C. Munden

1925 - 2025

C. Ebb Munden III, S.Th.D., 100, of Plano, Texas, passed away peacefully on September 2, 2025, after a full and blessed life and 70 years of marriage.

He is survived by his son, Michael D. Munden and daughter-in-law, Louanne B. Munden; grandson and his wife, David and Jeni Munden; granddaughter and her husband, Eva Caroline Mueller and Seth Mueller; and great-grandchildren, Lee Charles Munden and Lucy June Munden. He was predeceased by his daughter, Susan Lee Munden and wife Lucy Adams Munden.

Ebb was born to C. Ebb Munden Jr. and Vera Moore Munden on August 13, 1925, in Meridian, Mississippi. He was raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he graduated from Tulane University with a Bachelor of Business Administration and Juris Doctor degrees having served on the Board of Editors of Tulane Law Review.

He practiced law in New Orleans prior to being called to active service in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He graduated from the Naval Intelligence Post Graduate School and served as a LT Intelligence Specialist. Ebb entered seminary upon his release from the Navy and graduated with a Master of Theology (with High Honors) from Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX. He received his Doctor of Sacred Theology - S.Th.D. from Nebraska Wesleyan University, Lincoln, NE.

As a pastor Ebb served 35 years in two Ministerial Appointments: first as founding and Sr. Pastor of St. Mathews United Methodist Church, Metairie, Louisiana, (suburb of New Orleans) 1957-1966 and secondly as Sr. Pastor of First United Methodist Church, Lincoln, Nebraska, from 1966-1991. He served on numerous Conference, Jurisdiction and General Church Boards. Ebb was a powerful advocate throughout his ministry confronting and endeavoring to change the Church's and society's stance on race, women, economic equality, community development and sexual diversity. He showed by his actions how essential it was to balance peace and social justice reform along with personal spiritual development. Southern Methodist University, in recognition of his sacrifice and service, awarded Ebb the Perkins School of Theology Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1990.

After leaving the pulpit, he served as Assistant to the President of Nebraska Wesleyan University as both teacher and liaison between the campus, community and the Church. In 2009 he and Lucy left Lincoln moving to Plano, TX, to be closer to family and to spend more time at the beach house and sailing at Ono Island, Alabama.

Throughout his adult life, Ebb loved building inclusive interfaith communities where all were welcome. He was, and will continue to be, appreciated as a remarkable pastor, distinguished preacher, careful administrator, excellent teacher and wise mentor who even in retirement reminded people every morning at breakfast proclaiming: "This is the day that The Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."

Memorial donations in memory of Ebb may be made to:

First United Methodist Church, Lincoln, NE.

Christ United Methodist Church, Plano, TX or.

Cure Alzheimer's Fund, Wellesley, MA.