Family and Friends,
We gather here to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Richard Kyle, known to his students as “Doc”, known to others as “Dad”, “Dick”, and “Grandpa”. His journey was marked by an unwavering commitment to faith, scholarship, and service. Richard's life story is one of profound intellect, deep spirituality, and enduring dedication to his family, students, and community.
Among many things, Richard was a talented athlete. His prowess on the football field earned him awards and recognition, including induction into his high school and college athletic halls of fame. He received four NFL free agency contracts before signing with the Baltimore Colts. Football was not just a sport for him; it instilled in him the discipline and work ethic that drove his extraordinary academic career.
Though football was perhaps the only thing sending him to college. He was the son of a Pennsylvania steel worker who dropped out of school in eighth grade. His mother graduated from a small school that only went to tenth grade. They never encouraged him to get educated. His high school guidance counselor advised him to shave and join the army. Fortunately, he did neither.
Instead, Richard went on to achieve remarkable academic success, completing five degrees, including a Ph.D. from the University of New Mexico and a Th.M from Princeton. He authored twelve books and over 160 articles and review pieces. His expertise in religious history, particularly on the Reformation and American religion, positioned him as a respected scholar and influential voice in his field. His work on figures like John Knox and his extensive research on American religious movements left an indelible mark on the academic community.
Richard's professional career was largely spent at Tabor College, where he served as a Professor of History and Religion for 41 years. His dedication to research was matched by his passion for teaching, both of which inspired his colleagues and students. Tabor College now has a lectureship named in his honor, aiming to encourage and recognize scholarship among Tabor faculty.
Richard’s worldview was deeply influenced by his exposure to other cultures. He traveled to 70 countries, and he taught abroad twice as a Fulbright scholar—once in Ukraine and once in Belarus. He directed 31 class trips for Tabor, bringing over 700 students to 30 different countries. He inspired his students and family to think globally, just as he did.
Richard's personal life was marked by a deep love and commitment to his family. He was a devoted husband to Joyce, his wife of 56 years, whose support and encouragement were vital to his achievements. Together, they raised two sons, Bryan and Brent, instilling in them the values of faith and education. The tragic loss of Bryan to leukemia was a profound test to his faith, but his faith persevered.
Richard was a man who lived his faith through action, whether it was teaching, coaching, or engaging with his community. Baptized in his youth, he later became an ordained minister, who was eventually drawn into the Mennonite Church because of its social concern for the less fortunate. He was a faithful member of the Mennonite Church for many years, teaching adult Sunday school whenever called upon. He regarded his academic research and teaching at Tabor as a form of ministry. His work on fringe religions opened our eyes to many religious groups outside our own faith tradition. And he challenged problematic trends within the Christian church, arguing in two books that popular Evangelicalism has blurred the line between Christianity and American culture. Despite embracing the historic truths of Scripture, Richard developed and enriched his own theological perspective as a testament to his intellectual rigor and willingness to engage deeply with his own beliefs.
As we remember Richard, let us celebrate a full life well-lived—a life that exemplified a harmonious blend of faith and intellect, and dedication to family, students, and community. His legacy will continue to inspire and guide us, reminding us of the profound impact one individual can make.
Rest in peace, Richard G. Kyle. Your life has left a mark on our hearts and minds