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David McCracken Obituary
May 11, 1936 - April 25, 2017
The Reverend David E. McCracken, pastor at the First Congregation Church in Sonoma for 20 years, passed away peacefully on April 25, 2017 at Sonoma Serenity Home.
David was born to Cecil and Christine McCracken and grew up in Shenandoah, Iowa. In High School he was involved in drama and played clarinet in a quartet with the Everly Brothers (before they became famous). He attended William Jewell College in 1956 and then graduated from University of Redlands in 1959. He continued his studies at Berkeley Baptist Divinity School, being ordained in 1962.
David served pastorates in San Pablo, Hayward, Pacific Beach, Modesto, El Dorado and Sonoma, retiring in 2004 after 42 years of ministry. He reached groups and individuals through his leadership and inspired preaching, interpreting the scripture with both integrity and modern relevance.
He was pastor of Modesto's College Avenue Congregational United Church of Christ from 1971 to 1982, where he brought a new perspective and vitality to a congregation that had been in pain. In 1980, he welcomed Diane Darling into co-ministry which paved the way for the congregation to become Open and Affirming, welcoming gay, lesbian and eventually transgender people into all areas of church life and leadership.
David became well-known in the community as a participant in MJC Reader's Theater and drama, a believer in the ministry of all God's children and was an early supporter of an Emergency Food Bank that eventually became Interfaith Ministries. His joyful faith, lively celebrative spirit and dramatic flair called forth creativity and compassion within other church members and the broader community.
David is survived by his wife of 27 years, Judy, and her three children and six grandchildren; and by his former wife, Carol McMillan, and their children: Beth (Kent) Marjerison, Philip (Barbara) McCracken, and J'Amy McCracken (Hayder Salem): and four grandchildren: Grace Lagerstrom, Morgan Marjerison, Nicholas Reed, and Sabiha Salem.
A Service of Remembrance will be held on Sunday, May 7th at 2 PM at First Congregational Church, 252 W. Spain Street, Sonoma, CA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in David's name to: First Congregational Church of Sonoma, Hospice-by-the-Bay of Sonoma, or locally to Interfaith Ministries or College Avenue Congregational Church.
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Memories and Condolences
for David McCracken
Debbie McKesson
August 20, 2017
Thank you for your ministry, service and dedication to the Community Congregational Church of Pacific Beach, United Church of Christ, in San Diego.
Rob Marjerison
May 7, 2017
A long and giving life. Touched so many people. Will be missed.
May 7, 2017
Occasionally a person comes into your life and gives you a blessing. It is best to be willing and open to this.
Thank-you God, for David McCracken.
Doug M
May 2, 2017
I am so sorry for your great loss. May the God who "binds up the brokenhearted" and "comforts all who mourn" sustain your family during this challenging and heartbreaking time. (Isaiah 61:1,2)
May 1, 2017
Judy and kids, my prayers are with you. David touched and changed my life profoundly. I am glad you had him for as long as you did. love, Janet Healy
Nathan Stone
April 30, 2017
Uncle Dave was part of our wedding. Nearly 32 years later I still remember how his unique sense of humor made our special day even better. He will be missed.
April 30, 2017
Hey,Bro. You will be tremendously missed. I especially remember our growing up years. I always admired the way you treated other people and the compassion you had for them. Lots of good memories for me to rely on. One of the incidents I especially remember between us was after we had told Mom on each other for "bad" things we were doing, you said "ok, let's make a pact -- you don't tell Mom on me and I won't tell her on you!!" I feel certain that our son Dave met you last Monday as you made the transition into eternity, and that you two will have a great time with each other. Love you, Bro!! John
linda
April 30, 2017
Dave touched my life, along with so many others. Rest in peace...
Jeri Taylor-Von Lienen
April 29, 2017
You were always my curly red headed very funny uncle. You will be greatly missed. You touched so many lives.
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