HBU’s first president dead at 82

HOUSTON?William H. Hinton, first president of Houston Baptist University, died April 10 in Colorado Springs, Colo., at age 82.

Hinton was named president of Houston Baptist College on July 1, 1962, and helped to build the university as an architect, engineer and developer. When classes began in 1963, there were 193 students enrolled in classes taught by 29 faculty members.

Over the next 25 years, Hinton saw Houston Baptist College evolve into Houston Baptist University, with an enrollment of 3,000 students and 132 faculty members.

After graduating from Howard Payne in 1943, Hinton joined the Army Corps of Engineers and served as a lieutenant in the Pacific Theater of Operations.

He earned his master’s from Hardin-Simmons University and his doctorate in education from the University of Texas.

Hinton was active at Second Baptist Church of Houston, serving as a deacon and teaching the E.P. West Bible Class for 25-plus years.

His wife, Bobbie Ruth, preceded Hinton in death. Hinton treasured his two daughters, six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Hinton always hoped that his actions reflected his Christianity. He said, “I became a Christian in 1940, my sophomore year at Howard Payne ? Christianity has absorbed every facet of my life.”

Services for Hinton were held April 19 at Second Baptist Church of Houston.