John Loren Holbrook

HOLBROOK, John Loren, age 64, of Muncie, Indiana, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, after suffering from an apparent cardiac arrest. He was born on Aug. 5, 1960, in Portland, Indiana, the son of Jo Ann (Shroyer) Holbrook and the late Loren Holbrook.
A 1978 graduate of Cowan High School, John went on to college at General Motors Institute (GMI - now known as Kettering University) in Flint, Michigan, where he earned a degree in mechanical engineering. His program at GMI allowed him to co-op at Guide Lamp and upon graduation, he joined Guide full-time working at the plant until it closed in 2006. He then joined the staff at Lehman's Mechanical Contractors in Anderson, Indiana, and stayed with the company until he retired on Sept. 30, 2023.
A kind, loving, and fun person with an infectious personality, John loved serving in all capacities and would do anything for those around him, including strangers. He always exhibited joy and laughter and spread that to others. He loved spending time with his loving wife of close to 40 years (June 22, 1985), Debbie (Turney) Holbrook, and their two daughters, Christy and Tamara Holbrook.
As a child, he was active in 4-H where he showed sheep and worked on various projects. He played the trumpet as a member of Cowan's band and was a member of the Tau Beta Pi honor society in college.
His servant heart led him to help others through activities at church and on mission trips. His wife recalled him saying that his heart was changed forever after returning from a mission trip to Haiti. He loved the Lord and always shared that love with others. Throughout his life, John was a member of Corinth United Methodist Church, East 16th Street Church of God, the Middletown Church of the Nazarene, and most recently the Southside Church of the Nazarene. He also served on the board and numerous committees at many of the churches he worshipped at. He loved music and sang in the church choir, praise team, and played the trumpet.
John was an avid gardener and loved working on his parents' farm. He also loved designing and building trains and layouts. Other hobbies included baking, canning, and making his fabulous strawberry jam from the strawberries he grew. John enjoyed taking photos, especially of the outdoor wildlife and flowers. He was a member of the church softball team, played pickleball with other church members, and was a big Cincinnati Reds baseball fan.
John also loved spending time with his family at their lake cottage and at family get-togethers, playing games, golfing, fishing, and swimming.
He is survived by his mother, wife, daughters, brothers Greg (Debra) Holbrook, Rick (Cindy) Holbrook, and sister Lorie Holbrook along with several close nieces, nephews and cousins, his Aunt Jean (Shroyer) Warren, and many close and special friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Uncle Harold Warren, and grandparents Joseph and Alta Holbrook and Joe and Evelyn Shroyer.
Calling hours will take place from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, June 13, 2025, and again from 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Southside Church of the Nazarene, 3500 W. Fuson Road, Muncie.
A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., at Southside Church of the Nazarene, 3500 W. Fuson Road, Muncie, In 47302. The ceremony will be officiated by pastor Neal Peterson. Burial will follow at Saunders Cemetery, near Daleville.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Southside Church of the Nazarene, 3500 W. Fuson Road, Muncie, IN 47302, or to the Greater Muncie Indiana Habitat for Humanity at www.justgiving.com/campaign/2025-interfaith-build.
Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.meeksmortuary.com.