Assemblies of God World Missions honors the life and legacy of Dr. Del Tarr, missionary, educator, and theological leader, whose ministry spanned Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America.

Born June 14, 1934, in Minnesota, Del dedicated his life to training leaders for the global Church. With his wife, Dorothy “Dolly” Tarr (1931–2022), he was appointed as an AGWM missionary in 1959 to Burkina Faso. Their partnership in marriage and mission spanned nearly 70 years, raising three children — Cindy, Terry, and Randy — and enjoying five grandchildren. He later directed Mossiland Bible School and co-founded the West Africa Advanced School of Theology, Lomé, Togo, preparing ministers from a dozen nations. Fluent in French, Moré, and Ewe, Del embodied the cross-cultural ministry he taught, while Dolly’s teaching, care for the sick, and pioneering work in building the WAAST library made her a true partner in mission.

In the United States, Del’s leadership influenced generations of ministers. He served as faculty and later as president of Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, Springfield, Missouri (1990–1999), where he oversaw the capital campaign and construction of the Seminary’s permanent home, the Michael and Frances Cardone Building. Upon retirement, he was named professor emeritus of Cross-Cultural Communications and Anthropology at AGTS, continuing to teach and mentor around the world and especially in Africa.

Dr. Tarr’s influence extended beyond administration. He authored numerous articles and several books, including Intercultural Communications, Double Image: Biblical Insights from African Parables, The Foolishness of God: A Linguist Looks at the Mystery of Tongues, and Shepherds Not Kings: Ancient Wisdom, Modern Missiology. His writing reflected a deep concern for servant leadership and the centrality of Spirit-empowered mission.

Later in life, he served as missions pastor at Capital Christian Center in Sacramento, California, while continuing to teach internationally. Looking back on decades of ministry, he noted with gratitude: “I have been fortunate to have lived long enough to have taught, or ministered in 71 countries of the world on three continents. … Life is grand!”

Assemblies of God World Missions gives thanks for the life of Dr. Del Tarr — a shepherd, teacher, and leader whose legacy continues through strengthened national church relationships and the many pastors, missionaries, and students he inspired.

Memorial service details will be announced at a later date.