Earl Francis Wetzel, Jr.

Earl Francis Wetzel, Jr., 81, a native of Biloxi, MS, died Sunday, December 22, 2019. He was a parishioner of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in D'Iberville, MS, a member of the Knights of Columbus, and a well-known Mississippi Gulf Coast historian. Earl is known as a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and dear friend. During his lifetime, he faithfully attended Mass at Nativity BVM Cathedral, St. John's Catholic Church, and Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Biloxi, MS. He enjoyed researching coast history, and sharing his findings with family and friends. He loved to talk, and was a gifted story teller. He is known for his quick-wit, and great hugs, but most of all, he will forever be remembered as a loving father, entirely dedicated to his family. He is preceded in death by his father, Earl Francis Wetzel, Sr. (former Chief of Police in Biloxi); his mother, Helen Baker Wetzel; and his two children, Rhonda Lynn Wetzel and Earl Francis Wetzel, III. Earl is survived by his wife of 60 years, Amanda Wetzel; his daughter, Wendy Wetzel; his sons, Mark Wetzel, Randall Wetzel and Kevin Wetzel; his grandchildren, Tanya Chavez, Bryant Johnston, Mark Wetzel, Jr, Justin Wetzel, Courtney Wetzel Cossich, Haley Wetzel, Jared Wetzel and Brandon Wetzel; his great-grandchild, Cameron Wetzel; and his brothers, John, Joe, and Don Wetzel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Nativity BVM Cathedral in Biloxi, MS on Friday, December 27, 2019 at 11:00 am. Friends may visit from 10:00 am until Mass time. Interment will follow at the Old Biloxi Cemetery. The Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.