Donald Martin Frick

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of Donald Martin Frick on March 23, 2026 at the age of 79 due to medical complications following a recent surgery. Don was born in Herrin Illinois to Rev. Jack Frick and Irene Childers Frick. His early years were spent in the Colorado plains at Last Chance where he attended a one room schoolhouse that became the bedrock for his lifetime of learning and inquiry. He spent many hours playing with his brother and sister in the wide-open spaces behind the parsonage. The family moved back to Southern Illinois in 1955 to live at Hutsonville, West Frankfort, and Benton. 

Don graduated high school in 1964 as a proud Benton Ranger where he was a member of the The National Honor Society. He enjoyed playing trombone in the school band, giving him a love of music which he passed down to his two sons and even to his grandson. At Eastern Illinois University he received a BS in Education. His thirst for knowledge led him to the University of Edinburgh in Scotland where he studied theology. He finished up his studies with a Master of Divinity from Christian Theological Seminary Indianapolis. He finished his academic endeavors with a PhD in Philosophy from Union Institute & University in Ohio. 

Don was a world traveler and enjoyed exploring new places and meeting new people. Following his studies in Scotland he travelled around Europe on a motorcycle staying in student hostels. He travelled throughout the USA, Europe, and Japan. A Brownie camera, 8 mm Projector, and Wollensak reel-to-reel tape recorder at home was fertile ground leading Don to become a teacher, mentor, photographer, author, videographer, producer, consultant, and speaker. Don was a voracious reader of all topics. He was a storyteller, often leaving his listener questioning the veracity of the content, but enjoying the tale none-the-less. He was intensely interested in the stories of other people and telling those stories through movies, videos, and writing. 

Don worked as a disc jockey in college. Other employment included: WISH TV, Indianapolis Museum of Art, IN Central University, Viterbo University, and Sterling College. He owned his own media production business, developed curriculum materials for the insurance industry in the field of ethics, worked with Group W. Cable, 360 Training, and TDI Industries Leadership training. Don and colleague Stan Sollars wrote and produced "The 19th State", a radio series about Indiana history which had over 250 episodes and was recognized with regional and national awards. 

Don's passion in life was Servant Leadership. He was the official biographer of Robert Greenleaf writing, "Robert K Greenleaf: A Life of Servant Leadership." He also wrote "Implementing Servant Leadership: Stories From the Field". He co-edited with Larry Spears, "On Becoming a Servant Leader". He co-authored with James Sipe, "The Seven Pillars of Servant Leadership: Practicing the Wisdom of Leading by Serving". Don also wrote countless articles and essays on the topic. He offered servant leader workshops in Iceland and Singapore, and made three trips to South Africa to film and study a group serving impoverished areas. Don contributed to the Robert K Greenleaf Center as a writer, researcher, and speaker. Don was recognized in 2017 with the inaugural Ann McGee Cooper Spirit of Servant Leadership Award for his dedicated work advancing the understanding of servant leadership. His sons will miss their dad's wit, his curiosity, and his support for their creative and academic endeavors. His friends will surely miss their regular phone calls and feeling that they always had someone on their side, specifically those friends who did not block his number. His family will miss his stories, humor, and support. 

Don met his present wife Sandra at the ripe old age of 67 and the two were married five years later. They loved entertaining friends and family at their beach house and enjoyed antiquing, photography, and travel. The two of them created spontaneous adventures even on the most mundane days. 

We have a hole in our hearts and honor a live well-lived. Don was predeceased by his parents. Surviving is his wife Sandra Farr, stepmother Fern Frick, son Dr. Daniel Frick (Hiroko), and musician son Matthew Frick; siblings Jack Frick (Mary Ellen) and Linda Frick Linn; grandchildren Niko and Colin. He leaves behind nephew Bronson Frick (Rachele) and two great-nephews Levi and Jackson, Uncle Rev. Louis Frick, Aunt Shirley Frick, Aunt Vera Mae Bares, and numerous cousins. Also surviving is his first wife and mother of their children, Mickki Ashworth. Don will be missed by his two cats Rocky and Dusty who provided hours of pleasure and company to him during the past year.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America, 355 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10017; Autism Science Foundation, 106 W 32nd St, New York, NY 10001; Hamilton Co Humane Society, 10501 Hague Rd, Fishers, IN 46038.