Edwin D. Pirl, 89, Marion, died at 9:10 a.m. on Saturday, June 3, 2017, in Wesleyan Healthcare Center. He was born in Adah, Pennsylvania, to the late Homer and Jennie (Johnson) Pirl.
Edwin graduated from German Township High School in Pennsylvania. He served in the Air Force from 1946-1949. Edwin continued his education at West Virginia University for his bachelors in education. While at West Virginia University, he was a member of the gymnastics team. He went on to Antioch College in Ohio for his masters. He was a teacher and previously taught in Tipp City and Troy, Ohio, before coming to Marion. He taught for Marion Community Schools and retired in 1988 after 21 years.
Edwin was a member of First United Methodist Church and served on several committees. He founded and served as the first president of Habitat for Humanity in Grant County. He definitely believed in helping the less fortunate and always worked for the betterment of others. Edwin had been involved with the Lions Club as Vice President and Treasurer. He was a member of the Marion Human Relations Commission and volunteered for the Grant County Rescue Mission, Meals on Wheels, and Salvation Army. Edwin is most known for being the President of the Marion Teachers Association when they went on strike. He fought for what he believed in. He served five years on the Indiana State Teachers Association Board of Directors, was a life member of the National Education Association, and a member of the Indiana Retired Teachers Association.
Edwin was a lover of nature, and he was a supporter of many environmental organizations. He loved to travel and had hiked a large portion of the Appalachian Trail. He also loved to dance.
Survivors include his children, Linda (Karl) Holloway, Hilliard, Ohio, Sally (Bill) Varner, Marion, and Peg (Jeff) Bilkert, Marietta, Georgia; grandchildren, Liesel (John) Seryak, Kurt (Megan) Holloway, Matthew (Jennifer) Varner, Andrew (Amanda) Varner, Claire Bilkert, and Ethan Bilkert; great-grandchildren, Caleb, Lucy, Rebecca, Sagan, Jane, Harrison, Jaelyn, Nolan, Drew, and A.J. Dear; special friend, Susie Gavin; sister, Geraldine (Bob) Cassidy; and many nieces and nephews.
Also preceding him in death were siblings, Henry Pirl, Wayne Pirl, Virginia Muscara, Sarah Cassidy, Margaret Sikora, and Blanche Matousek.
Visitation is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, June 7, 2017, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion. A memorial service will follow at 1 p.m. with Pastor Colleen Harden officiating.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Habitat for Humanity of Grant County or the charity of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be made at www.nswcares.com.