Everett Thomas Endris

Everett Thomas Endris age 94 of Cedar Lake, IN, passed away on September 2, 2026 surrounded by the love of his family. He was born on October 24, 1931, in New Albany, IN, to Adolph and Wilma Endris. Everett was known for his Faith in Jesus Christ and for the love to his family. He met the love of his life and married Celia Darlene Bevins on December 13, 1953 and together they built their life here in Cedar Lake, IN. They were married for 70 years before Celia Darlene passed away on April 17, 2024. Everett joined the Army at 17 years old in 1948 after seeing his brother Chuck (Sonny) Endris join the Army. He wanted to live the same life as Uncle Chuck. After basic training he was sent to Japan as a radio operator deciphering Morris’s code where he spent the first year and a half before being sent to the war in Korea in 1950. Shortly after being in the war in Korea and was captured, he was listed as a POW (Prisoner of War). He spent a horrible 3 years, 2 months and 3 days as a POW. Everett also received two Purple Hearts for being shot in both shoulders at different times. He had thought he was dead man, but God kept him alive to witness to others. You can read about his life as a POW in Everett Endris’ Biography on the table. Everett took up deer hunting after he got back from the war. He loved to shoot the bow and arrow and he would do this without sites or anything extra added to the bow. He became known as one of the best shooters around. During the 40 years of hunting, he had killed 38 deer, one ram, and one black bear. Since he was a meat cutter, he would cut up his own meat at home and store it in the freezer. He also loved riding his Gold Wing Motorcycle traveling in all 48 states, Square Dancing, Carving cowboys and Indian characters, loved to play his steel guitar, and play cards with his family and friends. He was also a natural for building things at our house, such as: a detached garage, converting the single car garage to a den, building a camper, and also building a large shed. He also remodeled the inside living area converting 1 bedroom into a dining room. Everett is a member of Community Baptist Church in St John, IN, he was a member for many years at First Baptist Church of Cedar Lake, IN where he brought up his family to know where his Faith comes from. In his passing, Everett reunites with his parents; his spouse, Celia Darlene; brothers, Chuck, Wesley, Larry, Ronald and James; sister, Janet and Saundra; and precious great granddaughter, Elena Darnell. He leaves behind a legacy of love and family. Everett is survived by his loving children, Anna (Larry) Mackey, Gwendolyn (Glen) Alexander, Jeffrey (Xenia) Endris, and Peggy (Rich) Thiel. He is also survived by his brother, Leroy; and sisters, Wanda and Patty; along with 16 grandchildren and 10 great Grandchildren. The visitation will take place on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, from 3-7 p.m. at Burns Funeral Home & Crematory, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, IN. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, from 10 – 11 a.m. with a funeral service at 11 a.m. directly at Community Baptist Church, 8651 W. 93rd Ave, St. John IN. Interment Calumet Park Cemetery. Please visit Everett’s online obituary and guestbook at www.burnsfuneral.com.

Everett Thomas Endris

October 24, 1931 - September 2, 2026