Celebrating the Life of Paul Rader
Obituary for General Paul Rader, B.Div. ’59
We want to join with the global community in celebrating the life and faithful service of General (Dr.) Paul Alexander Rader of Lexington, Kentucky who passed away peacefully at the age of 90 and was Promoted to Glory on January 18, 2025 at 6:10pm.
Born in the Bronx in 1934, and raised in a wholly committed legendary Salvation Army family, Rader spent his undergraduate years at Asbury University, then studied at Asbury Theological Seminary and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary graduating with BA, BD and MTh degrees.
At Asbury, he met and married his wife, Kay (Fuller), who graduated with a BA degree in education. Together, they entered The Salvation Army School for Officer Training in New York in September 1960 and were commissioned a year later.
Rader and his wife were missionaries in South Korea for 22 years serving in a variety of capacities including principal of the training college and administrative leaders. During his years in Korea (1961-1983), Rader rose in The Salvation Army ranks from Lieutenant to Colonel. It was also during this period that he received his Doctorate in Missiology from Fuller Theological Seminary(1971-1973). In January 1989, Colonel Rader was appointed Chief Secretary of the USA Eastern Territory, and in October 1989 was promoted to the rank of Commissioner and became leader of the USA Western Territory.
In 1994, Rader was elected the first American-born General of The Salvation Army with an unprecedented unanimous vote and held this London-based role of international leader until 1999. Together, General (Dr.) Rader and his wife travelled to over 75 countries in order to bring encouragement, inspiration and growth to the work of The Salvation Army around the world. Upon retirement General (Dr.) Rader served as president of Asbury University from 2000 through 2006 and was Asbury’s 15th president. General (Dr.) Rader retired as president in 2006 and lived his remaining years in Lexington, Kentucky with his beloved wife Kay.
General (Dr.) Rader was a Godly man who lived in service to others and, most of all, to Christ. He was a lifelong learner with a deep commitment to education, the power of prayer and holiness. He was the most devoted of husbands to his wife of 68 years, Kay, and her strongest supporter as they shared in ministry side by side. He was also the most devoted of fathers, grandfathers and great grandfathers leaving a legacy of love, integrity, humility and conviction. General (Dr.) Rader is survived by his wife, Kay, and three children: Edie (Jack) Moon, JP (Helen) Rader, Jennie (Ray) Purvis; 8 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren along with countless extended family members and friends.
Closing Thoughts from Dr. David Gyertson
The Asbury Theological Seminary family, while grieving the loss of General Paul Rader to our earthly community, celebrates the life and legacy of his exemplary servant leadership. As an alumnus, we are thankful for Dr. Rader’s faithfulness to the highest standards of redeeming love and cleansing power, serving the Lord’s calling with grace and joy. His thoughtful leadership in areas of applied theology helped us understand the depths of our faith essentials. And he consistently challenged us to put “feet and hands” to our beliefs, serving the most needy among us. Paul and Kay have been dear personal friends for three decades. They stood together as beautiful examples of the challenge to live with “hearts to God and hands to man.” Our prayers are with the family as they celebrate the life of one of this generation’s most effective Christian leaders.
Eulogizing General (Dr.) Paul Alexander Rader (March 14, 1934-January 18, 2025)
On behalf of the Salvation Army Liberia, Sierra Loene & Guinea Territory and our Paul A. Rader High School, we join the International Salvation Army and the global education community to honor and celebrate the life of General (Dr.) Paul Alexander Rader, the 15th International Leader of The Salvation Army (1994-1999), and the 15th President of Asbury University, in Kentucky, USA (2000–2006). General Dr. Rader’s legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of our institution, our territory, and the global Salvation Army community. It is with heartfelt sadness that we received the news of the promotion to glory of our leader, who passed away at the age of 90 on January 18, 2024.
In Liberia, his legacy lives on through the Salvation Army Paul A. Rader High School. This institution, named in his honor, stands as a testament to his enduring impact on education and community development. The school was started in 1999 at primary level to honor General (Dr.) Rader’s contributions to education in Liberia and the rest of the world. During his tenure as the international leader of the Salvation Army, significant school construction projects in Liberia were funded through International Headquarters. In November 1997, he visited Liberia and dedicated the William Booth Complex, which includes a primary school, a junior and senior secondary school, a clinic, a corps hall and quarters, to the glory of God.
Paul A. Rader School was elevated to a junior high level in 2011 with the construction of a 12-classroom facility. After a decade of successful operations, the school was further elevated to a full senior secondary school in 2021. Remarkably, since attaining high school status, the school has consistently achieved a 100% pass rate in the West Africa Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and continues to provide quality education for more than 400 children from underprivileged communities annually. The school is fast growing beyond its current capacity. This achievement reflects the high standards of excellence and moral integrity that General Dr. Rader championed throughout his life.
Today, as we remember General (Dr.) Paul A. Rader, we celebrate a life dedicated to service, faith, and leadership. His contributions to the Salvation Army and the global community are immeasurable, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations. The Salvation Army Paul A. Rader High School remains committed to upholding the values and principles he embodied, striving to develop morally upright leaders for the betterment of society.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Commissioner Dr. Kay Rader and her family on the loss of their beloved husband and father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We also extend our sympathies to the USA Western Territory and the International Salvation Army family. May you find comfort and strength in the love and support of those around you.
May we honor his memory by continuing to serve with the same passion, dedication, and love that he exemplified throughout his life. Rest in peace, General (Dr.) Paul A. Rader. Your legacy will forever be cherished and remembered.