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John Cherry Obituary

John K. Cherry, Jr.

November 24, 1937 - February 14, 2013

John K. Cherry, Jr., 75, 608 Westview Circle, West Lafayette, died 2:20pm Thursday, February 14, 2013 with his wife and three children at his side. He was born November 24, 1937 in Kokomo, Indiana to John K. Cherry and Hazel D. (Sumpter) Cherry. He was married June 13, 1959 to Judy Dianne Wykoff in Marion, IN and she survives.

John was raised mostly in Kokomo but spent several memorable years of his childhood in Germany while his father served in the military immediately after WWII. He was a graduate of Kokomo High School, class of 1955. He graduated from Indiana University in 1960 and was a devoted "Hoosier" the rest of his life. He also completed the Graduate School of Banking program at Wisconsin University. Early in his career he was a Builder-Dealer for National Homes in Kokomo, Marion and Lafayette, moving to Lafayette in 1964 to join Price & Price, Inc. In 1967 he joined Lafayette National Bank and as assistant manager of the Mortgage Loan Department. After 26 years in banking, he retired as Executive Vice President of the bank in 1983 to start a family business, Project Bike Shop/Cherry Bicycles with his son, John III and wife, Dianne. John also taught banking and real estate classes at Indiana University and Purdue University. He devoted endless hours of leadership to the Greater Lafayette community throughout his life. This included the Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, Camp Tecumseh YMCA and First United Methodist Church of West Lafayette. John was a past president of the Tippecanoe County Welfare Board and the Greater Lafayette Community Centers.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, John K. Cherry, III and his partner Lexus of Battle Ground, IN; and two daughters and their spouses, Paula Dianne Koppel and Steven of Boston, MA and Pamela Dawn Titus and Steven of Fortville, IN. He is also survived by two sisters, Kathleen A. Irwin of Kokomo, IN, Carolyn S. Biegtol of Greenwood, IN; and two brothers, R. Patrick Cherry of Kokomo, IN and Dennis R. Cherry of Denton, TX. He had three grandchildren who he adored and adored him, David and Katherine Koppel of Boston, MA and Nicole Cherry of West Lafayette.

Proceeded in death by two brothers, Ronald and Michael, and a sister, Beverly Jo.

The funeral services are planned for Sunday, February 17, 2013. Visitation will begin at 2:30pm with the service to follow at 3:30pm. Both the visitation and service will be held at the Otterbein United Methodist Church, 405 E. Oxford Street, Otterbein, IN, Pastor John Randall officiating. Many of John's favorite things were red. In his memory, we invite guests at his memorial service to wear something in his favorite color.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Franciscan St. Elizabeth Health Cardio Pulmonary Rehabilitation Department, 1501 Hartford Street, Lafayette or Camp Tecumseh YMCA, "Making a Difference" Fund, 12635 W. Tecumseh Bend Road, Brookston, IN or to a charity of donors' choice. You may sign the guest book or leave a memory at www.soller-baker.com

Published by Journal & Courier from Feb. 15 to Feb. 16, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
for John Cherry

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Thinking of John with fond, warm memories. May he continue to Rest In Peace and his spirit continue to shine in the hearts of his beloved family.

Barbara and Lowell Koppel

Family

February 10, 2021

Elsner

May 31, 2013

Dianne, How sorry I was to recently learn of John's passing. I was traveling and missed word. John was a good man, fair, honest, humble and giving. He gave to his employees and his community as well as his family. I enjoyed working with him and was delighted to see how well he was doing this summer at our reunion. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.

Debbie Elsner

March 4, 2013

Dianne,

Aaron and I would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to you and your loved ones. John was a wonderful man who did so many great things for others, as I've read here. He was so kind to "follow" us online after we moved away and kept up with our growing family, and always thinking of fun things he could do to bring a smile to our children's faces. I only wish I had told him thank you more than I did. We hope peace and comfort finds you, we'll be thinking about you and praying for you and your family.

Laura and Aaron Ault

February 19, 2013

We wish to extend our sincere condolences on the loss of your loved one, John. He was a great supporter of this community and of Lafayette Urban Ministry. He will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace and may God hold all of you in the palm of His hand.

Sincerely,

The Board and Staff of Lafayette Urban Ministry.

Lafayette Urban Ministry

February 18, 2013

We met John in 1962 when he wrote the mortgage on our first home in West Lafayette. Twenty years later, our extended families united when our children married, and we soon shared grandchildren. We've known John as a loving, thoughtful, talented father, husband, grandfather, and professional, who gave of himself to his family and community. We were fortunate to share two joyous days with him last May during grandson David's graduation from Duke.
We are so sorry for your sad loss. Our hearts go out to you, and our thoughts are with you. We'll miss him too.

Barbara and Lowell Koppel

February 17, 2013

John was an outstanding Board member and Board President at Camp Tecumseh YMCA. It was a pleasure working with him and knowing Dianne and the family. I wish I could be there today but am in Florida. My he rejoice with the Lord forever! Dave Wright

Dave & Beth Wright

February 17, 2013

So sorry to learn of John's passing. We were in the same high school class and just recently reconnected via Facebook. My prayers are with his family.

James Allman

February 17, 2013

Dianne,
I am so sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of John running the music for the Westview Dames chorus line. I know he will be missed by many. You are in my prayers.

Wanda Pelton

February 16, 2013

Pamela,
We are so sorry for your loss, I have fond memories of your father growing up as high school friends. Sending love and condolences during this difficult time.
Love, Jim, Tina and Avery Staz

Tina Staz

February 16, 2013

Judy and John
We are sorry to hear of husband/ father passing. Your family are in our prayers...

Murf and Cam Mckinney

Murf and Cam McKinney

February 16, 2013

John was President of the Board of Directors of the Community Centers when I first met him. He was always pleasant and would always acknowledge you whenever and wherever he seen you. He was a great leader and a loss to the community.

Sharon Harvey

February 16, 2013

We will cherish our fond memories of John.

Harriet & Bill Cook

February 16, 2013

So sorry to hear of your loss. Fond memories of your family when Paula and Jeff were in high school. I have sent the obit to Jeff.

Joyce Field

February 16, 2013

Pam,
We are so sorry for the loss of your Dad. From everything you have said he sounds like a wonderful Father. I will continue to pray for you and your family in this time of need. May God bless you.
George & Alice Farmer
(Friends of Pam Titus)

Alice/George Farmer

February 16, 2013

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