Reverend David J. McCracken

GREENFIELD-Reverend David J. McCracken, a resident of Greenfield, Indiana, died Tuesday, January 3, 2012, at Hancock Regional Hospital in Greenfield. He was born September 10, 1941, to Harwood G. and Berdena Zent McCracken. He married Carolyn Fulkerson McCracken on July 27, 1975. Rev. McCracken graduated from Van Buren High School in 1959, and received his undergraduate degree from Manchester College in 1963. He earned his master’s degree in History from Purdue University and a Master of Divinity from Christian Theological Seminary in 1978. He taught history at Logansport High School, and later at Carroll High School in Flora, Indiana, where he was pastor of Bachelor Run Church of the Brethren. He also taught psychology at White’s Institute in Wabash from 1972-1974. Rev. McCracken served as the student minister at Wabash Christian Church where he was ordained in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). He also served as senior minister of Daleville Christian Church in Daleville, Indiana from 1978-1981, and North Christian Church, Fort Wayne, from 1981-1988. He served the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) on the national level working in the Division of Homeland Ministries from 1988-2002, and ultimately was the Director of Men’s Ministry for the denomination. Rev. McCracken served as the Chaplain at Robin Run in Indianapolis from 2002-2005. He was a member of Greenfield Christian Church, where he was a Sunday School teacher, choir member, and an elder. He then volunteered at the church as the Minister of Reconciliation beginning in 2005. He also served as a pastoral mentor on a Nurture and Certification Team for the Christian Church in Indiana (Disciples of Christ). Survivors include his wife Carolyn of Greenfield; five sons, Craig (Morgana) McCracken of Tucson, Ariz., John McCracken of Edinburgh, Jay B. (Danelle) Healey of Greenwood, Kurtis Healey of Indianapolis, and Brock H. (Jessica M.) McCracken of Fishers; ten grandchildren, Jessica V.C. McCracken; Karen McCracken, Lane McCracken, and Holly (Jake) Jensen, Audrey Healey, Drew, Lauren, and Sam Slaughter, and Quinten and Joshua McCracken: three great-grandchildren, Adrian McCracken, Joseph and Lillian McCracken; one sister, Suzanne (Merle) Templin of Converse; and one brother, Kent (Nora) McCracken of Van Buren. He is also survived by five nieces and nephews and 11 great-nieces and nephews. Calling is Friday, January 6, 2012, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Erlewein Mortuary, 1484 W US Highway 40, Greenfield. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, January 7, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. at Greenfield Christian Church, 23 N. East Street, Greenfield, with Rev. Dr. David Cartwright officiating. Interment will be at Van Buren Cemetery in Van Buren, Indiana, at 3:00 p.m. Rev. David McCracken was a man of faith and had a deep passion for music. He was a cancer survivor and cherished time with family and friends, especially if music was involved. He always lent a listening ear and a caring heart to someone in need. His compassion for fellow human beings was exemplified every day of his life. Memorial Contributions may be made to Greenfield Christian Church, 23 N. East Street, Greenfield, Indiana, 46140, or to the Christian Church Foundation, Men’s Ministries Endowment-David McCracken, P.O. Box 1986 Indianapolis, IN 46206-1986. Friends may sign the online guestbook at www.erleweinmortuary.com or email condolences to sympathy@erleweinmortuary.com.

Reverend David J. McCracken

September 10, 1941 - January 3, 2012