DTS Alumni Connection//May

Alumni Updates

Staying Connected

Dave (David) Staff (ThM, 1980; DMin, 1993) is stepping into a new, part-time role as the Director of Field Staff Care for R.E.I., Resource Exchange International. The exchange recruits and sends Christian professionals to aid countries—developing young professionals, building relationships, and mentoring young professionals such as doctors, engineers, educators, and business professionals to share the best news ever. 

Sam (Douglas) Felton (ThM, 1997) traveled to Uganda last June. During his trip, sixty to seventy-five false teachers committed their lives to Christ. Sam recently returned to find that those false teachers turned pastors have led over a hundred thousand people to Christ.

Opened Bible Academy held its first commencement in Trim, Ireland. One volunteer instructor said he had dreamed of this moment for forty years. 

Front Row Left to Right: Trevor Reaney; Steve Keating; Nick Karayiannis, (MABS, 1983); June Loughran, (MABS, 2006); Jesse Northcutt, (ThM, 1981); Phil Kingsley, (ThM, 1979) 

Back Row Left to Right: Ciaran Loughran (ThM, 2007); Jason Post (ThM, 2001)

Centennial Dinners 

Centennial Dinner in Troy, Michigan 

Centennial Dinner in Grand Rapids, Michigan 

Centennial Dinner with the President in Colorado Springs, Colorado 

Centennial Dinner in Kansas City, Missouri 

Centennial Dinner with the President in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 

Centennial Dinner in Akron, Ohio

In Memory

David M. Goetschius (ThM, 1961) went to be with his Savior on March 15, 2024. He was surrounded by his loving family. David was born on November 10, 1935 in Ramsey, New Jersey. He was married to Carol for sixty-two years. David often said, “I love her more today than ever,” and he meant it. David held a BA in biology from Princeton and his ThM from Dallas Theological Seminary. He faithfully pastored Grace Church of Harmony for thirty-five years until his retirement in 2000. He enjoyed reading, studying, music, and the arts. He also loved nature and was an avid bird watcher. He loved spending time with his family—his daughters and their husbands and his fifteen grandchildren who were responsible for many of his happiest moments.

Bruce Brantley (MABS, 1994), a cherished resident of Bethany, Oklahoma, passed away on March 13, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love, service, and dedication. Bruce is survived by his beloved wife Carolyn (MACE, 1993). Her unwavering support and companionship helped form the firm foundation of their love. Bruce and Carolyn have two surviving children, two grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren whom they love. Bruce was preceded in death by his daughter Jennifer and grandson Nicholas. Bruce served as a first lieutenant with honor and distinction in the US Army, exemplifying courage and valor. He earned his MA in Business Administration from the University of Oklahoma, and he went on to serve throughout Oklahoma, working in his field with dedication. Together, Bruce and Carolyn pursued a passion for faith and service, attending Dallas Theological Seminary. The couple served as missionaries stateside and in Russia—spreading love, compassion, and hope. First Lieutenant Bruce Brantley’s life testifies to his love, integrity, faith, and service.

Craig (affectionately known as “Doc” or “Flem”) Fleming (2001) went to be with the Lord on March 22, 2024. He married Tamira, the love of his life, in 1995, and they had three children. Craig served as the senior pastor at Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church in Cecil, Alabama. He also served as an associate minister at various churches, including Mt. Hebron Missionary Baptist Church in Garland, Texas; Mayfield Missionary Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas; Nineveh Baptist Church in Metairie, Louisiana; Harvey Avenue Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas; St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas; Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas; Concord Church in Dallas, Texas; Mount Zion Baptist Church in Nashville, Tennessee; and Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Austin, Texas. Craig enjoyed computers, sports, movies, and music, and especially Bible study. His infectious jubilance and caring nature endeared him to everyone who knew him