John E. Rouse Jr.

John Edward Rouse, Jr., 83, of Muncie, passed away Tuesday evening, September 2, 2025.

John was born in 1942 in Anderson, SC, the oldest child of Zana Wilson Rouse and John Edward (Ed) Rouse, Sr. John's family lived in an array of southern towns, with summers spent traveling to New England. As enterprising young paperboys in Laurens, SC, John and his brother won a trip to the Gator Bowl, and John remained a life-long sports fan, specifically of baseball and the Boston Red Sox. He shared his love of the game, and his love of Boston, with family and friends. John was also influenced in high school by his role as a staff member for SC US Senator Olin D Johnston, creating in him a passion for politics.

John earned his B.A. from Furman University in 1964. John developed a love of writing and served on the staff of the Paladin, Furman's school newspaper. After graduating from Furman, John, looking to move closer to the nation's capital, enrolled at the University of Maryland where he would go on to earn a master's and PhD in political science.

John's professional career was spent at Ball State University, where he taught public administration, American government, political science, and organizational theory, retiring as Professor Emeritus of Political Science.

He was the principal author of The Craft of Public Administration, a textbook used by generations of students across the US and now in its 12th edition. John also served as producer-commentator for WIPB's Public Affairs Roundtable, and he was a regular Sunday columnist for The Muncie Star.

John is survived by his wife, Barbara Baner Maves; stepchildren, Scott and Steven Maves; grandchildren, Kellyn and Sydney Maves (Scott's children), and Gregory, Daniel, and Curtis Maves (Steven's children); sister, Mary Collins; and brother, Bob Rouse.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A Memorial Service for John will be held at 3:00 pm on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at The Meeks Mortuary and Crematory, Washington Street Chapel.

Friends may call at The Meeks Mortuary and Crematory, Washington Street Chapel, from 1:00 pm until service time at 3:00 pm, on Saturday, October 4, 2025.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Ball State Department of Political Science Scholarship Fund, c/o College of Sciences and Humanities, Ball State University, 2000 W. University Ave., Muncie, IN 47306, or to Ball State PBS/WIPB, 1111 N. McKinley Ave., Muncie, IN 47303.

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.meeksmortuary.com.