Global Ministries is saddened to learn of the death of Robert Dargitz

Global Ministries is saddened to learn of the death of Robert Dargitz

Dr. Robert Earl Dargitz
March 4, 1934 – October 4, 2014

Robert (Bob) Dargitz was born in California’s San Joaquin Valley. As a young boy, he lived in different communities including Las Vegas and upstate New York before attending Westminster High School in Denver, Colorado, where he played football and was on the track team.

After graduating from the University of Colorado with a Bachelor’s Degree, he went on to study at the French School at Transylvania College in Lexington, KY and then later graduated from Lexington Theological Seminary.

Bob began his missionary appointment to what today is the Democratic Republic of the Congo, serving with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in October of 1959.  He first learned Lonkundo; then in April of 1960, he went to Bolenge where he gave leadership to the rural evangelistic work being done by the Community of Disciples of Christ in the Congo church (CDCC). 

Bob also served in the Lingala-speaking area of Bosobele, the Ubangi river area (the most remote mission station of the Congo at that time).  After itineration in the U.S., Bob returned to the Congo in December of 1964 and in 1965 helped conduct a region-wide religious census and home visitation program.  He also served as Vice-President of the CDCC.

Bob had three children, two of which were born in the Congo: daughter, Zeryn (Olympia, WA); daughter, Diane (Lincoln, NE); and son, Stephen (Kennett Square, PA). 

Upon returning the United States permanently, Bob went on to Indiana University and received his doctorate in Sociology.  He then turned his efforts to teaching and taught at Franklin College and then Butler University until he retired.

Bob Dargitz was also many other things. His family remembers him as being very proud of his children and grandchildren, an avid angler, being able to grill a perfect steak, a person that never got over the loss of his beloved Dalmatian – Daisy. He grew enough vegetables to feed a small army, had the warmest and most infections laugh in the world, a soft spot for students who had gone back to school after several years, and was a most trusted and respected advisor. He kept active on his computer and was known for forwarding jokes to a network of people.  He also left a large amount of work he did in genealogical research as his legacy to his children.  He had a good life and will be missed by many.

Condolences may be sent to the family through his daughter, Zeryn Zaire at zeryn@reachone.com.  Memorial contributions may be made to: Global Ministries, P.O. Box 1986, Indianapolis, Indiana 46206-1986; or the Southern Poverty Law Center, 400 Washington Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama 36104.