John Allen Cheesewright

John Allen Cheesewright, 86, passed away Thursday, February 23, 2023. He was born April 8, 1936 at his parents home in Chrisman, Illinois. He lived and farmed in the Dana area most of his life.
John was preceded in death by: his parents, Arthur W. and Marie (Wagner) Cheesewright; his late wife, Patricia Lee (Runner) Cheesewright; and sister, Janice Hitch.
Survivors include: his wife, Jane (Ogle) Cheesewright; one son, Kelly (Sherry) Cheesewright of Chrisman; two daughters, Kay (Scott) Burdick of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania and Kristy Fangman of Watauga, Texas; also three step-children: Amy (David) Gregory of Sullivan, Illinois; Jerry (Macon) Martin of Plainfield, Indiana and Michael Martin of London, UK. His brother-in-law, John Hitch of Richmond, Indiana also survives. He has seven grandchildren: John P. Duke; Kelsi (Mitch) Lubovich; Kenzi Cheesewright, Keaton Cheesewright; Dustin Stucker; Haley Fangman and Zachary Fangman. John also had six step-grandchildren: Taylor Barrett, Isak Martin, Aidan Martin and Amelia Martin; Preston Gregory and Miles Gregory. John has five great-grandchildren: Karter Hinkle, Rhett Duke, Hank Lubovich, Indi Marie Stucker and John Michael Lubovich.
John was a 1954 graduate of Dana High School and a 1958 graduate of Purdue University, with a BS in General Ag. He was a member of Knights of Pythias, a John Purdue Alumni, and a member of the Mens Basketball "Fastbreakers" Club.
John served as President of the Vermillion County Farm Bureau for several years; he was a County Commissioner and also County Councilman. He served as President of the Vermillion County Council for many years. He was a former member of the Dana Fire Department; Vermillion County 4-H. As a lifelong member of Bono United Methodist Church, John served as Sunday School Superintendent and Secretary for Methodist Men Club. John also served as Secretary on the Bono Cemetery Board for several years.
John was proud to have been awarded the Distinguished Hoosier Award from Governor Mitch Daniels, presented by State Representative Dale Grubb, on December 27, 2010. He loved his family and friends. John enjoyed rides through the countryside to check crops and see, first hand, the progress farmers were making each season. He enjoyed musical performances, action packed movies, traveling, playing cards, visiting, and eating out with family and friends.
Services will be 3:00 pm Friday, March 3, at Bono United Methodist Church, with Rev. Glen Howell officiating. Burial will follow at Bono Cemetery. Visitation is from 1:00 to 3:00 pm Friday at the church.
Memorials should friends so desire. May be made to the Bono United Methodist Church, PO Box 111, Dana, IN 47847 in his memory. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Gooch Funeral Home, Rockville.
Online condolences may be shared at www.goochfuneralhome.com.