Franklin Brent Minirth, M.D., Ph.D.

Monday, January 26, 2015
Dr. Franklin Brent Minirth

Dr. Franklin Brent Minirth, 68 of Richardson, Texas, passed away Jan. 24, 2015. An internationally-known psychiatrist, author, and radio personality, his successful medical practice was distinguished by integrating Christian principles into mental healthcare.

For over 40 years Dr. Minirth helped people find a healthy balance in their lives, spiritually, psychologically, physiologically and emotionally through The Minirth Clinic, where the focus was on A Matter of Caring.

He was Board Certified, a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and the American Board of Forensic Medicine. He was also one of only 122 North American physicians certified by the American Society of Clinical Psychopharmacology.

A native of Arkansas, Dr. Minirth received his Medical Doctorate and psychiatry residency certification from the University of Arkansas. He later earned a Doctorate in Theology. For years he served as an adjunct professor at Dallas Theological Seminary. An ordained minister, he was dedicated to scripture memorization throughout his life.

Affiliations throughout his career included American Mensa, The Navigators Ministries, consultant to numerous hospital mental healthcare programs nationwide, the American Association of Christian Counselors, Dallas Theological Seminary, and others.

The author or co-author of over 100 books including the best-seller Happiness Is a Choice, Love Is a Choice, and How to Beat Burnout, his self-help books addressed common psychology, counseling, mental health, and family relationship issues from a Biblical perspective. He also wrote over 50 self-help workbooks and three medical reference dictionaries on psychiatry, pain relief, and preventions and treatments for dementia. Over five million of his books are in print, with some translated into other languages.

A pioneer in Christian-based mental healthcare, he treated patients from all over the world who sought his distinctive care. At the time of his death, he was licensed to practice medicine in 14 states.

Dr. Minirth co-hosted weekday radio and television programs for many years. The nationwide, live, call-in radio programs were especially popular because of the practical applications to individual's lives.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Mary Alice (Holt) Minirth, and five daughters, Rachel (Minirth) and husband Kyle Fox; Dr. Renee Minirth and husband Dr. Stephen Huddleston; Carrie (Minirth) and husband Luke Chalk; Alicia Grace Minirth and husband James Harris; and Mary Elizabeth Minirth.

Their five grandchildren are Hannah Fox, Hope Fox, Noah Chalk, Theodore Huddleston and Olive Harris. Also surviving is his sister, Georgia (Minirth) Beach of Manila. Preceding him in death were his parents, Ike and Olive Minirth, and grandson, Andrew Fox.

A memorial service was held at 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 26, at Chase Oaks Church, 281 Legacy Drive, in Plano, Texas. Officiating were Dr. Gene Getz, Dr. Don Hawkins, Rev. States Skipper and Rev. Todd Nivens. Minirth will rest at the Minirth Ranch on Blueberry Hill in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas.

A memorial fund has been established to benefit Chosen People Ministries. Donations may be made in Dr. Frank B. Minirth's name at www.chosenpeople.com.