Donald Raymond Glenn

Raymond and Blanche Glenn of Yuma, Colorado, were blessed with a special Christmas gift in 1937, their first-born son, Donald Raymond, whom they called Donnie Ray. The family grew to four when his brother Duane was born in October 1939. The family farmed southeast of Yuma until moving to town in 1944. Don shared memories of walking to country school (uphill and in the snow, of course!) as a first and second grader and related coming upon a rattlesnake in the middle of the road one day, running home to tell his mother, and her then coming with the shotgun to neutralize the snake. He also told of feeding mud pies to his brother as well as throwing Duane’s straw hat into the pig pen to be promptly eaten by the pigs. After the family moved from the farm into town, the brothers enjoyed the good old days of playing outside with neighborhood kids, swimming in the summer, bike riding and throwing a paper route, among other small-town activities.

Don was one who loved to study and learn—from childhood until his final days spent on earth. He graduated from Yuma High School in 1955 at the age of 17 and entered the University of Colorado to study electrical engineering. Don’s life changed direction in April 1958 when he understood that he was a sinner in desperate need of a Savior. He trusted in Christ’s death and resurrection as the total payment for his sins and received the unmerited gift of salvation, which is available to all who trust in Christ. Don’s life was transformed, and he sensed God calling him to ministry, which led to his transfer to Wheaton College in Wheaton, IL. Don and Kay started dating in the summer of 1959 shortly before they and 3 hometown friends traveled to Wheaton together in Don’s 1954 Oldsmobile 98 convertible. He proposed to Kay in December, and they were married on August 21, 1960. In their first year of marriage, Don completed his studies at Wheaton, and Kay completed her second year. And to top off that first year of marriage, they were blessed by the birth of Joel David on August 15, 1961. Two weeks later they made the big move to Dallas, traveling in a Volkswagen Beetle, pulling all their belongings in a small U-Haul trailer.

Don entered Dallas Theological Seminary in the fall of 1961. In addition to his seminary studies, Don worked at John E. Mitchell Company to support his family. On May 30, 1963, Don and Kay were blessed by the birth of their first daughter, Shawn Kathleen. It was during his time at DTS that Don discovered how much he loved teaching. He was privileged to teach a few classes at Southern Bible Training School and was even entrusted to substitute for Dr. Waltke a few times. Don graduated from DTS in May 1965, and the family moved to Waltham, Massachusetts, where he began graduate studies at Brandeis University. In February 1967, Dr. John Walvoord invited Don to join the Old Testament faculty at Dallas Theological Seminary. That invitation brought pure delight and was far beyond anything he could imagine or ask. The family moved to Richardson, TX, in July 1967. A couple of years later, they were blessed with the birth of Heather Diane on September 27, 1969.

In addition to teaching, Don also worked in Bible translation. Over many years, countless hours were spent working on the New International Version as well as The Message and The NET Bible, among others. Don was privileged to teach at DTS from September 1967 through February 2003 when he had to retire for health reasons. In his retirement, Don continued to find great contentment in studying the Bible. Where there was opportunity, he worked with doctoral students. In his 70’s, Don discovered the joy of serving in Luke’s Pantry at DTS, at Community Bible Chapel’s children’s camp (where he was known as “Pops”) and assisting in a small way with weekly cleaning of the church building.

Don went to be with his Lord and Savior on June 8, 2023, at the age of 85. He was devoted to his faith, his family, and his students and friends and will be missed by all who loved him.

Don is survived by his wife, Kay

Brother Duane Glenn of Commerce City, CO

Brother-in-law & sister-in-law Ron & Jean Beethe of Albuquerque, NM

Son Joel Glenn & wife Lisa of Oak Point, TX

Daughter Shawn Hall & husband Ricky of Prairieville, LA

Daughter Heather Erwin & husband Scott of Frisco, TX

Granddaughter Megan Wentzel & husband Daniel of Las Cruces, NM

Granddaughter Melissa Harris & husband Schaeffer of Aubrey, TX

Granddaughter Katie Glenn of Denton, TX

Granddaughter Krissie Francis & husband Bryce of Tulsa, OK

Granddaughter Hannah Cartwright & husband Paul of Prairieville, LA

Granddaughter Emma Erwin of The Colony, TX

Grandson Jacob Hall of Prairieville, LA

Grandson Seth Erwin of Frisco, TX

Great Grandchildren: Reagan & Rosie Glenn

Livingstone, Ransom, Steadfast & Mercy Harris

Samuel & Claire Wentzel

Rowen & Larkin Francis

Three nieces and numerous cousins

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 17, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at Community Bible Chapel, 418 E. Main St., Richardson, Texas 75081.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Indian Bible College, which exists to disciple and educate Indigenous Native Christians for lifetimes of biblical ministry and spiritual leadership to their people and the world.

https://www.indianbible.org/