John Yong Chang of Fort Worth, Texas was called home to our heavenly Father on November 8, 2019, at the age of 83. John was born to Sang-Ik Chang (father) and Un-Sik Lee (mother) in Korea. He was a godly man with a zeal for education and travel. He met his bride Grace at church. To provide for his wife and two daughters, he worked at a U.S. military base in Vietnam where he came to embrace the American way of life. Eventually, he moved his family, settling in Arlington, Texas, where he was blessed with the birth of his son. John had attended Seoul National University in Korea and had taken courses at various other colleges to enhance his livelihood in accounting, computer operations, and as an entrepreneur (with his last and sweetest enterprise being Dale’s Donuts in Fort Worth). However, his most rewarding educational endeavor culminated in a Bachelor of Science in Theology at Arlington Baptist College at the age of 58! Studying the teachings of Christ and the role of the church in this setting gave John more confidence in serving as a deacon, then as an elder at his church, and on mission trips to Uzbekistan and Brazil. After retiring, John indulged in his passion for travel until Parkinson’s Disease slowed him down. His favorite trips were to South Korea with the whole family to see where he had once lived and to Israel with Grace to see where Jesus had once lived. Now after a full and wonder-filled life, John has left on his final journey. John was preceded in death by his parents; his youngest sister, Young-Joon Chang; and his grandson, Brandon Richbourg. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Grace Kim Chang; 3 children and their spouses, Summer and Alan Richbourg, Hye-Ok and Stephen (Jay) Karlson, Tommy and Helen Chang; 5 grandchildren, Ryan and Nathan Richbourg, Adam and Amy Karlson, Ian Chang; and his 2 sisters, Chong-Soon Chang and Young-Hee Chang, and their families in Los Angeles and South Korea. A memorial service will be held at 6pm on Saturday, November 16, 2019 at Hanmaum International Baptist Church in Fort Worth. Hanmaum International Baptist Church 1501 W. Everman Parkway Fort Worth, TX 76134
10 Responses
Summer, I am so profoundly sorry for your loss. Your dad must have been an amazing man. Offering prayers and love for you and your family and hope his cherished memory bring you peace.
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. I know this is a difficult time for his family. He is now free of Parkinson’s and for that we wish his spirit well. Sending you love, light & peace.
Tommy and Helen, sending our deepest condolences to your family. We are sad to hear about Tommy’s dad. Hugs and prayers.
Elder John Chang was a great man of God. He left a beautiful legacy to many people who remember him through his faithful journey of life. I highly respect him and his faith in the Lord. May God’s peace and comforts be with all the family members during this time of mourning.
Blessings,
Pastor Jongsu Heo, Hanmaum Int’ Baptist Church, Fort Worth
Since it has been just a year that I became a member of Hanmaum International Baptist Church, I did not have an opportunity to get to know him personally. From other church members, however, I heard that he has lived a faithful life for our God. Even though I did not know him well, he is still my brother and my family in Christ Jesus. I am proud of what he has left through his life. I pray that God will comfort you from the loss and the sorrow.
Summer and Alan, I am so sorry for the loss of Summer’s father. The joy in the loss is that we will see our loved ones again in heaven. I sure Jesus met his with a greeting something like this, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” A relationship with the Lord is something no one can take away, now or ever. Much love, Jeanette
Thank you Summer for the obituary of your father elder John Yong Chang because I could not have known his full and wonderful life had I not read it. He was a godly Christian. May God continue to comfort Mrs. Grace Kim Chang and family members.
I give my condolence, and I hope John will be in blessed at heaven.
I will pray for John’s family during this difficult time. I will ask God to give them comfort, strength, and peace. 힘내세요
Since his devotion to family and God, his recalling resonates to his rest of family. I hope that he will be forever in heaven.