Faith Baptist Bible College & Theological Seminary joins the Boylan family and countless friends and colleagues in mourning the passing of Dr. David Boylan, who entered the presence of his Savior on January 20, 2025, at the age of 102. A man of extraordinary faith, intellect, and integrity, Dr. Boylan’s life was defined by his devotion to Christ, his family, and his commitment to education and mentoring the next generation.
Dr. Boylan’s association with Faith Baptist Bible College & Theological Seminary began in the late 1970s after a distinguished career at Iowa State University. He brought with him a wealth of knowledge and a passion for teaching that quickly endeared him to students and colleagues alike. During his tenure at Faith, Dr. Boylan taught courses in Bible and ministry, embodying the college’s mission to equip vocational Christian workers and inspire servant leaders to take the Word to the world.
His influence extended far beyond the classroom. As a mentor, Dr. Boylan took time to invest personally in the lives of students, helping them not only to understand God’s Word but also to apply it in practical ways. Former students often recall his gracious spirit, his keen intellect, and his ability to connect biblical principles to everyday life. His presence on campus was a steady reminder of God’s faithfulness and the importance of integrating a biblical worldview into every area of life.
Prior to his time at Faith, Dr. Boylan enjoyed a long and impactful career at Iowa State University, where he served as a professor and later as an administrator in the College of Engineering. His contributions to engineering education were widely recognized, and his leadership helped shape the academic and professional lives of countless students in the field. Despite his demanding professional responsibilities, Dr. Boylan remained deeply committed to his faith in God, viewing his work as a means of glorifying God and influencing others for Christ.
Born in 1922, Dr. Boylan’s life spanned a full century, marked by significant societal and technological advancements. Through it all, his unwavering faith and steadfast character provided a consistent foundation. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, whose love for his family was evident to all who knew him. His marriage of more than 70 years stood as a testament to his commitment and the depth of his character.
Dr. Boylan’s service to the broader Christian community extended to his involvement in his local church, where he faithfully taught, served, and encouraged others. He often emphasized the importance of equipping the next generation for ministry, a mission he pursued diligently both at Faith and in his personal life.
Even in his later years, Dr. Boylan continued to impact those around him through his wisdom, humility, and love for the Lord. He often reflected on God’s grace and faithfulness in his life, using his experiences to point others to Christ.
Dr. Boylan’s funeral service was held on January 28 at Faith Baptist Church in Cambridge, IA. His body was then laid to rest at Ames Municipal Cemetery.
As Faith Baptist Bible College & Theological Seminary remembers Dr. Boylan’s extraordinary life, we are reminded of his favorite verse, Philippians 1:21: “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” His life exemplified this truth, as he lived with an eternal perspective and a servant’s heart.
Dr. Boylan leaves behind a legacy of faithfulness that will not be forgotten. Faith Baptist Bible College & Theological Seminary is profoundly grateful for his contributions to the school and to the lives of so many who had the privilege of knowing him.
For more details on Dr. Boylan’s life, you can read this excellent article that was written by Andrew Gogerty in 2022, shortly after Dr. Boylan celebrated his 100th birthday: The Scholarly Centenarian: Dr. David Boylan Turns 100.
