The Reverend Dr. Francis i. Fesperman 81 Newberry SC died Wednesday July 02 2003 at Palmetto Richland Memorial Hospital after a sudden illness. Born October 19 1921 in Draper NC Dr. Fesperman was the son the late Luther A. and Beulah B. Fesperman. He received his bachelor's degree in history and Bible from Lenoir-Rhyne College in 1941. His theological training was completed at Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in Columbia SC and the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago IL. Dr. Fesperman received his doctorate in New Testament and Biblical Studies from Vanderbilt University in 1969.Dr. Fesperman retired from Newberry College in 1991 as Professor of Religion Emeritus. He came to Newberry College as an assistant professor of religion and chaplain in 1957. He was named Chair of the Department of Religion in 1971. Prior to joining the Newberry College faculty he was pastor of several Lutheran churches in Florida.He also served as interim pastor at most of the Lutheran Churches in the Newberry County area during and after his years of service to Newberry College. He was an active member of the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer where he taught the Couples Bible Class and served on several committees of the Church. He was a published author having written the book From Torah to Apocalypse published in 1983 that is still being used as a college textbook for introducing students to the Bible.Dr. Fesperman is survived by his wife Kathleen C. Fesperman; a daughter Martha F. Marky and son-in-law Raymond L. Marky of Tallahassee FL; a son Paul Fesperman and daughter-in-law Gayle Fesperman of Duncan SC; a brother Bill Fesperman of Huntersville NC; three grandchildren Ray Marky III; Bob Marky; Angela Marky; and a great grandson Blaine Marky all of Tallahassee FL.Funeral services for Rev. Dr. Francis I. Fesperman will be conducted at 3:00 P. M. Saturday at the Wiles Chapel on the Newberry College campus. After the funeral service visitation with the family will be held in Smeltzer Hall immediately across from the Chapel.Graveside funeral services will be held at 4:30 PM Sunday July 6 at Organ Lutheran Church Cemetery Salisbury NC. The family suggests that memorials may be made to the Francis I. Fesperman Scholarship Fund at Newberry College 2100 College St. Newberry SC 29108; the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary 4201 North Main St. Columbia SC 29203 or to the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer Building Fund PO Box 382 Newberry SC 29108. Messages to the family may be sent via email at notes@whitakerfuneralhome.com. Whitaker Funeral Home 1704 College