February 17, 1934 – April 25, 2024
Loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, thoughtful friend, and faithful follower of Jesus, John Anthony Hiatt, 90 years young, died on Thursday, April 25, 2024, surrounded by family. He was born at home near Baker’s Corner, Ind., on February 17, 1934, to John Warren and Ruby (Baker) Hiatt of Sheridan.
John, a graduate of Sheridan High School in 1952, chose to go to Purdue University, graduating from the School of Agriculture with a bachelor’s degree in animal husbandry in 1956. He later earned a master’s degree, also from Purdue, in 1972. He is a proud alumnus of the Farmhouse Fraternity at Purdue.
During and for a time after college, John worked on a Purdue Farm in Lafayette then after college, he worked as a County Agent and a Farm Manager in the banking industry in Illinois for 5 ½ years, serving the communities of Shelbyville, Marshal, and Bement (1958 to 1968). In 1968, he moved the family to Versailles, Ind., where he worked as an Area Extension Agent for the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service. In 1975, he took the position of Public Relations Director at the Indianapolis Livestock Market. In 1979, he started at Farm Bureau Incorporated in the Farm Record Service Department and serviced farmers all over Indiana, retiring in 1993. During the ‘80s, John was an Indiana certified Farm Debt Mediator and was a Certified Tax Preparer for 60 years, traveling throughout Indiana and Illinois servicing clients. He also was a Hamilton County Councilman for 16 years, earning the Associate Indiana Outstanding County Council Member of the year, and served on the Big Cicero Creek Drainage Board.
John was a member of FFA throughout high school participating on judging teams, achieving 2nd Individual National Livestock Judging Champion, and 1st Individual National Poultry Judging Champion. As an adult he received the honor of being named an FFA Honorary State Farmer. He was also a 10-year member of 4-H and an avid 4-H supporter throughout his entire life, announcing the hog shows at the Hamilton County Fair for 30 years, Indiana State Fair for 35 years, and serving on the Hamilton County Extension Board for 10 years. Other honors John received include Westfield Washington Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year and Beacon Award, Indiana Pork Producer’s Meritorious Service Award, Outstanding Service Award, Westfield Lion’s Club Roy Hadley Award and Melvin Jones Fellow Award. He also received the Patriot Rock Award from State Senator Jim Buck and the Indiana Senate District 21 for his example of dedication to his faith, family, and fellow man.
John’s long life is a miracle having battled severe asthma his entire life, he was diagnosed with MS in 1993, surviving bladder cancer twice, and too numerous bouts with skin cancer to count. His faith and determination made him a survivor and overcomer repeatedly, successfully making it to 90 years young. He always had a story to tell, a joke to tell, or a wise word to share. He loved to teach the Bible and tell others about Jesus. He enjoyed being a lay speaker for the United Methodist Church, served as UMC Men’s Conference President, was part of the Emmaus Community, as well as participated in Lay Witness Missions for many years.
In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by two brothers, Donald (Barbara) Hiatt and Jacob Hiatt.
Survivors include his wife, Donita (Myers) Hiatt; daughters, Lottie (Mike) Cook and Dona (Leotha) Carlisle; sons, Tony (Sharon) Hiatt and Dale (Jackie) Hiatt; 13 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren.
Family and friends will gather from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, May 10, 2024, at Christ United Methodist Church, 318 N. Union St., Westfield. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 11, also at the church, with Pastor Jeremiah Gibbs and longtime family friend Rev. Mark Booster officiating.
A Committal Service will follow in Hamilton Memorial Park Cemetery, Westfield.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in John’s honor, to Indiana United Methodist Children’s Home, 515 W. Camp St., Lebanon, IN 46052; Lucille Raines Residence, 947 N. Pennsylvania St., #601, Indianapolis, IN 46204; or Westfield Christ United Methodist Church, 318 N. Union St., Westfield, IN 46074. Envelopes will be available at the church.
Bussell Family Funerals is privileged to assist the family in arrangements.
Condolences: bussellfamilyfunerals.com