Donald Dale Schmeltekopf

Dr. Donald D. Schmeltekopf, 85, of Waco, passed away Wednesday, July 30, 2025. 

The memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, August 4, 2025, in the Chapel at the George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University, immediately followed by the burial at Oakwood Cemetery. All are welcome to a visitation reception prior to the memorial service at 9:30 a.m. at Truett.

Dr. Donald D. Schmeltekopf, born August 18, 1939, in Kyle, Texas, was the fourth of five children raised on a farm by Emil and Ruth Schmeltekopf. His early years were filled with hard work, church activities at Emanuel Baptist Church, and every sport possible. Always a gifted athlete, Don was a member of the NAIA national championship basketball team in 1960 at Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State).

Don’s life was marked by a deep love for learning and a steadfast faith in Jesus Christ. He earned his B.A. from Baylor University in 1962, followed by a Master of Divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. from Drew University. He also pursued postdoctoral studies at Princeton University.

Throughout his career, Don served in various roles in higher education and as a program officer for the National Endowment for the Humanities. He later became vice president and dean at Mars Hill College in North Carolina before joining Baylor University in 1990. There, he served as vice provost and then provost until 2003. Don was the Director of the Center for Ministry Effectiveness from 2006 until 2014. He was also instrumental in affiliating Baylor as a member of The Lilly Network of Church-Related Colleges and Universities (formerly the Lilly Fellows Program) at Christ College, Valparaiso University. He was named Provost Emeritus upon his retirement in 2015. His leadership helped shape Baylor’s academic landscape, including the founding of Truett Theological Seminary, the Institute for Faith and Learning, the School of Engineering and Computer Science, and the Honors College (including the addition of the Great Texts Program).

Don was a thoughtful scholar and teacher, co-editing several books and authoring his memoir, Baylor at the Crossroads: Memoirs of a Provost. He was honored with the Charles D. Johnson Outstanding Educator Award in 2016 for his contributions to Christian higher education.

He was married to his beloved Judy Carlisle of Birmingham, Alabama, for 63 years. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, and service. Don is survived by Judy; their four children, William, Elizabeth, Andrew and Laura (Autrey), and Stephen and Carrie (Turnpaugh); six grandchildren, David, Claire, Kate, Carolyn, Luke, and James; his older brother, Robert Schmeltekopf of San Angelo, Texas; and many nieces and nephews.

Don was an active member of Christ Church Waco, where his faith continued to guide his life and relationships. In retirement, the DaySpring Baptist men’s Bible study was the joy of his week. His legacy is one of academic leadership, wisdom, and unwavering devotion to Christ.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be given to the Endowed Dr. Donald and Judy Schmeltekopf Ethics & Culture Lecture Series at the Baylor University Honors College and/or Christ Church Waco.

We invite you to leave a message for the family or a memory of Don in his “Memorial Guestbook” at www.WHBfamily.com.