Rev. Donald E. Endsley

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.