Nelson F. Pamer

Bishop of Apostolic Church, Barberton, OH

History is filled with great men who achieved significant things.  Nelson Pamer was one of those men.  He served as pastor and later Bishop of Apostolic Church in Barberton. Bishop Pamer built tires at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, developed incredible buildings on the AC Campus and raised a remarkable family.

We are in awe of his greatest achievement; he conquered self.  He achieved exactly what every Christian strives to do, follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ.  He humbled himself and became a servant.

While one might think such a life would bear little fruit and produce few moments of honor, the opposite is true. His life was full of abundance and he was considered by thousands to be one of the finest and most honorable men of his time.

Nelson Pamer was born in Akron, Ohio in 1930.  His parents, Paul and Rose Pamer, whom he deeply loved and respected, were immigrants from Hungary.  He was the youngest of five: Paul (Charlotte) Pamer, Viola (Carlos) Carter, Velma (Paul) Price and Katherine (Carl) Cecil. 

He became pastor of Apostolic Church in 1965, and it thrived under his leadership.  Bishop Pamer led the church to purchase sixty acres on State Route 619.   He initiated multiple building projects, including the sanctuary now called the Bishop’s Chapel.  Together with his son, Rod, they oversaw the building of the beautiful sanctuary and office complex the church uses today.

Bishop Pamer influenced hundreds of ministers throughout the Apostolic fellowship. He was a licensed minister of the Assemblies of the Lord Jesus Christ for over fifty years. Yet, his influence was not limited to one ministerial organization. He made an indelible mark on the lives of ministers of the United Pentecostal Church International and the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World as well.  Many men from Apostolic Church went on to pastor congregations throughout the United States.

He grew up in church alongside Grace Harris and in 1950 she became his bride.  They had a beautiful life together and raised an incredible family.  This 40-member family strives to live the life exemplified by their father and grandfather. He taught them to love God and serve others.  Nelson Pamer leaves behind a respected legacy of ministry. His son, Rod Pamer, serves Apostolic Church as Bishop and his grandson Paul J. Pamer currently serves as Senior Pastor.

Nelson F. Pamer was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Grace (Dolly), and infant great-grandchildren, Greyson Yale Pamer and Van August Sieker. 

He leaves behind the 39 members of his immediate family, who kept a constant vigil at his side in the closing days of his life.  They wept at his passing but rejoice at having had such a remarkable man as the patriarch of their family.

Children: Bishop Rod (Nan) Pamer, Kathy (Doug) Elkins, and Elaine Robertson

Grandchildren: Alyson (Robert) Danes, Pastor Paul (Brooke) Pamer, Sheila (Robert) Velo, Russell (Nichole) Elkins, Rose (Nathan) Sieker, Marcus (Crystal) Robertson, Pastor Garrett (Allison) Robertson, and Ross (Joelle) Robertson

Great-grandchildren: Christian Velo, Nelson Velo, Sadie Velo, Halle Danes, Sullivan Pamer, Vivian Velo, Mya Elkins, Axel Danes, Dane Elkins, Titus Robertson, Oscar Robertson, Finley Robertson, Eli Robertson, Tate Elkins, Eleanor Robertson, Oliver Sieker, Marlowe Pamer and Harvey Robertson.

The Memorial Service will be held at the Apostolic Church, 1717 Turkeyfoot Lake Rd, Barberton, Ohio, at 7:00 PM, Tuesday, October 12, 2021.  (Calling hours and viewing displays of Nelson Pamer’s life will begin at 6:00.)   Bishop Rod Pamer, Pastor Paul Pamer, Pastor Richard Price and Pastor Garrett Robertson will officiate.

Private burial will be the following day.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Nelson F. Pamer, please visit our floral store.