Biography of Dr. Robert Russell ashcraft
Dr. Robert Russell ashcraft was born on April 5, 1934, in Mabelvale, Arkansas, and passed away on January 14, 2026, at the age of 91. He shared 70 years of marriage with his wife, Carolyn Kumpe Ashcraft.
Family: Dr. Ashcraft was a father to seven children: Rebecca (who passed away in infancy), James, John, Timothy, Paul, Susan, and Sarah. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild, and also two sisters, Mary and Martha, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ministry & Education: Called to ministry at age 17, Dr. Ashcraft was mentored by Bro. Paul Goodwin at the FMBC of Mabelvale. He graduated from the Missionary Baptist Seminary in Little Rock, Arkansas, and dedicated his life to the Baptist faith. He pursued further education, earning a bachelor’s and master’s degree while supporting his family, and ultimately a PhD from East Texas State University (now Texas A&M Commerce) in 1967. He attended Louisiana Tech,Southern Arkansas University,and Baptist Christian College in Shreveport,LA to achieve accreditation.
Career: Dr. Ashcraft dedicated his career to Baptist education and accreditation. He taught at Northeastern State College (now northeastern State University) in Tahlequah, oklahoma, served as dean of students at Baptist Christian College in Shreveport, Louisiana, and worked at Florida Baptist Schools in Lakeland, Florida. He played a key role in helping at least one college achieve accreditation and mentored over 30 young men who went on to become pastors and missionaries.
Writing & ABA Involvement: A prolific writer, Dr. Ashcraft authored 18 books focusing on Missionary baptist Distinctives, Church History, Worship, Home and Church Education, and the Pastoral Epistles. He was deeply involved with the American Baptist Association (ABA), attending meetings as 1950 and serving on the inaugural ABA history committee for approximately 40 years.He was a respected and well-known figure within the ABA.
Other Interests: Beyond his professional and religious pursuits, Dr. Ashcraft had a diverse range of interests, including working in the oil industry, retail (Sears & roebuck), dairy farming, rental property management, and at the post office. He enjoyed coin collecting, puzzles, gardening, and was a dedicated church historian.
Memorial: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Missionary Baptist Seminary in Little Rock.
Services: Visitation will be held on Friday,January 23rd at 9:00am,followed by the funeral service at 10:00am at Spring Creek Baptist church in Benton,Arkansas. Arrangements are being handled by A Natural State Funeral Service in Jacksonville, Arkansas.