Death of Walter Cardwell, former missionary to Congo

Death of Walter Cardwell, former missionary to Congo

It is with a heavy heart that the Division of Overseas Ministries/Global Ministries announces the passing of the Rev. Dr. Walter Douglas Cardwell, 94, former missionary with his wife, Sue, to Congo, from 1945-1957.

It is with a heavy heart that the Division of Overseas Ministries/Global Ministries announces the passing of the Rev. Dr. Walter Douglas Cardwell, 94, former missionary with his wife, Sue, to Congo, from 1945-1957.

A native of Louisville, Kentucky, Dr. Cardwell received a B.A. from Transylvania College, a B.D. from Lexington Theological Seminary, and in June 1976, received an Honorary Doctorate from Christian Theological Seminary, Indianapolis.

While he and his family were in Congo, he did evangelistic work and made many trips into rural areas to meet with groups of Christians and to give guidance to the Congo pastors.  Part of the time he served as the mission secretary and as a representative to the Congo Protestant Council.  He was legal representative of the Disciples of Christ in Congo, and he served as teacher and the first director of the “Ecole des Predicateurs” (Preacher’s School) in Bolenge.  He developed materials in LonKundo for pastors, including training manuals and Bible commentaries.  His LonKundo name was Inano I s’e’on dange.  He returned to the Congo for short periods in 1969 and 1972 to do training conferences and seminars.

Dr. Cardwell held posts with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) upon the conclusion of his time in Congo, notably as national director of field services, Department of Resources and Interpretation, United Christian Missionary Society, and national director of evangelistic field services with the Department of Evangelism.  Upon retirement, he wrote the first commentaries available in the local African language on most of the books in the Bible.

Walter is survived by his wife of 64 years, Sue Webb Cardwell, 5 children, 17 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.  Services were held on, May 5, at Shirley Brothers Mortuary in Irvington.  Cards and notes of condolence can be sent to Sue at: 5354 West 62nd Street, Apt. 265, Indianapolis, IN 46268.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the North American Liaison Bureau, Box 545, Penney Farms, FL 32079, for the Cardwell Scholarship Fund benefitting students at the Protestant University of the Congo.