In Memoriam: Dr. Howard G. "Prof" Hendricks

Dr. Howard G. Hendricks, who served on the faculty of Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS) for more than sixty years, went to be with the Lord early Wednesday morning.

The beloved professor, known simply as "Prof," had taught more than ten thousand students and directly or indirectly touched millions of lives in the evangelical community and beyond.

Among his students were Christian broadcasters Chuck Swindoll and Robert Jeffress, who have shared their experiences with Prof in the tribute page set up by DTS.

"No man has meant more to me in my adult life than Dr. Howard G. Hendricks," stated Swindoll. "His mark on me as a teacher has been etched permanently into my life and my ministry."

Adding to that, Jeffress recalled how a chance encounter with Prof led him to DTS, "where he made an indelible mark on my life and ministry."

"All of us who had the privilege of sitting under 'Prof’s' teaching will be eternally grateful to him ... not only for giving us great 'stuff' to pass on to our congregation, but for teaching us how to dig out the stuff for ourselves," shared Jeffress, who is now Senior Pastor of the 11,000-member First Baptist Church of Dallas, TX. "And most of all, for teaching us the importance for modeling the 'stuff' in our own lives."

Through speaking engagements, radio, tapes, films, the sixteen books he authored and coauthored, countless journal and popular-market articles, his service on numerous boards, and his work as a chaplain to the Dallas Cowboys (1976–1984), Prof's reach was and is worldwide.

"Many in the Christian media community trace some beneficial link to Dr. Hendricks," commented NRB President & CEO Dr. Frank Wright. "Like John Witherspoon of old, Howard Hendricks was teacher, mentor, and friend to scores of today's influential Christian teachers and leaders."

A funeral service for Prof will be held Saturday, March 2, at 11:00 a.m. at Stonebriar Community Church.

Prof is survived by  his wife of more than sixty-six years, Jeanne, and their four children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Published: February 21, 2013