Harold Doster, a long-time minister and educator in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), dies at 92

Harold “Hal” Charles Doster was born on March 6, 1931, in Mayfield Village, Cleveland, Ohio, to Donald “Mike” and Mary Lucille Smith Doster. Throughout his ninety-two years, he lived out the role of a “good and faithful servant” in various capacities—son, grandson, brother, friend, student, pastor, husband, teacher, father, uncle, coach, chaplain, grandfather, and great grandfather. His life was deeply rooted in his faith, particularly through his service in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), following in the footsteps of his maternal grandfather, C.C. Smith.

Hal’s legacy is marked by his unwavering passion for Jesus and his dedication to ministry. He began his ministry while still a college student, serving the Flushing Christian Church in Flushing, Ohio. He later pursued further education at Yale Divinity School, where he specialized in “town and country ministry” and met his wife, June. After graduating, Hal and June worked with four small congregations in Ohio. Over the course of more than seventy years, Hal’s ministry and academic career were largely centered within the Christian Church, Disciples of Christ.

Known to many as Reverend Doster, he also earned the title Dr. Doster after obtaining his PhD from the University of Michigan. He held leadership roles in higher education, serving as president or in administrative development at several colleges, including Alice Lloyd College, Potomac State College, Culver-Stockton College, Atlantic Christian College, and Oglethorpe University. His commitment to education and ministry extended throughout his life, with a particular pride in his alma mater, Bethany College, where he taught ministerial services classes and served as assistant to the president.

Hal’s personal life was equally rich and centered on family. He was married to June Carolyn Marken Doster for forty-three years, and they were both ordained ministers in the Christian Church, Disciples of Christ. June’s parents, Deloss and Helen Marken, were also ordained in the same denomination, creating a legacy of faith and service within their family. Hal and June’s marriage was a partnership of shared ministry and devotion, and they were blessed with a large family.

Hal passed away on October 27, 2023, in Blue Ridge, Georgia, where he had lived for the past twenty years with his wife, Ann. His death brought together a multitude of family members and Christian friends and colleagues who had preceded him in death. As his son Don reflected, “When you live that long, many of your friends and peers have passed, so I’m sure there is a huge party going on right now with family and friends in heaven!” Hal’s life and ministry continue to inspire those who knew him, embodying a commitment to faith, family, and service.

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