Kevin Dooley, Missionary and Global Ministry Leader, Dies at 65

Kevin Brian Dooley, a longtime missionary, Christian ministry leader, and advocate for international missions, died Sunday, October 18, 2026, at his home in Clayton, Indiana. He was 65.

Dooley devoted much of his life to advancing the gospel through missionary service, Christian education, humanitarian outreach, and community development. His ministry extended across several continents, where he worked to strengthen churches, support missionaries, and improve the lives of people in underserved communities.

Kevin Dooley’s Education and Early Ministry

Born June 11, 1961, in Indianapolis, Indiana, Dooley was the son of Richard and Ruth Dooley. He attended Ozark Christian College in Joplin, Missouri, where he demonstrated an early commitment to evangelism and missions. While a student, he interned with evangelist James Lane in Hartford, Connecticut, and received the college’s Irv Dally Evangelism Award.

Dooley continued his education at Cincinnati Bible College and Seminary and Wheaton College Seminary. He was ordained to Christian ministry at Kingsway Christian Church in Avon, Indiana, in 1985.

International Missions Leadership and Service

Throughout his career, Dooley served in numerous leadership positions within the independent Christian churches and churches of Christ and their associated mission organizations.

He served as director of FAME (Fellowship of Associates of Medical Evangelism) and CICM (Central India Christian Mission), two organizations involved in international evangelism, humanitarian assistance, and Christian missions.

Most recently, Dooley served as Marketplace Mobilizer with Pioneer Bible Translators, an organization committed to making Scripture accessible to people throughout the world.

His broader involvement in the missionary movement included service as a commissioner with the Chaplaincy Endorsement Commission and as president of the International Conference on Missions (ICOM) in 2018.

Dooley and his wife, Kim, spent years serving in Panama and North Africa, where they raised their family, participated in church planting, and worked alongside local communities.

His ministry also extended into Afghanistan, where he supported community health and development initiatives during and after the war. His international involvement included additional work throughout Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, and India.

Beyond traditional missionary activities, Dooley emphasized the importance of using business, education, and community development to promote peace, strengthen communities, and demonstrate Christian compassion.

His interest in serving others began during his college years through outreach to impoverished neighborhoods and prison ministry in Jefferson City, Missouri.

Family, Memorial Service, and Lasting Legacy

Outside his ministry responsibilities, Dooley enjoyed traveling with family and friends, gardening, fishing, and spending time outdoors. He also valued fellowship with members of his local Holy Smokes group.

He is survived by his wife, Kim; his father, Richard; his children, Taylor, Callahan, Tucker, and Anabel; and their families.

A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, November 28, at 11 a.m. at Clayton Christian Church, 5110 Indiana 39, Clayton, Indiana.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to Pioneer Bible Translators in Dooley’s honor.

Dooley leaves a legacy of Christian service, international missions leadership, and a lifelong commitment to sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Author: Rick Cherok

Rick Cherok serves as Managing Editor of Christian Standard, Executive Director of Celtic Christian Mission, and Minister of the Phillips Christian Church in Salem, Ohio.