FORT WORTH, Texas (ABP) — Texas Baptist denominational leader Ed Schmeltekopf died March 29 after an extended illness related to his longtime battle with Parkinson's disease.
Schmeltekopf, 73, served nearly two decades as associate executive director of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, serving as a top aide to two executive directors. He also was a Texas Baptist pastor for a quarter century.
“Ed combined organizational genius and personal compassion — a rare combination — but then he was a rare person,” said Bill Pinson, one of those former executive directors. “He had a gift for listening, planning and implementation that enabled diverse groups to move forward in cooperative harmony. Much of the success of the BGCT in the years he served can be attributed to his leadership.”
Current executive director, Charles Wade, recalled Schmeltekopf as a good friend who reached out to him when Wade became pastor of First Baptist Church in Arlington. “He was a calming presence in difficult discussions. He was Christian gentleman who had the respect of every pastor I know.”
Schmeltekopf was pastor of First Baptist Church in Burleson 19 years before joining the BGCT Executive Board staff.
Schmeltekopf is a native of Kyle who earned his master of divinity and doctor of ministry degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Lilla, of Fort Worth; two grown children; two brothers, Robert Schmeltekopf of Kerrville and Donald Schmeltekopf of Waco; and one sister, Mary Pryal of Gastonia, N.C. One brother, James Schmeltekopf of New Braunfels, preceded him in death.
“He was the greatest man I've ever known and the ultimate role model,” said son Jeff. “It amazes me how many of my peers still comment today of the positive, spiritual impression and influence my dad had on their lives.”
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