Donald McCall

1929 - 2021

McCall, Donald Davidson

MADISON - The Rev. Dr. Donald Davidson McCall, DD; Commander U.S. Navy, retired; and affectionately known as "The Rev," was born on Sept. 27, 1929, and died on Nov. 30, 2021.

He was preceded in death by the Rev. Dr. William A. McCall Ph.D., LLD, Mary D. McCall, and William A. McCall, Jr., M.D.

He is survived by wife, Barbara; children, Karen McCall, Donald McCall Jr. (Deborah), Russell McCall (Deborah) and Katherine Isles (William); stepchildren, Elizabeth Erickson (Allen Arntsen), Jeffery Erickson (Tu-Quynh), David Erickson (Jameca Price) and Jennifer Baak (Andrew); and grandchildren, Aram Taylor, Ian Pengra, Luke McCall, Russell (Bo) McCall, Orion Pevehouse, Ava Pevehouse, Jordan Erickson, Xavier Erickson, Alexander Erickson, Lauren Baak, Catherine "Katie" Baak, and Colin Baak.

Donald was born in Beirut, Lebanon, to parents working in the Syrian Mission Field of the Presbyterian Church. The family was called back to the U.S. during World War II, and settled in Hastings, Neb., where his father was a college professor and his mother was a social worker.

Donald was an ordained pastor, Presbyterian Church (USA). He served seven churches during his career: Tecumseh, Neb., St. Paul, Minn., Rochester, Minn., Grand Island, Neb., and Lincoln, Neb. (3). He was known for his unique, insightful, emotionally intelligent, and eloquent sermons. He was a mentor for many seeking a deeper experience with God's love. He contributed to his community outside of the church as well, serving as a member of the Nebraska State Board of Parole, Mayo Clinic IRB, and Rotary International.

Donald was a lifelong learner. After graduating from Hastings College (B.A.) and Princeton University Seminary (M.Div.), he received another master's degree from Luther Theological Seminary (systematics) and was ABD in sociology from the University of Nebraska. He studied both home and abroad under prominent theologians of his day (Dr. Jellinek, Dr. William Barclay, and Dr. James Stewart), and at the Ecumenical Institute in Geneva. He spent his entire life writing and published seven books. Hundreds of letters to family expressed his thoughts and his love, referring to the recipients as "Ma Habibis" – the Arabic term for "my beloveds."

Donald's enthusiasm for a challenge and learning led him all over the world. He sought out time in the Holy Land, Sahara Desert, India, Japan, Brazil, Cuba, Australia, Egypt, Greece, Scotland, England, and France. He also was an athlete, playing both tennis and basketball for the Navy during his tours of duty during the Korean War. He went on to teach many young ones on the court and off. He had a passion for sailing and for driving convertible cars.

Studious, athletic, adventurous, and playful, he loved his Habibis and became their biggest fan as they each found their own way in the world. Donald was a remarkable human being who loved life, loved the Lord, loved family, friends, and all whose lives he touched. We thank God for Donald's life.

His memorial service will be Dec. 11, at 2 p.m., at COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, Madison, Wis.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Hastings College (Hastings, Neb.) and Covenant Presbyterian Church (Madison, Wis.).

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com.

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