Rev. Dr. Ivie J. Rich

Reverend Dr. Ivie Joe Rich was born of humble means on December 6, 1948, in Marlin, Falls County, Texas, to the late Ida M. Rich and C. L. Moore.

Ivie attended the Booker T. Washington Public Schools of Marlin, Texas, graduating in 1967, and remained a proud and active member of the Booker T. Washington Alumni Association. Following graduation, he attended Huston–Tillotson College before answering the call to serve his country. Reverend Rich joined the United States Air Force, serving honorably from 1969 to 1975. During his military service, he earned an Associate of Arts degree in Inventory Management and received an honorable discharge.

After completing his military service, Reverend Rich continued his pursuit of higher education. He attended Ashford University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management. He later obtained a Master of Business Administration, graduating Summa Cum Laude with Greatest Distinction. He went on to complete original research and earned his Doctorate of Theology, graduating Summa Cum Laude with Distinction.

Reverend Dr. Rich lived a full, vibrant, and purposeful life. He was baptized as an infant at Davis Chapel Methodist Church in Marlin, Texas. On February 18, 1971, he married the love of his life, Kathan A. Joiner, beginning a blessed union that spanned 54 years. Shortly thereafter, he rededicated his life to Christ and joined David Chapel Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Pastor James E. Obey. It was there that he accepted his call to ministry and served faithfully as Associate Pastor.

He was later called to serve as Senior Pastor of St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church, where he shepherded the congregation with dedication, wisdom, and compassion for 29 years, faithfully serving until the Lord called him home. His leadership extended beyond the local church. He served as President of the South Sub-District of the St. John’s Baptist Ministers Union and as Chairman of the Foreign Mission Board. Along with his work in the St. John Regular Baptist District Association, he also served as the Chairman of the Foreign Mission Board in the Missionary Baptist General Convention of Texas.

A man of many gifts, Reverend Dr. Ivie J. Rich used both his education and life experience to serve others in meaningful ways. He worked as a drug and alcohol counselor, as well as a marriage and personal counselor. He was known for his honesty and directness—never telling people merely what they wanted to hear, but instead offering truth, guidance, and accountability grounded in love and faith.

In addition to his ministry, he was a dedicated provider and community leader. He served on the management team at the Texas Department of Public Safety, retiring after 25 years of faithful service. He also served as a board member of the Austin Police Department Oversight Committee, demonstrating his lifelong commitment to civic responsibility and justice.

Reverend Dr. Ivie J. Rich answered his Master’s call in the early morning hours of January 16, 2026. He was preceded in death by his mother, Ida M. Austin; his father, C. L. Moore; his brother, Charles Ratliff and his uncle, Julius Rich.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his devoted wife of 54 years, Kathan A. Rich, whom he lovingly called his rock; two daughters, Josolyn A. Clark and Cynthia L. Clark; grandchildren, Kristen A. Moore (Elijah), Paul Williams (Denise), Joshua Williams (Ashley), and Kassondra Jones (Jacob); five great-grandchildren; one sister, Tommy Nell Reece; one brother, Richard Hudson; sister-in-law, Lorene Cook; brother-in-law, Bonnie J. Joiner (Christine); and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins, the St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church family, and many dear friends across the world.

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