Jon Douglas Oswalt

Jon Douglas Oswalt was born on 11/3/1948 in Indianapolis, Indiana to Robert and Mary (Howard) Oswalt. This day was special because in addition to Jon's birth, Dewey was declared the winner over Truman in the presidential election per newspaper headlines. Turns out that Truman actually won.

Jon's father was being discharged from the Army after serving in WWII. He moved the family to Miami, Florida to work with grandparents in the menu business. In 1955 they returned to Hartford City to establish Oswalt Menu Co.

Jon began work at around age 10 helping in the menu company. He began work at the A&P grocery store at 14 where he became an actual union member. Later, he would go on to work at Marsh. He helped work on the family farm and also worked for the menu company selling menus to restaurant customers on the road. He graduated from Hartford City High School in 1966. He attended Oakland City College for 2 years before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps from 1969-1971 achieving the rank of lance corporal. Jon was proud of his service and being one of the few and the proud.

Jon used the GI Bill to return to college. While attending Ball State Jon worked as a graduate assistant in the industrial arts department. He graduated from Ball State with both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Arts degrees. He began his teaching career at Mississinewa teaching junior high industrial arts. There was an opportunity to teach at Blackford and so he began his many years of service there. He taught industrial arts at the high school and later history. Jon coached football for 20 years and was a coach on the 1979 state championship team. He also served as building principal at Montpelier Middle School and at the high school. He had many fond memories of his players, students, and fellow teachers plus a story or two. After he retired from education, he was the Blackford County service officer for veterans for many years, a job that he truly loved. Jon was thrilled to go on an honor flight in May of 2023 with his daughter, to tour the monuments in Washington DC. A welcome back which was long overdue.

Jon was a member of several veteran service organizations. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church for more that 60+ years. He was active in his community. He served as an exalted ruler of the Elks. He also served on the Blackford Country Club Board. Jon was a member of the local men's Geezer Club. He was a season ticket holder for Purdue men's basketball.

Jon died unexpectedly on Saturday, October 11, 2025. He is survived by his wife of 46 years Ann (McCreery) and his daughter Courtney. He has a sister Pam Balle of Ohio and his brother Robert Oswalt of Florida. He is survived by 2 nephews and 2 nieces plus additional great nieces and nephews. Jon is also survived by many of those he considered to be good friends.

A Memorial Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, 2025 in the Waters Funeral Home, 501 W. Washington St., Hartford City. Military honors will be rendered at this time by the United States Marine Corps and the Delaware County Veterans Organization.

Friends may call from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, prior to the service at the funeral home.

Memorials may be directed to:

Honor Flight Northeast Indiana

PO Box 5

Huntertown, IN 46748

or

First Presbyterian Church

117 W Franklin Street

Hartford City, IN 47348

Jon was a wonderful husband, a terrific father, a great friend, and a truly good man.