Obituary of Edward Royal Danks

Rev. Edward Royal Danks, a resident of Concord, NC, passed away on Monday, August 29, 2011 in North Carolina. Born on August 7, 1931 in Essex County, NJ, he was the son of the late Edward Danks, Jr. and Olive May Enstice Danks. He was 80 years old. Rev. Danks was a graduate in 1953 of Houghton College in Houghton, NY with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy and History, and of Princeton Theological Seminary with a Bachelor of Divinity Degree in 1956. He also studied at Fuller Theological Seminary. Rev. Danks served as a Youth Minister at Angeles Mesa Presbyterian Church in Los Angeles, CA from 1956 to 1959; as Minister of Single Adults and Adult Education of the First Presbyterian Church in Monrovia, CA from 1959 to 1963; and as Pastoral Head of Staff of the First Presbyterian Church in Burbank, CA from 1963 to 1977. In 1977 Rev. Danks became the Senior Pastor of Noroton Presbyterian Church where he served until his retirement in 1996. After retiring he went to Kenya as a missionary. Rev. Danks had many special interests that included being committed to the global mission of the Presbyterian Church and leading preaching missions in the United States and abroad. Rev. Danks, a lifelong Presbyterian, held many positions within the denomination, including the Presbytery of Southern New England. In addition, he served as a Director of The Outreach Foundation and Presbyterians for Renewal. He led the Darien Clergy Association and was a Chaplain of the Noroton Fire Department. He is survived by his wife, Coreen Luciw Danks of Concord, NC; a son, Edward Stephen Danks of Arizona; a daughter, Debra Lynne Annin of Greer, SC; two brothers, Howard Danks of Pinehurst, NC and Richard Danks of Kirkland, OH; one sister, Marilyn Edleston of New Jersey; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his first wife, Barbara Lorraine Danks in 1996 and a son, Thomas A. Danks in 1977. A public memorial service to give thanks for the life and ministry of Rev. Danks will be held in the chapel of the Noroton Presbyterian Church on Monday, September 19 at 4pm. Those wishing to express condolences to the family can post their thoughts online at www.hartsellfh.com. A private family graveside service will be held at the Noroton Presbyterian Church Urn Garden. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Noroton Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund, 2011 Post Road, P. O. Box 3401, Darien, CT 06820. Funeral Home: Edward Lawrence Funeral Home 2119 Post Road Darien, CT USA 06820