Rev. Donald Ray Janis

Donald R. Janis, born as a twin on February 25, 1932, in Omaha, Nebraska

Passed away quietly, surrounded by loved ones on September 5, 2023, in Indianapolis, IN

He grew up and graduated from high school in Springfield, Nebraska. He was a 3-sport high school athlete, excelling in all sports and academia. He turned down a full-ride scholarship to Nebraska University and went to the navy reserve in 1949 and was honorably released in 1952.

He met his wife, Carol at church in Omaha, Nebraska. After a brief courtship, they were married January 4, 1952 (71 ½ years ago) in Omaha, Nebraska. He pursued his education in the ministry with Grace Bible Institute while working full time to grow his family. He graduated from Grace Bible in 1956.

Don’s life revolved around family, wife Carol, his children-Timothy, Miriam, Priscilla and Rebecca and the ministry. His dedication and commitment to the ministry took him and his family to Perkasie, PA (Tulls Hill, PA) and then attended language school in Quebec, Canada to learn French for the missionary field in Guadeloupe, French West Indies.

In 1957, they went to Guadeloupe, French West Indies, for 8 years where he ministered with his wife opening up churches and teaching at the seminary.

He then returned to United States opening new churches in Elkhorn, Nebraska, Noblesville, IN, Zionsville, IN and finally finishing his last 20 years to a good age of 87 at the United Methodist Church, in downtown Indianapolis.

Outside the joy of his family and his dedication to the ministry, he loved sports (especially basketball and Nebraska football), gardening (flowers and veggies) AND had a passion to read many books.

Don is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 71 ½ years, Carol Janis. His daughters- Miriam Ellsworth and her husband Mike, Priscilla Tucker and Rebecca Clark and her husband Kevin, his 5-GRAND children, Matthew Ellsworth & his wife Kristy, Aaron Ellsworth & his wife Kathy, Nathan & his wife Ashley, Rachael and David Clark, 8-GREAT GRAND children, Charlize, Hunter, Eloise, Adelyn and Henry Ellsworth, Peyton, Kinsley and Hudson Clark. He was preceded by death by his only son – Timothy Paul, his parents- Leslie and Lulu Rose Janis, his bother Clifford, sister Ruby, and twin sister Delores and his oldest ½ brother Marvin.

The visitation will be at Flanner Buchanan-Oaklawn Memorial Gardens (Good Shepherd Chapel), 9700 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis, IN on Tuesday September 12, 2023 @ 1:30 p.m. with service starting at 2:30 p.m. Flowers are welcome and can be delivered to Flanner Buchanan.

If you wish to make a contribution, please give a little extra to the charity of your choice.