BROWNSTOWN
Steven Ray Gommel, 76, of Brownstown, passed away unexpectedly at 1:15 p.m. on Saturday February 17, 2024, at Columbus Regional Hospital.
Steve was born on May 23, 1947, in Columbus, IN to the late Warren Gilbert Gommel &Mary Frances Woodruff Gommel. He was a 1965 graduate of Jackson High School and then received a Mathematics degree from Ball State University with a minor in Chemistry. In 1991, Steve earned a Master of Arts in New Testament from Johnson Bible College.
On August 16, 1970, Steve married Becky Jean Swinford at Flat Rock Christian Church and she survives in Brownstown. Steve was a math teacher at Southwestern High School in Shelby County and coached 8th grade boys’ basketball. Later, he served as Vice President of Swinford Lumber Company in Shelbyville, IN. After Steve graduated from Johnson Bible College he served as minister at Steele’s Chapel in Corbin, KY, then on to Montezuma Christian Church, Montezuma, IN, and then served 16 1/2 years as minister at Driftwood Christian Church, Vallonia, where he then retired. Since retirement, Steve remained an active member of Driftwood Christian Church and continued to write weekly sermons.
Steve loved to the preach the gospel, had a huge servant’s heart, and always put everyone above himself. If you knew Steve, you know how he loved to tell jokes. His laughter and his smile were contagious. He grew up on a farm and was a very innovative person who loved to build things. He was an avid follower of European Soccer. He loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and grandcat.
Along with his wife Becky, survivors include his 2 children, Erin Gommel of Brownstown and Micah (Stephanie) Gommel of Seymour; 2 grandsons, Micah &Luka Gommel; and a brother, Michael W. Gommel.
Funeral services for Steve will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 23, 2024, at Driftwood Christian Church with Daniel Ison officiating. Friends may visit with the family on Thursday, February 22nd from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at Driftwood Christian Church and from 10:00 a.m. until service time on Friday. The burial will take place at Flat Rock Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to Driftwood Christian Church, BAMA Food Pantry, or to Team Stocksdale.
Johnson Funeral Home, Vallonia, is honored to serve the Gommel family and online condolences may be expressed at www.johnsonfh.net.