ABHE Mourns the Loss of ABHE Senior Fellow, Kenn Gangel

Dr. Kenneth O. Gangel entered into the presence of His Lord on Thursday morning, June 18, at the age of 74. Dr. Gangel was one of the most influential Christian educators of the 20th century; a leader of leaders; and a champion of the Christian family. Kenn authored or edited 57 books and lectured in more than 40 educational institutions worldwide. Even in retirement, Dr. Gangel served as the Scholar-in-Residence for Toccoa Falls College and continued to edit his own leadership publication titled The SEAL (Seeking Excellence in Administrative Leadership).

He had been honored as a Distinguished Professor Emeritus at Dallas Theological Seminary and as a Senior Fellow of the Association for Biblical Higher Education. But most importantly, Kenn loved His Lord Jesus and lived his life in service to God’s Kingdom.

He loved his family including his wife of 53 years, Betty; his children Jeff and Julie and their spouses Beth and Tim; and his grandchildren Lyndsey, Brad, Madison and Philip. He loved his friends and co-workers and the thousands of students and other believers who were blessed by his teaching and writing ministries. He loved to play tennis, loved to read, loved to sing and loved to spend time with his precious wife.

Kenn will be missed by his family, his friends and the Body of Christ worldwide. He has been reunited with his blessed mother who raised him, welcomed by his Savior Jesus, and is being rewarded with the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant! Come and share in your master’s happiness!” (Matthew 25:21).

The Viewing was held at Whitlock Mortuary in Toccoa, GA, from 6-8 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, and a Memorial Service was held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 21, at Grace Chapel on the campus of Toccoa Falls College. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Toccoa Falls College, Dallas Theological Seminary, or Kenn’s own ministry, Christian Education Leadership, Inc.