Obituaries

John Thomas Bakel, 62, of Evansville, Indiana, passed away Saturday, May 26, 2012 at Riverwalk Communities.

John was born in Evansville, Indiana on January 2, 1950 to the late Arthur Frank and Julie (Mittsdarffer) Bakel. John attended and received his bachelors degree from Evansville College. He went on to receive his Masters and Ph. D from the University of Minnesota. John spent several years in Turkey, serving with "Food For World Peace". After returning from Turkey, he attended Divinity College in Kansas. He was an ordained Baptist Minister. In 2000, John fell and became a paraplegic. During the years at Bethel Manor and later at Riverwalk Communities, John ministered with love to his fellow residents.

John is survived by his sister, Barbara Lain (Larry) of Dayton, OH; brothers, Don Bakel (Peggy) of Evansville, IN, Jim Bakel (Linda) of Owensboro, KY, Leo Bakel (Robyn) of Bloomington, IL, Allen Bakel (Pam) of Elmhurst, IL; several nieces and nephews.

John is preceded in death by his parents.

A private memorial service was held Monday, May 28, 2012.

Memorial contributions may be made to Evansville Lions Club, 6305 Old State Road, Evansville, IN 47710 or to ChemoBuddies at mychemobuddies.com.

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