GREENWOOD
Virgil R. Worrell, 90, of Greenwood, passed away Saturday June 4, 2016, in Indianapolis.
He was born Nov. 16, 1925, in Ladoga, to Thomas L. and Edna (Mann) Worrell.
Virgil was a World War II U.S. Navy veteran. He served on LST 841 and saw combat in the Pacific Theater, including the battles of Saipan and Okinawa.
After the war, he attended Purdue University, where he earned a baccalaureate degree in mechanical engineering in 1950 and, shorty thereafter, earned his professional engineering license from the state of Indiana.
Virgil was employed with Indianapolis Power and Light Co., as a mechanical engineer, and retired in 1990 after 40 years of service.
Virgil was a member of Suburban Baptist Church in Indianapolis. He was dedicated to serving the Lord and was instrumental in the design and construction of Suburban Baptist Church, Suburban Christian School and Indiana Baptist College.
He served on the board of trustees and performed the duties of treasurer up to his death. In 2007, the faculty of Indiana Baptist College conferred upon Virgil the degree of doctor of letters.
In addition to his unwavering call to God’s service, Virgil was also known for his humorous stories and jokes; he was always ready with a good wholesome joke … with an occasional clunker!
Virgil is survived by his wife, Emmadeane (Jones) Bays Worrell of Greenwood; four children, Virgil R.(Judy) Worrell Jr. of North Vernon, Michael L. (Dianne) Worrell and Karen S. (Bret) Widdifield, both of Greenwood, and Vi A. (Steve) Stapert of Indianapolis; two stepchildren, Steve (Pam) Bays of Whiteland and Joy (Carl) Gabbard of Michigan; 12 grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and three step-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Opal C. Worrell; three brothers, Levi, David and Robert Worrell; and two sisters, Doris Hankins and Larue Adams.
A funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Suburban Baptist Church, 722 E. County Line Road, Indianapolis. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until service time Tuesday at the church. Burial will be at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens in Greenwood.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Virgil’s honor to Indiana Baptist College, 1301 W. County Line Rd., Greenwood, IN 46142.
Jessen Funeral Home, Whiteland Chapel is entrusted with arrangements.
jessenfuneralhome.com.
