Pastor Ed Ingram

Joseph Edward Ingram was born to Ira and Zora Ingram on July 17th, 1946, in Wichita Falls, Texas. Their only son, Ed grew up a full-blooded Texan and joined the United States Army after high school. He was stationed in Germany, where he served for 3 years and met and married a woman named Inge. There, he became the father of Stephanie Baier, his precious (and only) daughter. Stephanie was raised in Germany but traveled to the U.S. for quality time with her father every summer. Ed cherished these times and wished for more. He loved his daughter deeply, and everyone knew it. Brother Ed, as he was affectionately called, held a variety of careers including owner of a recording studio – his most notable client being Stevie Ray Vaughan, owner of an Indian artifact shop, a graduate gemologist and Vice President at Harris Jewelers, and the Pastoral Care Pastor of Only Believe Church. He dedicated nearly 30 years of selfless service to the members of Only Believe and their extended families, leaving an indelible mark on this region of Ohio and into distant parts of the world. After moving to Ohio and joining Only Believe Church, he found and lassoed Regina, the love of his life. They were married on June 14th, 1992. All who had the opportunity to watch Ed and Regina interact knew their love was deep and real, a beautiful picture of the redemptive work of God and a model of the mutual love and respect a couple founded in Christ should have. Those who met Brother Ed quickly discovered that he had a big heart. He genuinely cared for people and was concerned for them. He freely distributed kindness and showed up for others even when there was a high personal cost. He would take emergency calls at 2 and 3 AM, heading out to show support where it was needed most in times of crisis. He thoughtfully personalized everything, from encouraging one-on-one messages to hours of preparation for each funeral he officiated. He was relational, and he made it a point to speak life into others and live out a faith that was nothing short of inspirational. A favorite quote of his was, “Don’t worry about tomorrow; God is already there.” Brother Ed was an avid reader. He devoured information and retained it in ways that made those around him marvel. He was passionate about jewelry and cooking, and he was a collector at heart. Coins, knives, guns, Indian artifacts and more excited him, and he rarely passed up an opportunity to attend an auction. If he was known for one thing, it would have to be his painstakingly prepared world-famous chili. He’d often say, “Texas chili is the only chili,” and don’t get him started on when people use “beans in soup” (what the rest of us call chili). His gourmet Texan chili was the highlight of many special events and home groups. A few things we’ll never forget about Brother Ed include his disdain for the word “pantyhose.” He could never settle himself on why anyone would want to wear one garment that had both your feet and your rear in it! He firmly believed no movie – and especially not a western – should have singing in it, and he was a quick draw with the remote to change the channel when his movie turned into a musical. A true and passionate follower of Christ, Brother Ed deeply desired to obey and please God. When he lived in Austin, Texas, he encountered God, and his life was forever changed. He was sitting on his back porch, high and hallucinating that a SWAT team was coming up the hill to get him. He called out to God: “If you will take this off of me, I will serve You the rest of my days!” Instantly, the high left and he lost all urge for drugs and alcohol. Ed kept his promise and clung to Psalm 71:18, “Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare Your power to the next generation, Your mighty acts to all who are to come.” God honored his prayer and used him to touch a generation. Brother Ed received his eternal reward on February 26th, 2024. He is survived by the objects of his deep love and affection, his wife of 31 years, Regina Ingram, daughter Stephanie Baier, and grandchildren Lucas and Antonia Baier. To the moment of his passing, Brother Ed’s greatest prayer was to see all of his family and friends saved. In thinking about the end of his life, he once wrote this message, which we believe is the most fitting way to encapsulate his heart for all of us: “We are only in this world for a short time. Love your family and friends. You never know when you might not have them. Be kind to everyone. It costs you nothing. The only way we will see each other again is to ask Jesus to come into your heart and to forgive you of your sins. If you ask Him, He will do it. Let us be together in Heaven.” Will you take a moment to reach out to Jesus now?

Pastor Ed Ingram

July 17, 1946 - February 26, 2024