John Oliver

John Edward Oliver, 79, passed away at home, December 13, 2024, in the care of Eunice, his devoted wife of very nearly 58 years. 

John was born in Brownsburg, Indiana, March 21, 1945, to Dorthy (Powers) Oliver and Raymond Edward Oliver. He was justifiably proud of his athletic prowess exemplified by his accomplishments at Ladoga High School. He earned 14 varsity letters (four in track and field; four in baseball; four in basketball and two in football). He was then, and forever will be, known as “The Jet” due to his unparalleled dominance in track. During his last three seasons, John won the 100 yard dash and 220 yard dash in every meet. He won the county championship in both events twice. He won the sectional and regional in both events and advanced to the state meet. At the time of his high school graduation, he held the school record and Montgomery County record in the 100 (10.0) and the 220 (22.6). As a baseball player, John used his speed as a base runner, pitcher and shortstop.

 “The Jet” made the most of his opportunity as a junior when Ladoga fielded their first football team. He flourished in this sport, averaging 8.4 yards per carry while amassing 494 yards and scoring 14 touchdowns in just nine games. During his senior year the Ladoga Canners earned a 6-1-2 season. He was inducted into the Southmont Athletics Hall of Fame in 2017. 

John was not only an athlete. He graduated in 1968 with a B.S. from Indiana State University (ISU) and then worked as a Recreation Therapist at Larue Carter Hospital in the Activity Therapy Department until 1971. He earned a M.S. degree from ISU., and was employed for eight years in the Activity Therapy and Partial Hospitalization programs at Katherine Hamilton Mental Health Center in Terre Haute, Indiana. He later worked for the Indiana Department of Health for eight years. In 1988 he started his business, Oliver Consulting Service, helping developmentally-disabled clients. He retired in 2003 and promptly purchased his prized Harley Davidson for “kicks” and increased work on his golf game. He worked part time for eight years at the Quail Creek Golf Course In Pittsboro, Indiana. 

Respected and loved by legions of extended family members, fellow employees, friends and acquaintances, “The Jet” oozed good humor and was always ready with a joke and a smile. He championed underdogs and lifted the spirits of those in his path. He was devoted to his wife, Eunice. He loved his lucky pets, dachshund Snoopy and felines Murphy, Molly I and Molly II. 

In addition to his parents, Raymond and Dorothy, John was preceded in death by his older brother, Richard M. “Dick” Oliver (Pat). He is survived by his loving wife, Eunice; many nieces and nephews; great-nieces and -nephews and cousins. He leaves a legacy of fun, indomitable spirit and a caring heart. 

Visitation will be held Thursday, December 19th from 11am to 1 pm at Eric MD Bell Funeral Home, 220 N. Maple Street, Pittsboro, IN 46167 with service at 1pm. A luncheon will be provided by Your Venture Church at 7865 N. County Road 100 E. Pittsboro, IN 46167 immediately following the funeral service. A private burial will be held at Ladoga Cemetery December 20th. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Your Venture Church: Your Venture Church - Angel Fund or Friends of Indy Animals: https://friendsofindyanimals.org/contact-us/

Eunice and her family wish to extend sincere thanks to the staff of Hendricks Regional Health Palliative Care; Your Venture Church and Pastor Dugan for their expertise and compassion.

Arrangements are entrusted to Eric MD Bell Funeral Home. All are encouraged to keep John’s family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.