John Lefever

COLUMBIA CITY - John Wiley Lefever, 79, a Sagamore of the Wabash recipient, passed away at home on the morning of Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025. As a lifelong resident of Whitley County, he dedicated his time to his family, his community, and the service of his country, state and county. 

John was born in Huntington, Indiana, on July 8, 1946, to Henry P. and Thora I. (Mullett) Lefever of Jefferson Township, Whitley County.

In his youth, he was very active in the Boy Scouts, 4-H, and the Laud Christian Church, while also working early morning and after-school hours on the family farm. He played a variety of sports and excelled in track and football while attending Columbia City Joint High School, graduating in 1964. His sports abilities led to a football scholarship at Heidelberg College in Tiffin, Ohio, where he studied health and education. He was also recognized as an All-American athlete at Heidelberg and earned an invitation to Pittsburgh Steelers training camp. While in college, he studied methods for creating training programs for developmentally disabled children and, upon graduation in 1968, he worked as a high school teacher and football coach in Perry, Ohio.

In April 1970, he was drafted into service in the United States Army and was quickly promoted to the rank of Sergeant. He served as an instructor, trainer, performed experimental weapons testing, and served in combat in Vietnam before being discharged in December 1971, and returning to Columbia City. 

Soon after, he partnered with friends to open "The Alley" bar and restaurant on Van Buren Street, which he managed until 1974. 

On Jan. 5, 1974, he married Laura S. Gates, who would be the love of his life for the next 50 years. Welcoming their first child, Megan, in November 1975, their son?s, David, in July 1978, and Nathan, in October 1983.  

From 1974 to 1979, he worked as a Whitley County Probation Officer, as a Relator from 1976 to 1980, and entered the insurance business in partnership with Lee Girvin and Bob Estlick in 1981. He became the President and CEO of Estlick, Girvin, and Lefever Inc., in 1988, and served in this role until 2016, and later as CEO of Star Financial Bank's insurance division until 2016. Until his passing, he worked as a Development Consultant at the Community Foundation of Whitley County.

His love and dedication to his community included current and past founding board positions, president's position, and service on the following: Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Whitley/Huntington Counties, Whitley County Council,  Whitley County Community Foundation, Whitley County United Way, Whitley County Economic Development Corporation, Whitley County Holding Corporation, Whitley County Hospital Foundation, Whitley County United Way, Whitley County YMCA, Columbia City Housing Authority, Columbia City Chamber of Commerce, Passages Inc. of Columbia City, Fort Wayne Metro YMCA Finance Committee, Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership, Northeast Indiana Multiple Sclerosis Association, Whitington Homes & Services, and the Old Settlers Association. He also supervised the implementation and establishment of 911 services in Whitley County. He was a proud member of the Columbia City Elks Lodge 1417, American Legion Post 98, and was active in Columbia City United Methodist Church. In recognition of his decades of community service, in January 2024, he was named a Sagamore of the Wabash by Gov. Holcomb.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Laura (Gates); two brothers, Max (Jean) and Dale; his daughter, Megan Devito (Kenny); sons, David (Kelley) and Nathan (Jessica); and nine grandchildren, Ryan, Evin, Erin, Gavin, Jack, Eli, Annie, William and Henry. All of whom will miss him deeply as a loving husband, an incredible and caring father, and the best "Poppy" ever. The lives he was able to touch in his time on this earth are immeasurable, and the love for his neighbors and fellow man will carry on for generations to come.

The funeral service will be held at 3 p.m., on Sunday, Oct 5, 2025, at Columbia City United Methodist Church, 605 Forest Pkwy, Columbia City.

Visitation is from 12:30 p.m. until the service on Sunday at the church. Please enter on the lower level.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Community Foundation of Whitley County, 1171 E. Woods Way, Columbia City, IN 46725, or call 260-244-5224.

Condolences may be sent to www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com.