (Linda) Vesellch; devoted and loving grandmother of Pamela Duncan, Martin Vesellch of Carmel, Dr.

Joan, John, and Helen Becich, Michael and Patricia Veselich. Funeral Mass and entombment Monday, December 5 at Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum. Donations may be made to St. Anthony Croatian Catholic Church Building Fund or a charity of your choice. Woods Gleadale Mortuary directors Pierce Brothers Bell Broadway 714842-9190 WILLEN MORTUARIES lovea aaugnter ot wiiuam i.

aes-non III and the late Brenda Dock-weiler Sesnoni beloved granddaughter of Mrs. George A. Dock -weiler and the late Judge George A. Dockweiler, Mrs. Jacqueline Kees ling Sesnon and the late William T.

Seanon loving sister of Shelly Sesnon Lachow, Kimberly Keesllng Sesnon, Allison Marie Sesnon and the late Michael Seely Sesnon. Visitation Sunday, from 2 to 5 pm at Pierce Brathers' Valley Oaks, Westlake Village (818889-0002) Mass ot Christian Burial 10 am, Monday at St. Jude Church, Linde-ro Canyon at Lakeview, Westlake GRonmn Services Conducted in MORTUARIES All Cemeteries W.HIywd. 213656-6260 Valley 818782-3870 LongBch 213436-1273 KA1DEN, Edward C. Hillside Mortaary KOSH, Gladys died on November 30, 1988.

Beloved mother of Allan; dearly loved sister of Jean Schaln and Sidney Wishni. Cryptside services to be held 2 Sm, Sunday, December 4 at Beth lam. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given in the name of the deceased to your favorite charity. LANGSBARD. Morris age 80: died December 1, 1988.

Beloved father and grandfather. LARUSSA, Joe C. Pierce Haydea, Cunningham A Q'ConnorT Alhambra LEACHMAN, Shirley S. Hillside Mortaary MCFADDEN, Marina P. survived by husband, Frank; son, Michael; 6 frandchildreni Jason, Morgan and egan Knlss, and Kathryn, Mary and Thomas McFadden.

Services private. Pierce Bras, Meyer -Mitchell, Via Nnys MILNE, Laura E. Forest Lawn-Olendale MONTALVO, Agustlae A. Caerra-Catlcrtci Mortuary NORIEGA, Charles Pierce Bros, Haydea, Cunningham village. BEERS, Michael W.

age 46. of Northridge passed away December 1. 1988. in San Luis Obispo. CA.

Beloved husband of Kim; father of Paul, Michael and Ten; grandfather of Kristi and Amy; son of Yvonne Beers; brother of Robin and Cathy: uncle of Tracy and Crystal; and loved by all who knew him. He served on the Board of Directors of Northridge Knights and the North-ndge City Little League, where he also served as coach. Visitation will be Tuesday from 6 to 9pm at Bastlaa A Pcrcort Mortuary, 18728 Partbenl North-rtdie. (886-8000) Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, 10am, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Northridge. SERVICES CONDUCTED AT ALL JEWISH CEMETERIES 2 Full Service Chapels DAY OR NIGHT Los Angeles (213)748-2201 Valley (213)877-0335 (818)365-7151 VITKIN, Leonard H.

Survived by his wife, Ruby; and a sister, Marion (Charles) Moore. Services 3pm, Sunday, at Eternal Light Chapel, Eden Memorial Park. Gremaa-Edea Mortuary directors. In lieu of flowers, family suggests contribution to the American Heart 4741 Laurel Canyon No. Hollywood, CA 91607 HARRIS, Charles J.

of Inglewood; passed away November 7, Just one day after his 89th birthday. "Pops" Harris, whose wife pre-deceased him in 1986, leaves 2 children, Una L. Jacobson of Westchester and Gordon A. Harris of Spring, Texas; 6 grandchildren; and 10 greatgrandchildren. "Charlie" maintained a business as a Public Accountant in the Crenshaw area for 40 years until retiring in 1985.

He was a past -president of the Crenshaw Chamber of Commerce and an ex-Kiwanis Club Member, where he had a 32-year perfect attendance record. Pops was the adult sponsor for many Key Club boys in the 1960's. Mr. Harris Is also survived by two sisters, Mrs. Ann Flfleld of Glendale, CA and Mrs.

Frances Borton of Seattle. WA. Originally from the Seattle area, Mr. Harris had lived In the Los Angeles area since 1926. A memorial service was held Friday, November 11 in Westchester.

The family suggests any memorials forthcoming be donated to the American Cancer Society. HAVESON, Abe B. passed away December 3, 1988. Devoted husband of Pearl and loving father of Myra and John; caring grandfather of Nicole. Melissa.

Larry and Tess. Services Sunday, 10am, at the Hillside Memorial Park Chapel. Hillside Mortaary HERMAN, Bsraard G. departed this life on November 27. 1988.

Loving, devoted and gentle husband of 39 years. Survived by wife Barbara, caring family and friends. Good night, sweetheart. Private services were held. HUGHES, Ellen Pierce Bras, Haydea, Caaalag harm A O'Coaaor, Alhamkra No mjucf whit vuu can a I lord were here lor vim FARLAN, Suianno Louis 60; of Glendale; died November 29 at home.

She was born in Hollywood and was the wife of Louis Farlan and mother of Steven Farlan. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. She was an active member of Grandview Presbyterian Church, Glendale. A memorial service will be held 3pm. Tuesday, December 6 in Grandview Presbyterian Church, 1130 Ruberta Glendale.

Visitation noon-2pm Tuesday at Ferrara Memorial Chapel, 8727 Fcawlck Street, Simians'. Interment will be private. Ferrara Memorial Chapel directors FELDZENFELD aka FIELDS, Eva Oromaa-Edea Mortuary FINZELBERG, Lucille E. beloved fnend of Tom Lloyd; loving mother of Jean Visco and Neil Fin-zelberg; loving grandmother of 7. Services private.

Pierce Bros. Meyer-Mltcaell, Vaa Nuys FRONT1NO, Fraak J. Pierce Bros, Haydea, Cunalnfhara A OXoaaor, Alhamhca CELDMAN, Max died December 5, 1988 at age 83. Beloved husband of Shevi; father of Sharon. Maria and Mark; grandfather of Lisa.

Michael. Missy, Craig and Max; brother of Mary and Irv. Memorial service Monday, 2pm, December 5. at Westwood Village Mortuary Chapel. (272-2484) GELFORD.

Shirley Moaal Slaal Mortuary GOLER, Harold Cromaa-Edea Mortaary COLOKOW, Boris "Pool of the Apollo Services llam Sunday at the Home of Peace Memorial Park, Mallaow and Silverman Mortaary directors HA MM, Bertk Euftale Armstrong Family, directors FOREST LAWN MORTUARY rSIMI Ifl'inWtMMUIII I Hooe I WAITE, William Harsld Armstroag Family, directors WEINBERGER, Raegolda Olasaaad-Wlllea West Hollywood WILK, Ethel Harriet Gremaa Mortaary Forest Law Holfywooo Hills I213I 254-3131 S1EGEL, Rosa Services 2pm. Monday, December 5, at Courts of TaNaCH Chapel, Mount Sinai Memorial Park. Mount Slnal Mortuary S10ViT5.Ro. ClMk.nd-Wlllcn West Hollywood SMITH, Sara Aaa O'Donnell a resident of Atherton, died November 23, at LeHavre Convalescent Hospital in Menlo Park after a short illness. She was 103 years of age.

She was the widow of Taylor R. Smith, Sr. A native of Pennsylvania, Mrs. Smith csme to California in 1919. She made her home In South Pasadena for over sixty years, before moving to Atherton in 1983 to live with family.

She Is survived by her daughter, Wllma Smith Moore, and son-in-law, Dwlght O. Moore, of Atherton; daughter-in-law Jean D. Smith, widow of Dr. Taylor R. Smith, Jr.

of Boston; and four Kandchildren, Robin S. Smith, of mver: Sarah L. Smith, of New York City; Margaret D. and Taylor M. Smith, of Boston.

Burial Services were held at Forest loaaor, Ainamora Funwral Direxrtors Cremation Satvicoa BONESTEEL, KalMeen Nolo beloved wife of Henry T. S. Bones-teel. M.D. deceased.

Devoted mother of Dorothy-Ehse 'Meme' Wilcox and Michael John Bonesteel: loving grandmother 'gaga' of Steven. Kathleen. Dorothy. Patricia Wilcox, Damon and Kirsten Bonesteel. Private services at Rosedale Mortuary, mil W.

Washington Los Angeles, CA. In lieu of flowers, the family prefer donations be made to St. Vincent Hospital Auxiliary. 2131 3rd Los Angeles. CA 90057-0992.

PETYAN, Edith beloved mother of Ronald (Barrie)i devoted grandmother of Brandon and Erlka. Cryptside services 1pm Monday at Eden Memorial Park Olasnaad Wlll.n North Hollywood Mortaary directors. Family prefers donations in MORTUARY CMETRV (213)449-6000 Los Angeles to tne American cancer society PISSIR1LO. Julia beloved mother liPl BRACA, Ewr Mount Slaol Mortuary DRESSNFR, Bcejamla ISAAC. Karlm Ham Lawn.

Glendale, November 30. Neptune Society 213831-0M (18845-2413 minis Mortaary Times Obituary Information Visitation, Sunday, 4pm to 8pm, at Pacific View Mortuary, 3501 Pacific View Drive. Newport Beach. Funeral Services will be llam. Monday, at Pacific View Chapel.

Pacific View Mortaary directors 714644-2700 COS Angolas Burbans mm taS RwSkr LA DRIBIN, Sylvia beloved wife of Bernard Dribin: loving mother of Kenneth (Kilene) Dribin; devoted (randmother of Terry and Mark nbin. Services 3pm. Sunday. December 4. at Mount Sinai Mortuary Chapel.

of Ben (Beverly) Pressor. Jerry Psrks snd Simon (Pat) Prescotli cherished grandmother of 4 and great grandmother of 2. Services Tuesday, 12 noon. Home of Peace Memorial Park. Mallaow A Silvormaa Mortuary directors ROTTMANN, Jhe O.D.

died on November 30, 1988 of cancer. Survived by his loving wife, Virginia; daughter, Barbara Foster and Jovce Cannon; brother. Albert; nephew, Mark; six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Dr. Rottmann was a pioneer in the field of contact lenses, starting hia ex- Kriments in 1929.

He was a mem-r of the Bel Air Country Club and I former member of the Beverly Hills snd Culver City Rotary Clubs. OOStVClT MCMOaiAl PARK (2I3)32S-I1U repeat siaai wenaary Times Obituary normaon STEIMAN.Irvlag Olasoand-VVHIen Vest Hollywood fORIELLO Sr, Nail Vincent Beloved husband of Luct; cherished father of Trecey Anne (James) Ash; and Neil Jr. (Guilleh and adoring grandfather of 5. He was a prominent Los Angeles businessman for 40 years. Recitation of the Rosary.

Tuesday evening. at Gates, Klngsley and Gates Mortuary Chapel in Santa Monica. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday morning. December 7. 10am.

at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Beverly Hills Interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery tXRES. Mourice Armstrong Fsmlly, directors Call Miss Black for understanding and helpful serviie on Obituary Notices (213) 629-441 1, ext 77241 or 1213) 237-7241 Cos Anjjclc (Times IARMSTPOfNJO MMtUY I Mtin MlTTJ I FAIER, Dr. Hormaa formerly Lieutenant Colonel. US Army Medical Corps. Survived by his loving wife.

Daveen; beloved father or Lwha and Michele; loving brother of Samuel and Esther Services 1pm Sunday Hillside Memorial Park Chapel. Hillslae Mortaary. In lieu of flowers, family requests donation to Ellis Eye Institute. Cedars-Smai Medical Center Csmstory Lota-Crypts row ST lawn, ClCNOir Terrace of Nichts. Mint sell.

12000 down, 'Or $64 tL mo lm pp 21J, 6W5423 Glenhaven Mem Pk San Fernando 2 plots STOP both pp 213-864-8307 i DI PLOTS Forest Lawn, Glendale. 3H pp 806 483 1611 Iv msi No services. Call Miss Black 1213) 629-4411. ext 77241 or (213) 237-7241 Cos Anclce STimcs lANCHEZ, SoledaJ Caerra-Catierres Mortuary SANDOVAL, Donas Ouerra-Gutletres Mortuary Iff0 littftur 1.