Edward Wessel Obituary

Edward M. Wessel

Evansville, Ind. - Edward M. Wessel, 90, of Evansville, Indiana, passed away Saturday, January 16, 2021, at Deaconess Gateway Hospital.

Ed was born in Evansville, Indiana on April 1, 1930 to the late Edward William and Hazel (Staub) Wessel. He graduated from Reitz High School and honorably served in the United States Navy. Ed earned his undergraduate degree from Evansville College and went on to receive his masters degree from Indiana University. He was a prolific and highly talented athlete. He excelled in football, basketball, baseball, track and golf. While playing for the purple aces, he was All-Ohio Valley Conference and captain of the team in 1951. The students, at the college, elected him senior class president in 1952. Ed was also inducted into the Reitz Football Hall of Fame, the Indiana Football Coaches Hall of Fame, North High School Athletics Hall of Fame and the University of Evansville Athletics Hall of Fame. He spent 33 years coaching and teaching government, economics, drivers education and physical education at North High School.

Ed was a faithful member of Bethlehem United Church of Christ where he served as past-president. He was also a past-chairman of the Board of Directors of the Evansville Teachers Federal Credit Union, past-president of the Evansville Retired Teachers Association, past-president of Phi Delta Kappa, past-president of the Downtown Quarterback Club and a member of the Huddleback Club. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, but Ed's greatest joy came from his family. He loved all of them dearly and will be deeply missed.

Ed is survived by his daughter, Debbie Ann Carnes (Mark Christian) of Evansville, IN; son, Eddie M. Wessel (Cindi) of Evansville, IN; brothers, John Wessel (Diane) of Evansville, IN and Steve Wessel (Janie) of Evansville, IN; sister-in-law, Mary Wessel; brother-in-law, Gene Mustin; grandchildren, Brian Wessel (Sheliah), Brooke Beard (Andy), and Justin Carnes (Kat); great-grandchildren, Brendon Smith, Aedon Smith, Hayley Wessel, Amberly Wessel, and Liam Wessel; many nieces and nephews; and loving family friends, Cory Smith and Jenny Powell.

Ed was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Barbara Jean (Parker) Wessel; his parents; sisters, Dorothy Charlton (George), Bettie Mustin, and Helen Umbach; and a brother, Robert Wessel.

A private graveside service will be held at Bethlehem United Church of Christ Cemetery with Rev. Emily Slade officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to Bethlehem United Church of Christ. 6400 Oak Hill Rd., Evansville, IN 47725.

Condolences may be made online at www.browningfuneral.com.