GOSHEN – Victor R. Virgil, 74, died June 2, 2014, at Peabody Retirement Community, North Manchester. He had been in failing health the last 3-1/2 years. He was born Nov. 17, 1939, in Millersburg, to Horace and Cleo Reed Virgil. On Aug. 23, 1959, he married Peggy Suter, who survives. He grew up on a dairy farm east of Goshen, graduating from Millersburg High School in 1957. He graduated from Purdue University with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture in 1962 and a master’s degree in 1972 in extension education. He served as an extension agent in DeKalb, Kosciusko, Switzerland, Jefferson and Miami counties until retiring in 1995 with a total of 34 years of service in the Extension Service. For three years he was employed by Quality Restoration. He served on the Kosciusko County Area Plan Commission as chairman since 1976 when the county established the commission. He also served on the Kosciusko County Board of Zoning Appeals since 1987, serving as the hearing officer. He served as a Gideon for 22 years until becoming the visitation pastor of Pleasant View Bible Church in 1995, retiring from that position at the age of 65. He also served as a deacon and elder for the church. Since retirement, his “hobby” was to raise strawberries on a half-acre lot behind his home, and selling the berries at the Farmer’s Market in Warsaw. Also surviving are three children: Jeff (and spouse Tammy) Virgil, Etna Green; Laurie (and spouse Frank) Gray, Fort Wayne; and Debbie (and spouse Daniel) Sanchez, New Paris; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two sisters, Nancy (and spouse Rich) Groff, Millersburg and Marilee (and spouse Rick) Keim, Goshen; and a brother, Albert Virgil, Hilliard, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his parents. Cremation will take place after visitation with graveside services at a later date at Violett Cemetery, Goshen. Calling is from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, Goshen. ***** Memorials to Pleasant View Bible Church, Warsaw, or Gideons International. Condolences may be sent via www.yoderculpfuneralhome.com
