John Ronald Blue, known to many as Ron, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2026, in Arlington, Texas, at the age of 90. Born on September 4, 1935, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, he was the beloved son of Earl Ronald Blue and Wretha Juanita Teater Blue.
Ron lived a life marked by deep faith, global service, and unwavering dedication to sharing the message of Christ. After earning his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Nebraska in 1957, he served his country as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy from 1957 to 1960. Following his military service, he spent a brief period in Columbus, Ohio, where he worked as a certified contact lens fitter at Ohio State University. It was during this time that two pivotal events shaped the course of his life: he was introduced to Dallas Theological Seminary and met the love of his life, Elizabeth “Libby” Frances Blue.
Ron and Libby were married in 1962, beginning a partnership that would span more than six decades. Together they built a loving family, raising three children: Lisa (Tom) Conklin, Laurie (John) Kauer, and David (Ingrid) Blue. They welcomed five grandchildren; Tori (Nolan) Campbell, Dani (Michael) Henson, Asher Kauer, Astrid Blue, and Odin Blue; along with two great-grandchildren; Riley Campbell, Banks Henson, and one precious new life soon to arrive. Their lives were deeply intertwined in faith, service, and a shared calling to ministry.
While studying at Dallas Theological Seminary, where he earned his Th.M. in 1965, Ron sensed a call that would define his life’s work. What began as a plan to serve in pastoral ministry shifted dramatically when he was challenged to consider missions overseas. This calling led Ron and Libby to Central America and Spain, where he served with the Central American Mission from 1965 to 1975, ministering, teaching, and pastoring in Guatemala, El Salvador, Spain, and beyond.
After a decade on the mission field, Ron returned to Dallas, where he joined Dallas Theological Seminary as a professor and later chairman of the World Missions Department, serving from 1975 to 1992. He went on to serve as President of CAM International (now Avant Ministries) from 1992 to 2000, providing visionary leadership and expanding the organization’s global reach. Even after his official retirement, Ron’s passion for ministry did not wane. In 2000, he returned to Dallas Seminary to found and direct the Spanish Doctor of Ministry program, equipping leaders across Latin America through extension classes, including at Seminario Teológico Centroamericano (SETECA) in Guatemala. He continued in this role until his retirement in 2018.
Ron’s influence extended far beyond the classroom and the organizations he led. He ministered in every U.S. state and in more than 50 countries, traveling over 3 million miles in his lifetime in pursuit of his calling. A gifted teacher and author, he contributed to numerous theological works, including The Bible Knowledge Commentary, Essays in Honor of J.D. Pentecost, and authored Evangelism and Missions. He also served on advisory and editorial boards, helping to shape evangelical missions thought and practice for decades.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Libby; his three children & their spouses; his brother Dr. Robert Blue; his five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind countless colleagues, students, and friends around the world who were impacted by his teaching, leadership, and example.
Ron will be remembered as a man of deep conviction, humble spirit, and tireless commitment to God’s work. His life stands as a testament to faithful obedience, and the far-reaching impact of a life surrendered to a higher calling.
A life so richly lived leaves a legacy that will endure for generations.
In lieu of flowers the family ask that you make donations in honor of Ron’s legacy to Avant Ministries or Dallas Theological Seminary.
