The FCA family expresses sorrow at the passing this week of longtime friend and Hall of Champions inductee David Krider, who was 79.
Krider, who served as sports editor of the “LaPorte Herald Argus” for 28-1/2 years, was the author of four books and a member of eight halls of fame, including Indiana halls for basketball, baseball and sports writing. He is the only high school writer to be inducted into the U.S. Basketball Writers Hall of Fame.
“Our hearts are heavy today at the news of the passing of David Krider; however, we rejoice that he is with his Savior,” said FCA President and CEO Shane Williamson. “Dave’s heart for young people was what stood out the most about him and he was fully committed to each one of the student athletes. Dave’s faithful service was never aimed to garner awards or accolades. For decades he went unnoticed. Unrecognized. Unthanked. A modern-day FCA pioneer, he epitomized Christ-like service in the FCA ministry. Although we are grieving, it is with joy that we remember and honor our faithful brother in his homegoing to spend eternity with Christ our Lord!”
David Krider (right) receiving his FCA Hall of Champions induction from president Shane Williamson.
The Elkhart, Ind. native was a four-decade sponsor of LaPorte High School’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes and was inducted into its Hall of Champions in 2017.
While serving as sports editor of the Herald-Argus (La Porte, Indiana) in the early 1970s, Krider was invited to handle publicity for FCA camp at Denison University in Granville, Ohio. The three subsequent summers involved similar responsibilities for Krider at FCA camps held at Central Michigan University and Black Mountain, North Carolina. Amidst volunteering, Krider quickly embraced FCA's vision and began praying for his town to start a huddle at La Porte High School.
A steadfast combination of thorough prayer and constant petitioning of high school coaches to join his FCA efforts, the La Porte Huddle eventually launched in October 1975. Considering Krider was neither a coach nor teacher at the school, he was unsure as to whether he could commit to the group. Yet, his deep passion for Jesus, sports, and kids uniquely combined to establish a ministry he led for the past 42 years.
Impacting thousands for Christ, the longevity of Krider's ministry is eternal. Generations of La Porte student-athletes were forever influenced because of Krider's constant sacrifice and dedication.
Lois Krider, David’s wife, co-led LaPorte's Huddle for over 30 years. Though Dave was a prestigious writer belonging to eight writing halls of fame, his own words reflect his deepest passion: "FCA will always be the greatest blessing in my life."
Read FCA's story on Krider's dedication to FCA here.