Rev. Verl Wesley Winslow

Rev. Verl Wesley Winslow, 100, passed peacefully from earth to Heaven at 9:15 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 29, 2019, from Heritage Pointe, Warren, Ind.

He was born on Aug. 8, 1919, in Kokomo to Otto Wesley Winslow and Edythe Mae (Harrell) Winslow.

He was united in marriage to Lois Jean Fowler on Jan. 25, 1941 in Kokomo.

Verl graduated from Kokomo High School in 1939, received an accounting degree from Indiana Business College in 1947, attended Asbury College and Butler University, was a history major and received a teaching degree from DePauw University in 1957, received a divinity degree from Christian Theological Seminary in 1963, received a master’s degree in guidance and counseling from Indiana State University in 1965.

Verl fell in love with Jesus Christ in 1947 and pursued his education to spend his life serving others as an ordained Methodist minister. He served as a pastor to several Methodist churches in Indiana: Jolietville, Eagletown, Bainbridge, Morton, Clermont and spent 17 years pastoring Trinity UMC in Kokomo. He also was the manager of the Indiana Business College in Lafayette from 1966 through 1982.

Verl loved young people and stayed involved with their lives through teaching at Bainbridge High School, Ben Davis Junior High School and a Christian school in Florida. He also led several young men through their scouting achievements, such as becoming an Eagle Scout and earning the God & Country award. If possible, his picture would be in the dictionary under the word “servant.” He loved serving and helping others.

Verl spent 40 months serving in the U.S. Army during World War II. His tour of duty took him to Italy, Sicily, France, Germany and Africa. His firstborn, Stephen, was 2-1/2 years old before Verl was able to return to the U.S. What a great homecoming that day was for Jean, Stephen and Verl.

Verl testified to the fact that he had lived his life with no regrets. His family says that he was a man that loved well and he was a well-loved man.

His survivors include his son, Stephen (Kathy) Winslow of Greencastle, daughter Marcia Bagwell of Kokomo and so, David (Carolyn) Winslow of Kokomo.

Also surviving are his grandchildren, Michelle (Ed) Fletcher of Avon, Stephen (Nicki) Winslow II of Greencastle, Yvonne (Dan) Miller of Greencastle, Matt (Kelly) Winslow of Greencastle, Leslie (Mike) Walden of Greentown, Justin Martin of Kokomo and Andrea Taylor of Kokomo. Verl is also the great-grandfather of 16 and the great-great-grandfather of 13. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews.

Verl was preceded in death by his wife, Lois Jean; parents Otto and Edythe; a brother, Dale from San Antonio, Texas; a sister, Betty Barley, from Summitville, Ind.; and a sister, Patty Stonebraker of Kokomo; and two sons-in-law, Byrl Martin and Fred Bagwell.

Funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4 at Stout & Son Funeral Home, 200 E. Main St., Russiaville, with Greg Reed presiding. Burial will follow in Kokomo Memorial Park Cemetery with military honors provided by the United States Army and the Kokomo VFW Military Rites Team.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 11-1 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.