Pastor Seth Oiler, 42, from the First United Methodist Church (UMC) in Newark, Ohio, took his own life in his church-owned home a week ago following his admission of engaging in an adulterous relationship.
Oiler is survived by his wife Joyce Oiler and their three children – Isabelle Oiler, Abigail Evans, and Noah Oiler, according to the Newark Advocate. After confessing to his affair with a church member, Oiler requested for a voluntary leave of absence and agreed with Bishop Gregory Palmer that he should use his leave of absence to undergo counselling, both for himself and his family.
Members of the church congregation were supportive of his decision to seek counselling following the affair, with the UMC allowing the Oiler family temporary stay in the parsonage as well as providing salary to the pastor even during his leave of absence. Thus, everybody was shocked to discover that he had committed suicide.
"We were just heartbroken and stunned," said Lisa Streight, communications director for the West Ohio Conference of the UMC. "Many people are grieving, including of course his wife and children, the congregation he served and so many of his colleagues and friends. It was terribly sad."
An obituary for Oiler said he was a veteran of the United States Navy who loved God above all things.
"Seth loved God, Ronald Reagan and Captain America. He adored all things Star Wars and being in the water surrounded by nature. Seth was accomplished in music and voice and enjoyed playing the piano," the obituary read.
His parents, Jim and Maggie Oiler, said they are very proud of their son and thanked those who supported him throughout his life.
"Seth was someone who loved life and we will miss him every day. He had a quick smile and a silly laugh that sounded like his dad. We were so proud of our son. Rest in peace Seth," his mother wrote.
His father said, "God loves all of you supporters of my son, Seth, and so do I, and there is nothing you can do about it. I can't take credit for this saying but God and Seth are discussing this now and I hope God can get a word in."
Pastor Oiler will be buried at Ware's Chapel UMC in West Manchester on Thursday and will be given military honors.
