“A great man has fallen today in spiritual Israel.” —Wayne Jackson
Donald William Hinds passed away peacefully at the age of 85 Friday, Apr. 25, 2008, at his residence in Pacifica, Calif.
He had declined steadily since a small stroke last October. Until the day of his passing, he was able to visit and talk with his wife and everyone who came to see him.
He was born to Clyde and Fannie Hinds on a farm in Stroud, Okla., in 1922. Donald and his family moved to California in 1936.
Don worked through school helping his family by doing farm work in the fields of the San Joaquin Valley.
He did a tour of duty in the Navy serving in the Seabees.
He went to Abilene Christian University in Texas and then on to Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College of Education and Human Development in Tennessee, receiving his Master of Arts in Education.
He began his preaching career after graduation from ACU. He has preached across the United States and around the world doing mission work in Singapore, Pakistan and the Philippines.
Before going to San Francisco Donald preached in the cities of Brentwood, Manteca, Pleasant Hill, South Lake Tahoe and Placerville in Calif., and also Rayon City, Tenn., Fulton, Miss., and Carson City, Nev.
He began preaching in San Francisco in 1960 at the Mission Street church, later known as the Civic Center church on Van Ness Ave.
In 2004 the church moved into their new building in Pacifica and became the Oceanview church.
Donald preached over 50 years and lived in Pacifica since 1963.
Donald was married to his beautiful wife Esther on June 15, 1946. They were faithfully devoted to each other during the 62 years of their marriage. They traveled coast to coast and around the world together.
He is survived by Esther, three children Calene, Stephen, David and six grandchildren, Karissa, Adam, Lauren, John, Will and Maggie and two great grandchildren, Camryn and Connor. One grandchild, Grant Hinds preceded him in death by one week. Two brothers, Kenneth and Harold, also survive him.
Donald was a selfless man and loved by many. He was a friend to everyone. He wondered how a farm boy from Stroud, Okla., could end up in the big city of San Francisco. He believed in God’s providence and that God would use those who put their trust in the Lord. He often said, “If the Lord will” and “All glory to God.”
On May 10, 2008, a large crowed gathered for a memorial service at the Ocenaview church in Pacifica. Keith Hinds led the singing. Darrell Perry and Windell Fikes offered comments and prayers. Wayne Jackson gave the eulogy.
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