Dr. Menton earned a B.S. in biology and chemistry from Minnesota State University in 1959 and his Ph.D. in biology from Brown University seven years later.2 For thirty-four years, he was a professor at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, where he was twice honored as Professor of the Year. He was also a guest lecturer on histology at the Stanford University Medical School and a consulting editor for Stedman’s Medical Dictionary. He retired from Washington University in 2000 and then became a staff scientist and speaker for Answers in Genesis. He spoke on creation here in the United States and throughout the world. He officially retired from Answers in Genesis this August but remained “on call” to speak and write when needed.1
ICR members could share numerous personal recollections of Dr. Menton. ICR President Dr. Randy Guliuzza had this to say about him:
I had the privilege to participate in several events with Dr. Menton while I was still in the Air Force. An especially memorable time was when we spoke to a large group of college students. His approach to them was perfectly balanced. With gentleness flowing from an empathy for young people being misled, he nevertheless challenged them to deal with the materials he presented as accountable adults. His knowledge, clarity, and conviction that was clearly evident in his presentations gave them tremendous power. Since joining ICR I would see him at events. He would smile, throw his arm around my shoulder, squeeze, and say quietly, ‘keep on going just like you are.’ Coming from him, those words were deeply encouraging. He was a man of integrity and easily respected. Till we meet again I will really miss seeing him.”3
Dr. Jim Johnson wrote, “All of my face-to-face meetings with him (in Kentucky and in Texas) have been encouraging, as he has repeatedly role-modeled—especially in his studies of the human body’s teleological complexities—what it means to glorify Christ as our precious Redeemer and Creator.”4
I personally had the privilege of hearing Dr. Menton just once in person, but I recall that it was a delight. I also remember with fondness Inherently Wind, his thorough but good-natured debunking of the propaganda in the play and movie Inherit the Wind, which became a kind of secular mythology surrounding the infamous Scopes Monkey Trial.3
Scripture says, “Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine” (1 Timothy 5:17). Dr. Menton served as an elder and Sunday School teacher in his Lutheran church. For both this and his long-time service to the creation movement, he is certainly worthy of recognition and “double honor.” Although we will miss him, we rejoice that he is now rejoicing in the Lord’s presence and has surely heard the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).
References
1. Ham, K. A Fond Farewell to a Great Scientist and Friend: David Menton. Answers in Genesis. Posted on answersingenesis.org December 11, 2021, accessed December 13, 2021.
2. Dr. David Menton Biography. Answers in Genesis. Posted on answersingenesis.org, accessed December 13, 2021.
3. Guliuzza, R. December 12, 2021. Personal recollection of Dr. Menton.
4. Johnson, J.S. December 11, 2021. Personal recollection of Dr. Menton.
Image Credit: Copyright Answers in Genesis © Adapted for use in accordance with federal copyright (fair use doctrine) law. Usage by ICR does not imply endorsement of copyright holder.
*Dr. Hebert is Research Scientist at the Institute for Creation Research and earned his Ph.D. in physics from the University of Texas at Dallas.
