It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Reverend Itty V. Eyadiel, 83, on December 8, 2023, in DeLand, Florida. Itty was born on July 28, 1940, in Anchery, Kerala, India.

Itty had a pioneering spirit and embraced life with courage, faith, and hope. He seized an opportunity to come to the United States in 1966 on a theological seminary scholarship which led him to Mayfield, Kentucky. Itty transferred to the Southwestern Bible College in Oklahoma City, OK where he began a bi-vocational career as a minister and as a product tester in Telecommunications with Lucent Technologies in 1969. Itty remained in both roles until his retirement in 2001 with over 32 years of service. He relocated to Nashville, where he lived until 2016, and then moved to Florida to be closer to his children. Itty and his wife, Rachel, became faithful members of the City Sanctuary Church in DeLand, Florida.

Itty was a man of deep faith. He committed his life to Jesus Christ at the age of 18 and was called to serve in pastoral ministry for 30 years. He served with distinction as the first pastor for the India Christian Assembly in Oklahoma City in 1972. He then founded the India Full Gospel Church in 1978, remaining as the senior pastor until 1995, and continued to actively minister until his retirement in 2001.

Itty was known for his love of family and friends, community gatherings, gardening, fishing, gospel music, and biblical studies. He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Rachel Eyadiel; his son, Johnson Eyadiel; his daughter, Mercy Eyadiel- Campbell; son-in-law, Kevin Campbell; and his brothers, Eyadiel Uthup and Varughese Eyadiel, and many nephews, nieces, and other close relatives. He was preceded in death by his father, Varkey Eyadiel, his mother, Accamma Eyadiel, his sister, Mariamma T. Baby, and his brother, John Eyadiel.

Itty was dearly loved and cherished by his family, friends, and community. He was known for being a kind, caring leader, as well as being a uniter across many faith traditions. Itty's smile and graciousness lifted everyone who came across his path. As we mourn the loss of Reverend Itty V. Eyadiel, we also celebrate his life and legacy. His memory will forever be etched in our hearts.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on December 16, 2023, at the City Sanctuary Church at 401 E. Taylor Rd, DeLand, FL, 32724. Interment will follow in DeLand Memorial Gardens, 600 E. Beresford Ave., DeLand, FL 32724.