Earl Wenger Engle, Jr.

Earl Wenger Engle, Jr., 83, of Colorado City, CO, died on December 8, 2011, at Parkview Medical Center, Pueblo, CO, hours following a heart attack. Born near Abilene, Kansas, April 6, 1928, the fourth of five children of Minnie Lady and Earl Engle, he was preceded in death by his younger sister. A graduate of Dickinson County HS (KS), Earl earned a BA in Education, Upland College (CA), BA in Theology, Messiah College (PA), and MA in Counseling, Adam's State College (CO). An ordained minister in the Brethren in Christ Church (Palmyra, PA; Colorado Springs, CO; Nappanee, IN) and elementary school teacher, counselor, and reading specialist, he was above all a devoted husband of 61 years, father of five, grandfather of twelve, and friend and spiritual encourager to many. Earl and wife Esther both retired from District 11 Schools, Colorado Springs, in 1987, and enjoyed almost 25 years together living/working on their 'ranch' near Colorado City. They traveled widely to visit family and friends, do short-term mission projects, and see the world (Mexico, Central and South America, Africa, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, China). Earl was active at Valley Community Church and helped establish the Colorado City Community Garden. He was a star basketball player in high school and college and an avid tennis player into his 70s. Earl is mourned by his wife, children, grandchildren and their spouses Janette (Bill) Lewis (Owen, John), Colorado City; Susan (Keith) Heise (Laura Spence, Sarah Higdon, Grace), Albuquerque, NM; Earl Wendell (Michele Grage) Engle (Alanna Fenlon, Emily Bailon, Evan), Westcliffe, CO; Melissa (Michael) Parks (Erika, Rudy), Colorado City; Melanie (Frank) Palcic (Gabriel, Michael), Colorado City, siblings Mahlon Engle, Abilene, KS; Doris Mason, Wichita, KS; Maxine Heise, Greenville, OH, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends. There will be no viewing. Cremation, Montgomery & Steward Crematorium. Celebration of Earl's life December 17, 2011, 11 a.m., Valley Community Church, Colorado City (20 miles south of Pueblo), followed by lunch. In lieu of flowers, donations to Valley Community Church Benevolent Fund, 4253 Mercantile St., Colorado City, CO 81019. Online condolences, bjlewis@daeo.net.