Clarence “Sandy” Edward Huntsman, Jr, 72 years old, passed away on February 23, 2024 in Nixa, MO. He was born on April 5, 1951 in Detroit, MI. to Clarence Edward, Sr and Nevelene (Jackson) Huntsman. He was united in marriage to Celia Louise Baxley on August 13, 1988 in Springfield, MO and became a father on February 15, 1977 to hisContinue Reading
Clarence “Sandy” Edward Huntsman, Jr, 72 years old, passed away on February 23, 2024 in Nixa, MO. He was born on April 5, 1951 in Detroit, MI. to Clarence Edward, Sr and Nevelene (Jackson) Huntsman. He was united in marriage to Celia Louise Baxley on August 13, 1988 in Springfield, MO and became a father on February 15, 1977 to his pride and joy, Marissa Christine Huntsman.
Sandy was preceded in death by his parents Clarence Edward, Sr, and Nevelene (Jackson) Huntsman, and by his first wife, Sue Schaller.
Sandy is survived by his wife, Celia Huntsman, his daughter, Marissa Christine
Huntsman, his brothers George Huntsman (Caryn Huntsman), Doug Huntsman (Cindy Huntsman), his sister Cheryl Crots (Wayne Crots), his cousin Sam Lass (Jeanne Lass), his honorary son Nathan Correll, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Sandy graduated from Cherry Hill High School in Inkster, MI in 1969. He received his Bachelor’s of Arts in Music from Baptist Bible College (now Mission University) in 1972, his Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministries and Doctorate of Religious Studies from Trinity Theological Seminary.
Sandy dedicated his life to serving the Lord in ministry and was a pastor for over 50 years. He began his ministry at Ambassador Baptist Church in Allen Park, MI. He went on to serve at Baptist Temple in Springfield, MO, Grace Baptist Church in Pompano Beach, FL, Boca Glades Baptist Church in Boca Raton, FL and Park Crest Baptist Church in Springfield, MO. He taught high school Bible class at Christian Schools of Springfield and various classes at Baptist Bible College in Springfield, MO. He also served as Chaplain in the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Department in Florida.
Sandy loved to sing and develop vocal talent in various choirs, chorals, praise teams, and most notably, Pneumatikos, a singing group he created at Baptist Temple in the 1970’s and 1980’s. He enjoyed playing musical instruments including the ukulele, trumpet, and flugabone. Although much of Sandy’s ministry was in music and worship, his passion was teaching and preaching the Word of God.
Sandy had a competitive spirit and played many sports throughout his life including basketball, volleyball, softball, and most of all tennis. In the past year, he even started playing pickleball, which he swore he’d never do. He was a first-degree black belt in American Tae Kwon Do due to his friend, Tony Isaac’s urging.
Everyone who knew Sandy knew that his sense of humor was a huge part of who he was. He found so much joy in making people laugh, playing silly songs on his ukulele, and created a lasting impression everywhere he went. He will be greatly missed.
left a message on March 1, 2024:
To have known you, is to have loved you Sandy. You were our friend, mentor, marriage counselor, ministry guide and so much more. Heaven just got sweeter and a lot more fun.
left a message on March 1, 2024:
Sandy was what I would call a Super Servant
left a message on March 1, 2024:
Sorry to hear about Pastor Sands passing. I was a consistent part of Boca Gades Baptist church when he was there and I thought he was a really good man of God and a trumpet player. My thoughts and prayers are with his family but we know for sure he is wrapped in the arms of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Mark Foster
left a message on February 29, 2024:
My life is made better, haven known Sandy.
Rest in His will, I'll see you in the morning.
1 thess.4:13
left a message on February 29, 2024:
Sending deepest condolences to Celia and all the family. May God's peace beyond understanding be with you now and in the days ahead. I served as a volunteer chaplain with Sandy with the Palm Beach Sheriff's Office for a number of years. Sandy's joy for the Lord, many gifts including his leadership when he was lead chaplain was an inspiration to all. In this time of sadness and grief may God's comfort surround you now and in the days ahead.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
left a message on February 29, 2024:
Sandy was an incredible person. As a police officer, I met Sandy “on a call” when Sandy responded as a Chaplain to assist a wife who just lost her husband to suicide. I began talking with Sandy after that call and got to know him. I quickly saw how great of a person Sandy was. Sandy offered to officiant my wife and I’s wedding in 2015. We were even blessed to take 10 pre marital classes with him at church prior to the wedding. My wife and I left each session knowing we were blessed to have Sandy as our wedding officiant. RIP to a great person.
left a message on February 28, 2024:
So sorry for this terrible loss
left a message on February 28, 2024:
As a young, brand new BBC college student, Bro. Sandy was a college class director who made me feel at home in my new church, Baptist Temple. He showed an interest in our lives, not only as students but as young people with a calling. He was an encouragement throughout my college years and he continued as a friend long after graduation and in ministry. He made us laugh (The Cat Came Back:)) but more important he taught us how to serve Christ, not only through his words but through his life. Tim and I are praying for your family.
left a message on February 28, 2024:
Sandy was a great Christian man, He married my husband and I at Baptist Temple on December 19, 1986 . I wish we had gotten to vist him but just had not done it.
left a message on February 28, 2024:
You're all in our thoughts a prayers! We're heart-broken with you to hear of Sandy's sudden, unexpected passing. "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." (Psalm 34:18) May the Lord bring us comfort by His nearness and hope by His promises (1 Thess. 4:13-18). We grieve, but with a hope that endures forever. What a joy-filled and purpose driven man we remember in Sandy Huntsman. One of my very favorite memories at CSOS was hearing Mr. Huntsman arrive each morning. He would swing wide the gymnasium doors, motorcycle helmet in hand, filling the air with one of his infamous hooooooooonks and then proceed to make his way through the gym greeting everyone with sincere joy, a smile most every day, a personal word of encouragement, or a deserving demerit. His classes were always interesting, and he had a way of drawing you into his love for the Bible, God's word. I will never forget what he told me right after I had made some big mistakes in my senior year that cost me dearly - he put his arm around my shoulder and said "Danny, don't let this moment define you - look to Jesus, seek His forgiveness, you already have ours - keep your eyes on Him for the rest of your days - He has great plans for you." I hope to thank him for this someday in heaven. He inspired, challenged and mentored so many of us to pursue Christ and His mission. He ran the race God put before him with passion, pastoring 50 years and finishing so well, wo loved and admired, a great example to all of us to the end. He will be missed by all whose lives were touched by his influence. I am a life that was changed because of his. Thank you Mr. Huntsman - we will see you again soon!
left a message on February 27, 2024:
I am praying for all the family, especially Celia. I pray God's peace and comfort. He was a fine, godly man and will be greatly missed.
left a message on February 27, 2024:
I first met Mr. Huntsman as the song leader at Baptist Temple, and as my teacher at CSOS in Springfield, MO. Always a great man with a friendly smile, and a caring and warm personality for everyone. With a “larger than life” personality, when he came into your life you could never forget him! He will be greatly missed and our love and prayers go his family.
left a message on February 27, 2024:
My deepest sympathy and prayer for comfort to Bro. Sandy’s family.
Sandy was my college Sunday School class leader at Baptist Temple in Springfield, MO in the late 70s. He was a great spiritual leader and a lot of fun. Loved his silly songs and ukelele playing…especially “And the Cat Came Back.”
Sandy and his first wife sang at my wedding to Clint Johnson in 1979. That will be 45 years ago this May. He will be greatly missed, but I’m sure our loved ones in Heaven are enjoying his singing and humor.
left a message on February 26, 2024:
Sorry to hear of Sandy's passing. He was a mentor and friend to so many. Thinking of you all in your time of sorrow. Rejoicing in his resurrection.
left a message on February 26, 2024:
Sandy led me to the Lord in 1986 at BBC. He will forever be remembered. Lisa
left a message on February 25, 2024:
Praying for Celia, Marissa and all who love Sandy as they navigate through this difficult time! Sandy was my Bible teacher all four years of high school. He taught me a love for God’s Word and how to study it for myself. He also proved to us that Christians can be fun! Loved listening to his silly songs while he played his ukulele especially The Cat Came Back and Pinesol Cowboy. I am sure there are thousands of others who can give testimony to his faithfulness to God and His people. Sandy, you are already missed!! See you soon!
left a message on February 24, 2024:
We knew Sandy for many years and sat under his teaching at the churches he served in in Florida. Our two kids loved coming to Sunday School because they came to the adult classes just to listen to Sandy's teaching. He will be missed greatly. Celia we send our love and condolences and prayers to you and all the family.
Ronnie & Zabida
Gabriel & Yasmine
left a message on February 24, 2024:
My thoughts and prayers go out to Celia and the rest of the family. Sandy was the music Director at Baptist Temple when my family moved to Springfield back in 1975 he was my Bible teacher at CSOS from 1976 to 1980 and later was my Sunday school teacher as well. He was a great man and he will be missed.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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left a message on March 1, 2024:
To have known you, is to have loved you Sandy. You were our friend, mentor, marriage counselor, ministry guide and so much more. Heaven just got sweeter and a lot more fun.
left a message on March 1, 2024:
Sandy was what I would call a Super Servant
left a message on March 1, 2024:
Sorry to hear about Pastor Sands passing. I was a consistent part of Boca Gades Baptist church when he was there and I thought he was a really good man of God and a trumpet player. My thoughts and prayers are with his family but we know for sure he is wrapped in the arms of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Mark Foster
left a message on February 29, 2024:
My life is made better, haven known Sandy.
Rest in His will, I'll see you in the morning.
1 thess.4:13
left a message on February 29, 2024:
Sending deepest condolences to Celia and all the family. May God's peace beyond understanding be with you now and in the days ahead. I served as a volunteer chaplain with Sandy with the Palm Beach Sheriff's Office for a number of years. Sandy's joy for the Lord, many gifts including his leadership when he was lead chaplain was an inspiration to all. In this time of sadness and grief may God's comfort surround you now and in the days ahead.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
left a message on February 29, 2024:
Sandy was an incredible person. As a police officer, I met Sandy “on a call” when Sandy responded as a Chaplain to assist a wife who just lost her husband to suicide. I began talking with Sandy after that call and got to know him. I quickly saw how great of a person Sandy was. Sandy offered to officiant my wife and I’s wedding in 2015. We were even blessed to take 10 pre marital classes with him at church prior to the wedding. My wife and I left each session knowing we were blessed to have Sandy as our wedding officiant. RIP to a great person.
left a message on February 28, 2024:
So sorry for this terrible loss
left a message on February 28, 2024:
As a young, brand new BBC college student, Bro. Sandy was a college class director who made me feel at home in my new church, Baptist Temple. He showed an interest in our lives, not only as students but as young people with a calling. He was an encouragement throughout my college years and he continued as a friend long after graduation and in ministry. He made us laugh (The Cat Came Back:)) but more important he taught us how to serve Christ, not only through his words but through his life. Tim and I are praying for your family.
left a message on February 28, 2024:
Sandy was a great Christian man, He married my husband and I at Baptist Temple on December 19, 1986 . I wish we had gotten to vist him but just had not done it.
left a message on February 28, 2024:
You're all in our thoughts a prayers! We're heart-broken with you to hear of Sandy's sudden, unexpected passing. "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." (Psalm 34:18) May the Lord bring us comfort by His nearness and hope by His promises (1 Thess. 4:13-18). We grieve, but with a hope that endures forever. What a joy-filled and purpose driven man we remember in Sandy Huntsman. One of my very favorite memories at CSOS was hearing Mr. Huntsman arrive each morning. He would swing wide the gymnasium doors, motorcycle helmet in hand, filling the air with one of his infamous hooooooooonks and then proceed to make his way through the gym greeting everyone with sincere joy, a smile most every day, a personal word of encouragement, or a deserving demerit. His classes were always interesting, and he had a way of drawing you into his love for the Bible, God's word. I will never forget what he told me right after I had made some big mistakes in my senior year that cost me dearly - he put his arm around my shoulder and said "Danny, don't let this moment define you - look to Jesus, seek His forgiveness, you already have ours - keep your eyes on Him for the rest of your days - He has great plans for you." I hope to thank him for this someday in heaven. He inspired, challenged and mentored so many of us to pursue Christ and His mission. He ran the race God put before him with passion, pastoring 50 years and finishing so well, wo loved and admired, a great example to all of us to the end. He will be missed by all whose lives were touched by his influence. I am a life that was changed because of his. Thank you Mr. Huntsman - we will see you again soon!
left a message on February 27, 2024:
I am praying for all the family, especially Celia. I pray God's peace and comfort. He was a fine, godly man and will be greatly missed.
left a message on February 27, 2024:
I first met Mr. Huntsman as the song leader at Baptist Temple, and as my teacher at CSOS in Springfield, MO. Always a great man with a friendly smile, and a caring and warm personality for everyone. With a “larger than life” personality, when he came into your life you could never forget him! He will be greatly missed and our love and prayers go his family.
left a message on February 27, 2024:
My deepest sympathy and prayer for comfort to Bro. Sandy’s family.
Sandy was my college Sunday School class leader at Baptist Temple in Springfield, MO in the late 70s. He was a great spiritual leader and a lot of fun. Loved his silly songs and ukelele playing…especially “And the Cat Came Back.”
Sandy and his first wife sang at my wedding to Clint Johnson in 1979. That will be 45 years ago this May. He will be greatly missed, but I’m sure our loved ones in Heaven are enjoying his singing and humor.
left a message on February 26, 2024:
Sorry to hear of Sandy's passing. He was a mentor and friend to so many. Thinking of you all in your time of sorrow. Rejoicing in his resurrection.
left a message on February 26, 2024:
Sandy led me to the Lord in 1986 at BBC. He will forever be remembered. Lisa
left a message on February 25, 2024:
Praying for Celia, Marissa and all who love Sandy as they navigate through this difficult time! Sandy was my Bible teacher all four years of high school. He taught me a love for God’s Word and how to study it for myself. He also proved to us that Christians can be fun! Loved listening to his silly songs while he played his ukulele especially The Cat Came Back and Pinesol Cowboy. I am sure there are thousands of others who can give testimony to his faithfulness to God and His people. Sandy, you are already missed!! See you soon!
left a message on February 24, 2024:
We knew Sandy for many years and sat under his teaching at the churches he served in in Florida. Our two kids loved coming to Sunday School because they came to the adult classes just to listen to Sandy's teaching. He will be missed greatly. Celia we send our love and condolences and prayers to you and all the family.
Ronnie & Zabida
Gabriel & Yasmine
left a message on February 24, 2024:
My thoughts and prayers go out to Celia and the rest of the family. Sandy was the music Director at Baptist Temple when my family moved to Springfield back in 1975 he was my Bible teacher at CSOS from 1976 to 1980 and later was my Sunday school teacher as well. He was a great man and he will be missed.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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