Rev. David Stewart Morrow

On Monday, May 9, 2011, David Stewart Morrow passed away peacefully from this life to the next where he will join his parents, his father-in-law and others whose deaths he guided throughout his ministry. It will be a joyful reunion full of laughter and sharing of stories.

David was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on June 20, 1946 to Dr. Seth C. Morrow and Levinah Stewart Morrow. David graduated from Alma College, Alma Michigan and continued his education at Princeton Theological Seminary. He earned a Master of Divinity Degree in 1967, followed by a Master of Theology Degree in 1975. David’s first call as a Presbyterian minister was as an Associate Pastor at First Presbyterian Church, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He served that church for three years.

During this pastorate, David married Janet May Burkhart on June 29, 1974. David’s next call was as Senior Pastor to Calvary Presbyterian Church, Florham Park, New Jersey where he ministered for six years. For eleven years, he served as Senior Pastor at First-Meridian Heights Presbyterian Church, Indianapolis, Indiana. He served the next eighteen years as Senior Pastor at First Presbyterian Church, South Bend, Indiana. David retired on June 15, 2008 from active ministry.

Following his retirement, he and Janet moved to Holland, Michigan where they attended First Presbyterian Church. David enjoyed “just going to church”!

David and Janet were blessed with two sons, Brian Stewart Morrow and Christopher David Morrow. With great pride, he married Christopher to Julie Lynn Ford and they blessed the family with Sophia Johanna Morrow and Lucas Ford Morrow. This past summer, David was proud to marry Brian and Kathryn Danforth Tappert.

David is survived by his sister, Elizabeth Stewart Mayfield, her husband, Dr. John Mayfield and their children and families.

Throughout his ministry, David was known for his thoughtful sermons, strong visions, commitment to social action and ministry, and devotion to the Presbyterian belief system. His personality was characterized by kindness, an infectious laugh and gracious strength in pastoral ministry. David believed in the goodness of everyone. David and Janet had a special partnership in the ministry and worked together to serve the members of their congregations with these beliefs.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like to honor David’s work in social action and commitment to helping others, by asking that memorial contributions be made to the Mission Endowment Fund of First Presbyterian Church, Holland, Michigan. The address of the church is 659 State Street, Holland, Michigan, 49423.

David’s family would like to thank the staff of Lakeside Vistas for their gracious, kind and loving care during his last illness. Deep appreciation is also extended to all the staff of Hospice of Holland for their comfort and compassion to David and his family.

A celebration and memorial service of David’s life will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday May 14, 2011at First Presbyterian Church, Holland, Michigan. Visitation will take place following the service.

Arrangements by the Mulder Chapel, Dykstra Funeral Homes. To sign an online registry, please visit www.dykstrafuneralhome.com.