Dr. Darold H. Morgan's Obituary
Dr. Darold H. MorganLong-time Baptist pastor and denominational leader Dr. Darold H. Morgan (Dede to his family) went to be with the Lord on December 11, 2019. He passed peacefully at home surrounded by his loving and grateful family. Darold was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Elizabeth, of 68 years in 2015. He is survived by his children and their spouses, Tim and Jane Morgan of Dallas, Marshall and Debbie Morgan of Odessa, and Julie and Billy Reynolds of Celeste along with nine grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. Darold was born on August 5, 1924 in the family home in Coffeyville, Kansas and grew up in Kansas, Spokane, WA and Fort Worth, TX. Dr. Morgan felt called to the Gospel ministry at age 16 and never doubted God’s call throughout his life-long ministry. Darold graduated from Hardin-Simmons University in 1944 and then received his Master’s and Doctorate from Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth. He also completed post-doctoral studies at Oxford University and the University of Oklahoma. He received honorary doctorates from his alma mater, Hardin-Simmons, as well as Dallas Baptist University. Dr. Morgan pastored churches in Texas and Alabama, the most recent being Cliff Temple Baptist Church in Dallas. In 1971 he was elected as President and CEO of the Annuity Board of the Southern Baptist Convention (now GuideStone Financial Resources), where he served until he retired in 1990. In retirement, he continued to serve as an interim pastor for numerous churches, taught graduate courses at three universities, and provided leadership in various church and denominational initiatives. He also was very influential in supporting the Hawaii Baptist Academy in Honolulu, along with other Baptist mission and educational organizations around the world. He was a long-time member of First Baptist Church in Richardson, where he served as interim pastor on three occasions and taught the same Sunday School class for more than forty years.Dr. Morgan was a man who modeled Jesus’ commandments to love God and love others and he lived his Christian faith in everything he did. He loved and encouraged those around him, eloquently preached the Gospel, gave witness to the power of Christ, and insightfully taught the Bible in countless settings around the world. Dr. Morgan was a learned theologian, voracious reader and student of history who preached and taught with gifted intellect and relevance. He always had the right words for every situation. Dr. Morgan was an extraordinary preacher, pastor, chief executive, teacher, mentor, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was truly one of God’s great men.Darold loved to travel the world with Elizabeth and friends and on numerous preaching missions. After his love for God, his family was his pride and joy. He loved having family around any time, but especially at holidays and special occasions. He particularly enjoyed having family members accompany him to church and his Sunday School class. He loved to fish and play golf, rousing games of Scrabble, ’42’ and Shanghai with friends and family.Dr. Morgan was a unique individual who was revered by his family and his church family for his wisdom and knowledge of the Bible, current events, world history, a remarkable memory for names and his ability to make everyone around him feel loved. He always brought a fresh perspective on the everlasting truths found in Scripture – bringing them alive in the context of the present. He continued to read and study and grow in intellect and spiritual maturity until his last days. He will be greatly missed by his family and his church and all who knew him.The family is deeply grateful for the dedicated care team, headed by daughter Julie Reynolds and including Allie Banda, Sandra Robles, Amanda Beck, Florine Adams and Kathy Betz who cared for Darold during his final years. A visitation will be held at Restland Funeral Home, 13005 Greenville Avenue, on Sunday evening, December 15, 2019 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church of Richardson on Monday, December 16 at 2:00 pm in the sanctuary following an interment service at Restland for family and friends at 11:00. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hawaii Baptist Academy in Honolulu.
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