Rev. Donald Bernard Register, 89, died on Aug. 16, 2026. Born on March 29, 1937, he lived a life rooted in faith, family, service, justice, and an abiding belief that one person willing to stand up could make a difference.
Born in Jacksonville, Florida, to Willie Lee Register and Annie Wyche Register, he was the youngest of 11 children. After losing his father as a young boy, he eventually moved to Akron, Ohio, where his athletic gifts and faith began shaping his life.
During high school, doctors discovered a hole in his heart that threatened his ability to continue playing football. He vowed that if God healed his heart, he would serve in ministry for the rest of his life.
He kept that promise.
He attended the College of Wooster, studying political science and competing in football and track. He later attended San Francisco Theological Seminary, graduating and becoming ordained in 1963.
That same year, he married E. Dolores “Dee Dee” Register, whom he met while visiting Detroit. Their marriage spanned 58 years until Dee Dee preceded him in death in 2021.
Donald began ministry at Berea Presbyterian Church in St. Louis. During the Civil Rights Movement, he challenged racial injustice and was arrested in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, in 1964 while participating in efforts to secure voting rights for Black citizens.
In 1971, he and his family moved to Oak Park. He served the Presbytery of Chicago and, in 1988, became pastor of Sixth Grace Presbyterian Church, serving until his retirement in 2005. He later served as moderator of the Presbytery of Chicago. His community leadership included the West Cook YMCA and the Racial Justice Now Foundation.
Donald is survived by his sons, John Franklin (Alice), Christopher Bryant (Samoria), and Mark David (Kenyatta); his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; and an extended family of relatives, parishioners, colleagues, and friends.
More than six decades ago, Donald promised God a life of service. He walked by faith and not by sight.
The funeral service will be at Sixth Grace Presbyterian Church, 600 E. 35th St., Chicago, on Sept. 17 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.