Rev. Ronald W. Eichel Sr.

Rev. Ronald W. Eichel Sr., 82, of New Castle, Indiana, went home to be with the Lord on the evening of Thursday, May 22, 2025, at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie. He was born on May 10, 1943, in Decatur, Illinois, a son of the late William “Bill” and Justine (Hartley) Eichel. Ron was raised by his grandparents and graduated from Stephen Decatur High School in Decatur, IL. He earned a Bachelor of Theology degree from the Frankfort Pilgrim College in Frankfort, Indiana. Known to many as R.W., he and his family were involved in evangelistic work, preaching and singing in revivals and camp meetings for many years, until 1974, when he accepted the pastorate of the Wesleyan Holiness Church in Portage, Pennsylvania. While in Portage, he founded the Wesleyan Holiness Academy. R.W. went on to pastor in New Albany, Indiana, and Marshall, Illinois, before moving to New Castle, Indiana, in 1981 to pastor the Pilgrim Holiness Church. He later pastored churches in Sayre, PA, and Cumberland, Maryland. Reverend R.W. Eichel was a powerful and dynamic minister with a unique ability to paint a picture in the minds of the listeners. His ministry spanned over 50 years, and he helped bring countless souls to Christ. Those closest to him said that when he prayed, God answered without fail. His relationship with God never wavered. R.W. was a very talented guitar player and enjoyed fishing, and attending car shows. He was known for having a good sense of humor, which he never lost even through difficult times. He was also a talented singer and writer, and enjoyed collecting books. He had a kind heart and continually prayed and was there for his family. Those left to cherish Ron’s memory include his children, Tony (Marcia) Eichel of New Castle, Tim Eichel (Tresa Thompson) of Marion, VA, and Tiffany Eichel of Cumberland, Maryland; five grandchildren, David Eichel, Nick Eichel, Zoey, Emelise and Caylee McDonald; a sister, Marilyn Houston of St. Augustine, FL, and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Ron was preceded in death by a son, Ronald W. Eichel Jr. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at Sproles Family Funeral Home with Pastor James Allen Southerland III officiating. Burial will follow in South Mound Cemetery West Lawn Addition. Friends may call from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on the day of the service at the funeral home. You may send the family a personal condolence at www.sprolesfamilycares.com. The Sproles family and staff are honored to serve the family of Rev. Ronald W. Eichel Sr.

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Rev. Ronald W. Eichel Sr.

May 10, 1943 - May 22, 2025