Rev. Donald Lamar Mikel, 89, of Orlando, Fla., and formerly of Nappanee, Ind., passed away peacefully on Jan. 14, 2013.

Rev. Mikel was born in Nappanee on Sept. 8, 1923, to Merle and Mary Mikel. He enrolled in Fort Wayne Bible College, then transferred to Bethel College, Mishawaka, Ind., to become part of the first graduating class of the new Bethel College.

As a minister of the Missionary Church, he served churches in West Union, Ind.; West Valley, Wash.; Twin Falls, Idaho; Denair, Calif.; and he pioneered the family counseling ministry at Ventura Missionary Church, Calif. Rev. Mikel’s ministry was characterized by an intense evangelistic zeal, captivating preaching and a listening heart that often helped individuals come to grips with the spiritual issues at the heart of the problems people brought to him.

Don and his wife, Trudy, retired in Hailey, Idaho, where they made many new friends and were very helpful in their son’s business. When he could no longer care for himself he moved home to Nappanee to live with Dave and Karen Berger. The last move before heaven was with his son-in-law and daughter, John and Sarah Hedegaard, in their home in Orlando.

Don is survived by a son: Russell; and daughters: Karen Berger and Sarah Hedegaard; seven grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife: Trudy; and their youngest son: Steve.

A memorial service will be held at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19, at the Thompson, Lengacher and Yoder Funeral Home, 950 N. Main St., Nappanee.