John Dearth

John A. “Jack” Dearth, passed away on Saturday, October 4, 2025, peacefully, in his home surrounded by his immediate family. Jack was born on May 4, 1941, in Bloomington, Illinois, to parents Larry Dearth and Susan “Betty” (Rice) Dearth.

Jack was a 1959 graduate of Trinity High School (Bloomington Central Catholic) in Bloomington and achieved a bachelor’s degree in business at Illinois State University. He earned master’s degrees in business administration, and Human Development Counseling with a concentration on Industrial Psychology from the University of Illinois, Springfield.

Jack married Donna Lee (Marquardt) Dearth on June 12, 1965. In March 1966, Jack entered the US Army, completing OCS in 1967. He served in Germany until January of 1969. While stationed there, as a Lieutenant, Jack and Donna Welcomed daughter Krista. After receiving his honorable discharge, they moved to Decatur, Illinois in 1969, and their son John was born. Jack was employed by Firestone Tire and Rubber in Labor Relations until 1985. In 1985, the family moved to Carmel Indiana, as Jack became Labor relations Manager with Firestone Industrial Products in Noblesville. He worked there until 1990, when he embarked upon a series of Plant Manager positions with various companies, overseeing their start-up through completion, in charge of all human resources functions. He retired from TOA/USA Manufacturing in 2008.

His Catholic faith was fundamental to his life. Jack was active in St. Elizabeth Seton Church in Carmel. He was also active locally in politics, supporting organizations and candidates in favor of protecting the freedoms and rights of individuals. He was an avid baseball fan, coaching for several years in Decatur. He continued to watch his son play adult league baseball as recently as September of 2025, and along with Donna, was a popular fixture at the ballpark. Jack very much enjoyed being involved in the life of his grandson Josh, sharing numerous outdoor activities, and camping trips together. He and Donna travelled frequently, sharing those experiences with close friends. He lived a full and active life and worked out at the Monon Center in Carmel as part of his daily routine through this summer.

Jack is preceded in death by brother Bob, father Larry, mother Betty, brother Dick, and brother Don. He is survived by wife Donna, daughter Krista (Oakley), son John and grandson Josh (Hunk), sister Elizabeth (Betty) McBurney (husband Harlan), nieces and nephews, and countless friends. Jack believed in helping others, especially those less fortunate. 

In lieu of flowers, his family asks that donations be made to: Women's Care Center (4901 W. 86th Street. Indianapolis, IN 46268). 

A Funeral Mass will take place at 10:30am on Monday, October 13th, 2025, at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church (106655 Haverstick Rd. Carmel, IN 46033). A visitation will take place from 9am until the time of the Mass. Burial will take place at a later date at Our Lady of Peace Cemetery.