he retired in 1988. after retirement, he continued to attend church every week, serving in congregational ministry. he resigned from all church duties in 1997. he died on may 21, 2009, at his home in los feliz at age 96, having been predeceased by his first wife, lorna dee smith mcpherson. his second wife and widow, evangeline otto carmichael, was the ex-wife of composer ralph carmichael.