NEW ORLEANS — Donald W. Minton, professor emeritus of adult education at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, from which he retired after serving 33 years, died Oct. 17 of lung failure at his Slidell, La., home. He was 78.
Under the last five seminary presidents, Minton had served in many capacities at the seminary, earning a reputation for innovation both as a professor and administrator.
After receiving the seminary’s first doctor of religious education degree in 1957, Minton served as the first editor of Family Life Curriculum at the Baptist Sunday School Board (now LifeWay Christian Resources) until 1960 when he was asked to return to NOBTS to serve as the seminary’s first dean of seminary services. Three years later, he began the seminary’s first adult education classes, serving as a professor for the next 14 years.
Licensed as a professional counselor in Louisiana, he became the seminary’s first academic counselor and director of testing in 1978, a position he served in until his retirement in 1993.
A member of First Baptist Church in Slidell, Minton served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Grand Isle, La., 1950–58 and in various interim pastorates across Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee.
Minton’s survivors include his wife of 56 years, Ellen; a son, James L. Minton of Mobile; a daughter, Donell M. Williams; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
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