Dr. Wendell T. Heller

Dr. Wendell T. Heller, 92, of Indianapolis, entered into eternal rest at his home on Tuesday, November 22, 2022. He was born and raised on a farm in Berne, Indiana, a Swiss community. He was one of four children born to the late Mr. and Mrs. Loren Heller. He was saved at the age of 17, and answered his call to the ministry on the very night that he trusted Jesus Christ as his savior.

His undergraduate work was done at Bob Jones University, where he graduated in 1952. He pastored for five years in South Georgia. Additional graduate work was done at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and Grace Theological seminary, Winona Lake, Indiana.

In 1956, he and his family moved to Indianapolis, where he founded the Colonial Hills Baptist Church and Colonial Christian School. He remained as pastor until August 1989, at which time the church honored him by designating him as Pastor Emeritus of the church.

Since 1989, he and his wife traveled continuously ministering in Evangelism, Bible, Missionary, and Stewardship conferences, couples and men’s retreats, teaching in different colleges and seminaries on finance leadership, & in the area of Pastoral Theology. He has maintained an active interest in world-wide missions, and traveled yearly to different mission fields to teach pastors and encourage American missionaries. For over 16 years, he has served as President of Global Baptist Missions, with special emphasis in the field of India.

He was awarded the honorary Doctor of Divinity degree by Indiana Baptist College of Indianapolis in 1959, and the honorary Doctor of Letters by Denver Baptist Bible College and seminary of Denver, Colorado in 1985. He was chosen “Alumnus of the Year” by his alma mater, Bob Jones University in 1985, where he served on the Board of Trustees. Upon his retirement from the active pastorate in 1989, he was honored by Governor Orr of Indiana with the highest citizen’s award, Sagamore of the Wabash. He served on numerous boards of Christian organizations.

Wendell was preceded in death by his parents Loren and Florence Heller; siblings, Jerome Heller and Theda Egly.

He is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Betty C. (nee Elmore) Heller; his children, Stephen (Patricia) Heller, Wendy (Roger) Smith and Pamela Weidlich; sister, Daisy McCune; nine grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a host of dear nieces, nephews and church families across the globe.

Visitation for Wendell T. Heller will be Thursday, December 1, from 4 to 7pm at Leppert Mortuary Nora (740 E 86th St) and Friday, December 2, from 9:30 to 11:00am at Colonial Hills Baptist Church (8140 Union Chapel Rd.)

The funeral will be held on Friday, December 2, at 11:00am at Colonial Hills Baptist Church.

Memorial contributions in Wendell’s name to: Jacob Chelli Memorial School Fund c/o Colonial Hills Baptist Church. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.leppertmortuary.com for the Heller family.