Obituary of Rev. William Larry Tresslar

Reverend William “Bill” Larry Tresslar passed away at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana on April 28, 2017 surrounded by his family’s love. Born August 18, 1932 he is survived by his wife of 55 years, Betty Sue (Miller). Also surviving are his daughters Shannon Sue Dodson (Terry), Karen Valerie Wolf (Mark), his grandchildren Zachary Tresslar Dodson, Samantha Sue Pattison, Nicholas Steven Dodson, Kelly Elizabeth Pattison, and his great-granddaughter Aubrey Rilynn Dodson. He is preceded in death by his parents Frank Howard and Velma (McArthur) Tresslar and his infant grandson Alexander Gregory Dodson.
Rev. Tresslar ministered to communities across central Indiana for 38 years as a pastor for the United Methodist Church.  His appointments included Filmore and Amo (1956), Salem (1957), Veedersburg (1960), Shiloh (1962), Jamestown (1965), Fletcher Place (1970), Middletown and Honey Creek (1975) and Center (1989). He attended Vincennes and Butler Universities and proudly earned his Doctor of Ministry at Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis. He was blessed by those he served and he served them well.
A voracious hobbyist, Bill lived on this earth as fully as any and he loved the gifts the world provided. He could identify any butterfly or moth, point out the constellations and name birds by hearing their song. He would stop the car to watch a field of deer or to listen to the spring tree frogs. He loved and was loved by many pets but had an affinity for cats. He was a photographer, a master wood turner, an inventor, a mechanic, an electronics enthusiast and a respected magician. He loved loud classical Bach and good science fiction. He could fix, modify and design anything. He relished philosophical discussions and respected that no opinion was adequate; it was the sum of the ideas that added up to full knowledge.
Bill saw everything and everyone in their best potential; discarded people, injured animals, wasted resources. Everything had another, better, purpose.
Reverend Tresslar directed his life by his favorite quote: “This above all: to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.” – William Shakespeare

In lieu of flowers the family kindly asks that memorial contributions be made to, Autism Speaks, Inc., 1 East 33rd Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10016