Obituary of Donald Rickards

Donald R. Rickards, Sr., age 81, of Florence, KY, formerly of Boise, ID, passed away Tues., Aug. 3, 2010, at the Baptist Convalescent Center in Newport, KY. Don came to know Christ as his Savior in 1943 at the age of 14 through the renowned Francis Schaeffer when Dr. Schaeffer was an asst. pastor at Bible Presbyterian Church in Chester, PA. Both Dr. Schaeffer and another youth leader, Frank Mitchell, were Don's "spiritual fathers." Don and his wife spent the first 15 years of their married life as missionaries in N. Africa, and Don never lost his love for evangelism, encouraging all to remember Christ's commission to "go into all the world and preach the Gospel." After returning to the States, he finished his MA and Ph.D, and then taught at several Bible colleges and Dallas Theological Seminary, and pastored two churches. He also earned a D.Min. and a D.Miss., and authored many magazine articles and received several recognitions. His last position was as president of Nashville Bible College, TN. During his retirement years in Boise, ID, he volunteered with World Relief, the Men's Rescue Mission, and spent two weeks in 2002 as a volunteer teacher at a seminary in Russia. He was also an active participant in every church he attended. His passion for Christ and the teaching of God's Word were evident to all! Survivors include his loving wife of 60 years, Margaret Lucille (Sanders) Rickards, KY; four children: Don Jr. (Betty) Rickards, KY; Valerie (Jim) Easton, CA; Linda (John) Brown, ID; and Dale (Valerie) Rickards, CA; 12 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren; brother Harry W. Rickards, Jr., DE; and sister Dottie Wagner, FL. A graveside service will be 10:30 am, Sat., Aug. 7, 2010, at Hopeful Lutheran Cemetery, in Florence KY. Memorials: Arab World Ministries/Pioneers, 10123 William Carey Dr., Orlando, FL 32832.