GREENWOOD
Michael Worrell,72, of Greenwood passed away surrounded by family on Saturday, March 10, 2018. Michael was born on August 18, 1945 to Virgil and Opal (Culbertson) Worrell at Coleman Hospital in Indianapolis.
In 1984, Michael met and married the love of his life, Dianne (Miller) Worrell of Greenwood. Together they raised a blended family of five children: Dawn (Kevin) Rogier, Jenny (Tony) Johnson, Christy (Kevin) Kraus, Heather (Jeff) Mullins, and Reynold Robinette. Michael was a beloved “Papaw” to 8 grandchilden: Courtney Kraus, Levi Mullins, Sidney Hayes, Abigail Johnson, Caitlyn Kraus, Lane Mullins, Chloe Kraus, and Kade Kraus. Michael is survived by two sisters, Karen (Brett) Widdifield and Vi (Steve) Stapert, sister-in-law Judy Worrell and stepmother Emmadeane Worrell. He was preceded in death by his mother and father and by his brother Virgil Worrell, Jr.
In February, 1961, Michael was saved by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ. He graduated from Center Grove High School in 1963 and joined the Indiana Army National Guard in 1966. In 1968 he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, fulfilling the position as a Chemical Officer.
He served in the Indiana Army National Guard for twenty-two years and joined the US Army National Guard from which he retired in August, 1988 at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
During his service he was awarded: Army Service Ribbon, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal (5th Award), Armed Forces Reserve Medal (2nd Award), Indiana Military Volunteer Emblem, Indiana Commendation Medal, and Indiana Long Service Medal (20-year Award).
After graduating from Purdue University in January, 1970 with a degree in Chemical Engineering, Michael worked as an environmental and product development engineer at Anheuser Busch Corn Products Plant in Lafayette, Indiana from January, 1970 to February, 1977. He then took an Environmental Engineer position with the Indiana Air Pollution Control Division in July, 1977 and retired from the office of Air Management in the Indiana Department of Environmental Management in April, 2004.
Michael held Section Chief responsibilities in various areas: local agencies, vehicle inspection and maintenance, and ozone planning and permits. He oversaw the startup of the Indiana Vehicle Emission Program in four ozone non-attainment counties.
Since retirement, Michael has faithfully served in many capacities of ministry at Grace Bible Church in New Whiteland, Indiana. His responsibilities included handling church finances, and he was greatly involved in the construction and maintenance of the church building. He was a constant help and encouragement to his family, his friends, and his church family.
Michael enjoyed reading, Bible study, working on cars, woodworking, travelling with Dianne and their family, and doing crossword puzzles. One of his favorite past-times was spending time entertaining his grandchildren.
Michael will be exceedingly missed by all who know and love him.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 14 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Wilson St. Pierre Funeral Service & Crematory, Greenwood Chapel 481 W. Main Street in Greenwood. A celebration of Michael’s life will be held 11:00 AM Thursday at Grace Bible Church 560 E. Tracy Road, New Whiteland, IN and additional visitation from 10:00 AM until service time at church. Burial will be in Forest Lawn Memory Gardens Cemetery. In lieu of flowers…send donations to Grace Bible Church, 560 E. Tracy Rd. New Whiteland, IN 46184 Or Atlantic Coast Baptist College, P.O. Box 25, Laurel, DE 19956. You are invited to read Michael’s obituary at www.wilsonstpierre.com, where you may sign the guest book and leave a personal message for the family.
