Frank Gorsline

Frank Gorsline, 87, of Vancouver, Washington went to be with his Savior on April 19, 2023. Frank passed away peacefully surrounded by his devoted family and cherished friends. A celebration of his life will be held at the Battleground Community Center, 912 E. Main Street on Sunday, May 21 at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Jon Siebert officiating. Frank was born in Sherwood, Michigan on April 5th, 1936. He is a graduate of Union City High School in Michigan. After high school graduation, he attended Spring Arbor Junior College, then transferred to Seattle Pacific University, Washington. After completing university, he attended Western Evangelical Seminary. Frank was an ordained minister with the Evangelical Church of North America. He served as a minister of music, education and youth in churches in Michigan, Washington, California and Oregon prior to full time missions work that he entered into in 1968. In 2021, Frank, with the help of his loving wife, completed his autobiography entitled, Miracles in Young Lives. It was at Seattle Pacific University that Frank met the love of his life, Lyonie Sayler, whom he later in life referred to as his Sweet Lyonie. During the last year of his life, Frank wrote her a song entitled, "She's my Sweet Lyonie and I Love Her". They were married nine months after they first met, on September 2nd, 1960, in Bellingham, Washington. A gifted tenor soloist, Frank was part of the Seattle Pacific University Quartet. As a couple, Frank and Lyonie shared a passion to serve as missionaries in a foreign country and in 1968 they accepted an assignment in Brazil with OMS (One Mission Society). As an extension of his ministry, Frank recorded four long-play albums over his lifetime. The first, a solo album, just before going to Brazil, the second in Portuguese, as a member of a trio in Brazil and the last two were solo albums that he compilated over the years in the states. After returning to the states from a 4-year term in Brazil, Frank transitioned into the role of Director of Career Guidance and Youth Ministries with OMS. He traveled North America sharing the challenge of missions, recruiting, organizing and leading teams to many countries. In his 40 plus years of service, Frank and his wife were instrumental in mobilizing and sending over 4,000 people to participate in overseas short-term missions projects. The decade before his retirement, Frank's focus was strictly on Brazil, the country and people he had come to deeply love. Frank's energy and passion for missions was infectious. His ministry and decision to serve the Lord impacted many, many lives. As a husband and father, Frank was deeply devoted to his family! His children grew up knowing that their father truly loved their mother. He adored his Lyonie. He had a contagious laugh and sense of humor and was the best dad joke teller... ever! He invested in relationship with his family, he was intentional; even to the point of creating a pert chart one year in planning a family vacation, something his adult children smile about to this day. He made Christ the center of the family home, he led family devotions after dinner, he taught his kids to be gracious to others, he was their greatest fan. He was a one of a kind, a champion. As a grandfather, he carried that same devoted love into relationship with each of his eight beloved grandchildren. He supported their many and varied interests, sports, and talents. He prioritized supporting them, showing up and cheering loudly. He also faithfully prayed for each of them by name. Frank is survived by his wife, Lyonie of 62 years; son, Steve Gorsline and wife, Janet; daughter, Teresa Robertson Dauenhauer and husband, Kelly; daughter, Deanna Koehler and husband Duane: and eight adult grandchildren: Ryan Gorsline, Molly Gorsline Olds (husband Tyler), Tim Gorsline, Johnny Robertson (fiancée Grace Thomas), Victoria Robertson, Lindsey Koehler, Joshua Koehler and Joel Koehler. Frank was known by family and friends alike for his joyous shouting of "HALLELUJAH"! He is and will continue to be deeply missed, his absence in our lives leaves a huge ache and vacancy that cannot be filled. Memorials may be given to the Frank Gorsline Scholarship Fund at One Mission Society, onemissionsociety.org or 317-888-3333.

Frank Gorsline

April 5, 1936 - April 19, 2023