Rev. Lewis White Eagle Church, 84 of Monterey Township, Allegan, a distinguished and well known Native American Leader died peacefully at his home Saturday, July 6, 2002. Rev. Church was born August 12, 1917 in Salem Township, MI and was raised in Allegan County. He began a long career as a minister in the United Methodist Church in 1935 that extended for more than 60 years before his retirement. He was also employed by North American Rockwell in Allegan, MI until his retirement with 35 years of service. He continued to live at home with his wife at their residence near Hopkins. Throughout his career of service, he touched the lives of countless people serving as a counselor, leader, and personal example for those around him. He worked tirelessly in support of Native American communities and congregations across Michigan and beyond. He will be remembered for his selfless service to all those around him. For those who knew him, they will remember him as a man who prayed. He often shared the wisdom of Ecclesiastes 12:1, "to remember thy creator in the day of your youth..." before the difficult times in life come that bring less pleasure, such as the feebleness of old age. Rev. Church suffered from Alzheimer's Disease and has now returned whole again to his maker. Surviving are his wife of 62 years, Gladys (Mamagona) Church; a brother, Leonard Church of Dorr; 4 children, Robert Lewis (Liane) Church of Kentwood, William Loren (Cheryl) Church of Hopkins, Richard Mark (Mary) Church of Gaithersburg, MD, and Frances Elaine (Tom Pratt) Church of Wyoming; 14 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. The family will receive friends Monday from 5-8 pm at the Gorden Funeral Residence, Hopkins Chapel. The funeral service will be held Tuesday 11:00 am at the Salem Indian United Methodist Mission. Rev. Joseph Sprague and Rev. Calvin Hill officiating. Interment Salem Township Cemetery, Burnips. Memorial contributions may be made to the Salem Indian Mission or Wings of Hope Hospice.