Rev. Donald E. Endsley
October 10, 1932 ~ October 25, 2018
Rev. Donald E. Endsley, 86, Mooresville, longtime Baptist minister, entered eternal rest October 25, 2018, at home, surrounded by his loving family. Don was born October 10, 1932, in Indianapolis, to the late Ervin and Katherine Caroline (Sears) Endsley. He married Mary Leonard on January 20, 1951, in the Cataract Baptist Church.
He graduated from Ben Davis High School and Lexington Baptist College. The Endsleys preached in the hills of Kentucky early on and learned of a need for a Baptist minister in Mooresville. Rev. Endsley led five missions that became churches, including Five Points, Gasburg, Highland Creek, Cloverdale, and Bridgeport. He started the First Baptist Church in Mooresville in 1957 and Eternal Life Baptist Church in 1975, from which he just recently retired. Don and Mary led many church camps for years and were instrumental in the conversion of many people to being followers of Jesus Christ.
Don also worked at the Mooresville Post Office for 19 years, retiring in 1994. He was an avid gardener, raising five acres of strawberries for years. He loved the outdoors and never missed a season of mushroom hunting. Don was also a competitive softball player and loved being the pitcher. Above all, he was a devoted minister, husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many. His legacy and memory will be cherished for generations to come.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Ervin and Jim; sister, JoAnn Endsley.
Survivors include his wife, Mary; children, Jeffery (Jacqueline) Endsley, Rachel (Darrell) Skipworth, David (JoAnne) Endsley, Kathy (James) Walters, and John (Michelle) Endsley; sister, Linda Cottrell; thirteen grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren.
Friends and family will gather to honor and remember the life of Rev. Don Endsley on Sunday, October 28, 2018, 2-6 p.m., in the Eternal Life Baptist Church, Mooresville. The funeral service will begin at 11 a.m., Monday, October 29, 2018, in the church. Cremation will follow services, and inurnment will be in the Cataract Baptist Church Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Churches in Mission. Envelopes will be available. Final care and arrangements are being handled by the Carlisle – Branson Funeral Service & Crematory. Visit www.CarlisleBranson.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.
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Pastor don has been a great blessing to me and my family. To marriages , death, kind words, marriage counselor,. He meant alot to me. And my family
Reverend Endsley was the wonderful pastor who married my husband and I 24 1/2 years ago. Although we didn’t attend his church he knew me for many years and always asked if we were still together. He was never judge mental and always made me feel as if he was showing the love of Christ no matter if he was at the pulpit or in Meijer. I have no doubt that there was a wonderful celebration when he was finally in the presence of our Holy Father. Thank you sir for being the hands and feet of God.
Don was my bus driver as a child and lived in my mom and dad’s house before they moved in! He was a wonderful man with multitudes who loved him and many he led to God! To Don’s family my heart breaks for you and you are in my Prayers!! Michelle (Bennett) Imhausen
To Mary and the Endsley Family, The Cole family sends our deepest sympathy for your loss. Don and my Dad, Bill Cole, had a work friendship that lasted many years. Don was there for our family during those long weeks before Dad’s passing providing love and support to all of us. We were so thankful that he provided the funeral service and your church allowed us the use of the fellowship hall. Mom received comfort visits from Don’s church family for many months after Dad’s passing helping her thru the deepest mourning period. We know that Don has been accepted into Heaven with open arms for a job well done! Blessings to his family thru this difficult time. The Cole Family
I am so sorry. Don was wonderful man. He raised a beautiful family and helped a lot of people. My heart is broken. I went to school with Rachel and she was so nice to everyone. Don you will be missed.
Don was a wonderful servant of the Lord. When you were with him you knew where you stood and you soon realized how much Don loved the Lord and his family. His smile and his joy for life will be missed. Prayers for Mary and family .
To the Endsley family, We are sorry for your loss. Brother Don was always so good to our family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Vaughn and Jenny Goss Vaughn and Jenny Goss
I only met and heard this man preach at his retirement, but what a powerful speaker he was! He was a joy to listen to and was lit from within with the fire God gave him. I feel blessed by that day.
Rachel I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
He was such a joy to see when he came into our office . always had a positive and joyful attitude . always made our day no matter how bad he felt. • Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs.; I am so sorry for your loss. Holding you close in my thoughts and Wishing you peace and healing. Amelia OHS Mooresville •