Ralph Colas

Ralph G. Colas, 85, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on October 22, 2015. Sensing God's call to the ministry as a young man, he followed his own father's example who was a pastor in Elimsport, PA for many years. After graduating from Baptist Bible Seminary in Johnson City, NY in 1955, over the next 37 years Ralph pastored churches in Kansas City, KS, Algona, IA, Waterloo, IA, Littleton, CO, Anchorage, AK, and Meadville PA. He was awarded the Doctor of Divinity degree from Denver Baptist Bible Seminary in 1977. Ralph was very involved with the American Council of Christian Churches (ACCC) for many years during his pastorates, and then served as the Executive Secretary of the ACCC from 1992 through 2014. God granted Ralph a long life to be a blessing to his family, and to impact and influence many others over his numerous years of faithful ministry. He loved his family and was blessed with many dear friends from his previous pastorates, from Bethel Baptist Church, and from those he served with at the ACCC. Ralph was an avid hunter and outdoorsman, and especially enjoyed hunting and fishing in Alaska. Although suffering from various health issues over the last few years, he was a great example to us of accepting trials without complaining. Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God." Ralph is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Alice E. Colas; sons Kevin (Esther) Colas (Highlands Ranch, CO), and Craig (Nancy) Colas (Vestal, NY), daughter Lauren Colas (Camas, WA), brother Raymond (Martha) Colas, sisters Patricia (Raymond) Oviatt and Barbara (Harold) Rager, eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. The funeral service will be held on Monday, October 26 at 11:00 AM at Bethel Baptist Church, 754 E. Rockhill Rd., Sellersville, PA. The family will receive friends at the church from 9:30 AM until the time of the service. Interment will be at Zion Hill Cemetery in Zion Hill. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Council of Christian Churches www.accc4truth.org.