Jack E. Colescott, 95, of Gas City, passed away at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, in Gas City. Born on October 28, 1930, in Kokomo, Indiana, he was the son of Robert and Lena (Williams) Colescott.

Jack met the love of his life, Marjorie, while the two were still in high school. They married on November 19, 1949, and shared 60 devoted years together before her passing in 2010. Their relationship was a true example of enduring love-one filled with respect, partnership, laughter, and unwavering devotion. Jack cherished Marjorie deeply, and their bond remained one of his greatest blessings throughout his life.

As a father, Jack was gentle, steady, and endlessly supportive. He poured his heart into raising his children, always offering guidance, encouragement, and unconditional love. His family knew him as a man who showed up-whether for conversations at the kitchen table, school events, or life's milestones. The lessons he taught through his words and actions continue to shape the generations that follow him. To his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, he was not only a source of wisdom, but a source of comfort, pride, and unwavering love.

A proud graduate of Gas City High School, Class of 1948, Jack continued his education at Indiana Central College and Ball State University. He went on to dedicate 40 years of his life to teaching and coaching, shaping the lives of countless young people. His career included teaching positions at Swayzee High School, Martin Boots, and Marion High School.

Jack was deeply committed to his community and faith. He was a longtime member of the Evening Exchange Club, a member of both First United Methodist Church in Marion and First United Methodist Church in Gas City and later became an online member of First Baptist Church of Lexington, North Carolina.

Throughout his life, Jack served on several committees and organizations he cared about, including the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, University of Indianapolis Hall of Fame, and the Grant County Sports Hall of Fame. His leadership, dedication, and service earned him numerous honors: he was inducted into the Grant County Sports Hall of Fame, Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, University of Indianapolis Hall of Fame, and the Marion Giant Hall of Distinction at Marion High School. He was also a proud recipient of the Saginaw of the Wabash award.

Jack is survived by his children, Linda Colescott, Highlands Ranch, CO; Nancy (Glenn) Heaton, Gas City, IN; Susan (Kent) Hoopingarner, Fort Wayne, IN; and David (Suzy Conner) Colescott, Winston-Salem, NC. He was a loving grandfather to ten grandchildren: Michael Rey, Sherman Oaks, CA; Alissa Rey, Englewood, CO; Jennifer (Everett) Liggett, Walton, IN; Stacy (Tyler) Johnson, Huntertown, IN; Rachel (Ed) Hayden, Anderson, IN; Kyle (Darcy) Hoopingarner, Andrews, IN; Brett (Megan) Hoopingarner, Stevens Point, WI; Ashley Colescott, Kamuela, HI; Raymond Colescott, Winston-Salem, NC; and Jack Robert (Alexis) Colescott, Huntersville, NC.

Jack was also blessed with 17 great-grandchildren-Bryce, Dylan, Joseph, Nathan, Jarron, Giuseppe, Allison, Sofia, Lorenzo, Kyler, Megan, Jackson, Emmaline, Brooks, Jack Harlan, Roslyn Ann, and Lilah-and one great-great-grandson, Solomon, as well as a great-great-granddaughter expected in April.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marjorie; his parents; sisters Betty (Paul) Turner and Patty (Bill) Maynard; and sisters-in-law Catherine Dalton, Barbara Dinius, and Joan Deason.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, February 6, 2026, at Grace Community Church, 1810 East Bradford Pike, Marion, IN.

An additional hour of visitation will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 7, 2026, followed by a celebration of life at 12:00 p.m., also at Grace Community Church. Rev. Dr. Tom Mansbarger and Rev. Dr. Ray Nance Howell III, pastor of the 1st Baptist Church, Lexington, NC will officiate. Burial will follow at Gardens of Memory – Marion.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Marion High School Scholarship Alumni Association P.O. Box 448 Marion, IN 46952 or donate at: https:// mhsalum.networkforgood.com/projects/247366-jack-and-dave-colescott-mhsaa-scholarship-fund. If you send a check, please note: Jack Colescott Scholarship Fund.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.nswcares.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chronicle-Tribune on Jan. 27, 2026.

Memories and Condolences
for Jack Colescott

Sponsored by Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service - North Chapel.

8 Entries

William "Bill" King

February 11, 2026

Jack was a good-natured friend, great basketball player and a frequent user of the word "Bears" which he used to express his frustration about an errant situation. I heard it frequently when he became frustrated trying to instill a measure of basketball skills in my brain as we played basketball in the alley of my parents' home. It was my good fortune to have been befriended by Jack, maybe because I had a pretty sister, but, whatever his motive, he made it his mission to teach me about playing basketball. I was not one of his prized students, but he tried hard and gave me an appreciation for the game. I learned from associating with Jack that one does not have to be arrogant, vulgar, or loud to be respected by your friends. Above the door into the "Assembly room" of Gas City High was a sign displaying these words, "For when the one great scorer comes to write your name in the Book of Life, He writes not that you won or lost, but how you played the game." Jack, I know you aced it. Peace be with you until we meet again,

Ann Angstmann- Luce

January 31, 2026

I, as well as my Mom, Joyce Angstmann, would like to share our condolences with the entire Colescott family. We have many fond memories of your Dad and share in your grief. Susan, I have thought about your family many times over the years and I have an article about your Dad that I have wanted to share. [email protected]

Sue Earnest

January 28, 2026

I have very early memories of Jack: Watching him play basketball for the Gas City Tigers when I was very young young...( The opposing team was The Fairmount Quakers with James Dean). I loved our conversations over the years. What a honor to have known you.

Terry Schuck

January 27, 2026

My prayers and my heart go out to Coach's family.

Well done good and faithful servant. -The Man Upstairs.

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Jim Freeman

January 20, 2026

What an honor and pleasure to get to know Jack as a late-in-life-friend. Prior to COVID, I was lucky enough to be part of a group of 8-10 Indiana Central/UIndy stakeholders who made an annual trek to Wrigley Field for almost 15 years. Jack was a part of that group. We spent dozens of hours on those trips, talking about all sports, but particularly Indiana High School sports history. Jack was an encyclopedia of knowledge and one of the few people that actually lived the memories of my youth. Whether it was discussing the East Chicago Washington and Roosevelt State Champs of the 60 `s or the Marion Giants glory days of the 70´s, our conversations rekindled the wonderful sports memories of my youth. Jack was a kind gentleman, the likes of whom we seldom meet in this day and age. Rest in peace friend.

Chris Day

January 19, 2026

Precious Colescott family, my heart is filled with sadness for everyone Uncle Jack left behind.
I join you as you celebrate his incredibly fullfilling life, the impact he had on countless others, his & Marge's beautiful love story and numerous other reasons why he will truly be missed.
What a HALLELUJAH moment when he was met by his Saviour, Marge & a host of others!
Sending my love & prayers to all of you!

Marge Record

January 19, 2026

Confidant, friend, a gentleman whether he won or lost, the ultimate professional, there is no limit to the words that describe Jack. In spite of all his accolades and achievements, his desire was simple. He wanted to be with the woman he loved. Mission accomplished Jack.

Donna Marie Post

January 18, 2026

Dear Colescott Family,

My name is Donna Marie Fisher Post. Jack Colescott was the basketball coach at Swayzee High School where I attended. He taught history and he was my favorite teacher. Especially American history. Please accept my deepest sympathy.

Donna Marie Post

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