In Loving Memory of Nolan Estes
June 22, 1930 – April 26, 2025

Nolan Estes, a devoted family man, esteemed educator, and visionary leader, passed away peacefully at home and went to be with his Lord and Savior on April 26, 2025, at the age of 94. Born at home on June 22, 1930, in Rio Hondo, Texas, Nolan was the son of Clarence McKinley Estes, a longshoreman at Port Isabel, and Eva Mae Boyd, a devoted mother, newspaper columnist and volunteer at First Baptist Church, Rio Hondo. He grew up on a farm near Lozano, Texas alongside his two older brothers, Dwain McKinley and Weldon Lee, and his younger brother, Billy Dean. His upbringing instilled in him the values of hard work, curiosity, faith, and service that defined his remarkable life.

Nolan accepted Christ as his savior at an early age at First Baptist Church in Rio Hondo. He believed in the importance of sharing his faith with others. His deep faith was the guide stone of his life, shaping his character, his actions, and his enduring sense of purpose.

After attending Decatur Baptist College, the world's first junior college, Nolan transferred to the University of Corpus Christi, where he earned his bachelor's degree and met his lifelong love, Mildred Faye Johnson of Houston, Texas. Their extraordinary union spanned 74 years, a testament to their enduring devotion and partnership. They both raised 4 boys, Nolan Dennis, Warren Blake, Kevin McKinley and Brian Eric.

Drafted into the Army during the Korean War, Nolan served with distinction for two years and was stationed in Seoul, Korea. This period of service deepened his sense of discipline and duty, qualities he carried throughout his life.

He later pursued a master's degree from the University of Texas and a doctorate from Harvard University, reflecting his dedication to academic excellence.

Nolan began his career in education as a teacher and coach in Bruni, Texas. He later taught in Waco, Texas, and served as a school administrator in Chattanooga, Tenn., prior to becoming superintendent of Riverview Gardens School District in St. Louis, Mo. His expertise was recognized at the federal level, as Nolan was appointed to the position of Associate U.S. Commissioner of Education at the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare during the Lyndon B. Johnson administration.

His leadership journey continued as General Superintendent of the Dallas Independent School District, where he successfully desegregated the system and established magnet schools, charter schools and early childhood centers. During his years in Dallas, Nolan was a pillar of his community and a devoted member and deacon of First Baptist Church in Dallas, embodying a life of faith and service.

Following his years in Dallas, he shared his passion for learning as the L.D. Haskew Centennial Professor for Public School Administration at the University of Texas, inspiring generations of future school leaders. After retiring from UT, he taught leadership courses as an adjunct professor at Dallas Baptist University (DBU) where his brother, Dr. Weldon Estes, served for more than 40 years. He served on DBU's board of trustees for nine years, including a term as chairman. He was awarded an honorary doctorate from DBU in 2008. He also received the Decatur Baptist College Distinguished Service Award. He helped found UME Preparatory Academy in southwest Dallas, a charter school expanding public education options that provides students with a college-preparatory education.

Those left to celebrate his life and honor his legacy include his beloved wife, Mildred Faye Johnson Estes; two sons, Warren Blake (Deborah) and Kevin McKinley; five grandchildren; Sarah Estes, Matthew (Caitlin) Estes, Hannah Estes, Andrew Estes and Christopher Estes; and his brother Bill. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, and innumerable friends who loved him dearly.

Nolan's passing followed complications from an automobile accident on December 7, 2024, which caused a broken hip and head injuries. He valiantly endured these injuries but was unable to recover. Despite these challenges, Nolan's steadfast faith and perseverance remained evident.

His life was marked by his faith, integrity, compassion, and an unyielding commitment to making a difference. His absence will be deeply felt, but his legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched as an educator, leader, husband, father, and friend.

Nolan will be interred at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery at 1:15 p.m. on May 20, 2025. A celebration of Nolan's life will be at 11:00 a.m. in DBU's Patty and Bo Pilgrim Chapel. Following the celebration, the family will receive visitors in DBU's Sadler Hall until 12:45 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, Nolan's family requests that contributions be made to the Nolan and Mildred Estes Endowed Scholarship Fund, Dallas Baptist University, 3000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, Texas 75211 (www.dbu.edu).