MICHAEL J. COYNER of Indianapolis, 70, retired bishop of the Indiana Episcopal Area, died Wednesday, January 8, 2020.
A Celebration of Life Service* will be held at 11:00 a.m. (ET), Saturday, January 18, at St. Luke’s UMC, 100 W. 86th St., Indianapolis. A livestream of the memorial service will be available on the St. Luke’s UMC website.
“Bishop Mike,” as he was known to many in Indiana, led the Indiana Conference for three four-year terms, retiring in 2016. He oversaw the formation of the Indiana Annual Conference in 2010. Prior to his service in Indiana, he served as Bishop in the Dakotas Episcopal Area.
A good and faithful servant, Bishop Mike is known for his love for The United Methodist Church and the way he cared for people throughout the Connection. He is cherished for his ability to break bread with others and bring people together with his gift of storytelling.
Bishop Mike had a passion for shepherding the next generation and devoted time to listening and caring for younger servant leaders. He is remembered in the Indiana Conference Center for his levity, always making time to share in a good laugh and remembering finite details about each person’s life.
Bishop Coyner is survived by his wife, Marsha England Coyner, his daughter, Laura Coyner (Adrian) Peace, his son, Steve Coyner, and his five grandchildren: Ashlee Rodriguez, Brianna Peace, Austin Peace, Leah Coyner, and Alec Peace. Condolences may be shared with family and friends at BishopMikeTributes@gmail.com.
Contributions may be made to the Bishop Michael J. Coyner Scholarship Fund to sponsor senior high youth at Epworth Forest. Donations can also be mailed to United Methodist Foundation in memory of Bishop Coyner at 8401 Fishers Center Dr, Fishers, IN 46038.
Learn more about Bishop Mike’s ministry from the memories of those who walked and served alongside him in an article by United Methodist News Service.
*SERVICE DETAILS:
Robing: It has been requested that clergy attending the service wear a black robe and white stole (ordained). Those who may not have access to a black robe and white stole (ordained), please know your presence is still welcome. You may wear any color robe you may have access to. Clergy must be robed and in the choir room by 10:30 a.m.
Parking: There will be reserved Clergy Parking in the main lot off of 86th Street.