Richard Newell Gurley

Richard "Dick" N. Gurley was born on March 20, 1948, in Oswego, New York. He died peacefully at home on February 17, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Dick is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Cathy L. Gurley, and by his children and grandchildren: Julie (Gurley) Koller, husband Jack, daughters Caroline and Anna; Scott Gurley, wife Deb, children Micah, Hannah, and Matthew; and Laurie (Gurley) Fraher, husband Mike, children Abigail, Ezra, and Ainsley.

From an early age, Dick showed a curiosity for how things worked. His career as an engineer seemed inevitable-famously beginning when, barely out of toddlerhood, he removed the doorknobs from every door in the house. He earned an engineering degree from Grove City College, where he met his much-loved wife, Cathy, and later continued his engineering studies at Penn State University.

Dick's love of building and problem-solving extended naturally into a lifelong passion for aviation. He served in the United States Air Force in San Antonio, Texas, after college, where he oversaw aircraft maintenance facilities. During this time, he also earned a Master of Business degree from the University of Utah.

Following his military service, Dick and Cathy settled in Zionsville, Indiana, in 1974, purchasing the home where they lived for the rest of his life. He spent nearly forty years as a respected manager at Allison Engine Company/Rolls Royce in Indianapolis, a role that beautifully aligned with his love of airplanes.

Dick was an accomplished woodworker. His craftsmanship can be seen in the cabinets and furniture that grace his family's home. He never lost his love of flying, owning several small aircraft over the years and often using them to visit family around the country. Even in retirement, his passion continued-he began building an airplane of his own.

Above all else, Dick's greatest passion was his love for Jesus and his desire to serve faithfully. He was a devoted member of Zionsville Fellowship for more than thirty years, where he led a small group, a men's Bible study and served on the missions board. He was instrumental in International Correspondence Institute's development of a publishing system to print materials behind the iron curtain. Dick and Cathy also earned Masters degrees from Covenant Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri. Dick's commitment to sharing the gospel took him and Cathy toWest Africa and Brussels, where they taught and ministered to many.

Dick was a man with deep integrity, with sincere convictions. He was a role model for others, loved by children, young people, and his peers. He will be remembered for his laugh and a mischievous twinkle in his eye. He was known for the way that he evidenced the love of God to others, being compassionate and patient even in trying circumstances. He will be remembered for his wisdom, unwavering faith, generous spirit, and deep love for his family.

A Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Zionsville Fellowship, 9090 W. Oak Street, Zionsville, IN 46077. A funeral service will be held at Zionsville Fellowship on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 1:00 pm.

Memorial donations may be made to: International Justice Mission, ijm.org, PO Box 96961, Washington, DC 20090-6961; or Indianapolis Theological Seminary, 8601 Hague Road, Indianapolis, IN 46256.