September 8, 1941 – May 2, 2018
John Dale Snethen III, Sheridan, passed away on Wednesday morning, May 2, 2018, at St. Vincent Hospice Center in Indianapolis.
Born September 8, 1941 in Lebanon, Ind., he was the son of the late John Dale Snethen II and Melva Grace (Foster) Snethen. After graduating from Sheridan H.S. with the Class of 1959, he continued forward with his studies at Ball State University. He proudly served his country as an M.P. with the United States Army during the Vietnam War.
John was known by many as the “Mayor of Sheridan”. For 27 years he served the community of Sheridan as a member of the town council. He served as Council President for many of those years, as well as Police Commissioner. John was also a diehard Sheridan Blackhawk fan, never missing a game if it was at all possible. He also tried very hard to never miss a meeting of the Sheridan Coffee Club. He attended Six Points Wesleyan Church in Sheridan.
John had a strong work ethic and an entrepreneurial spirit. He sold cars for Hare Chevrolet and Norm’s Auto Sales before deciding to open his own used car business. When he had some time to relax, he thoroughly enjoyed the chances he had to go fishing with some of his lifelong friends. There was one thing that could capture John’s attention no matter what was going on, and that was his family. He loved looking after them. He was the family “fixer upper,” and relished any opportunity to show them how to fix things. Any chance he had to impart his wisdom using the “watch and learn” method, was usually very educational – especially if you were the one that got to rush Poppy to the Emergency Room. You definitely learned a thing or two about field dressing a wound and the quickest routes to the hospital, whether you wanted to or not.
John is survived by his loving wife, Connie L. (Russell) Snethen. She and John were married on July 12, 1964. Also surviving are two sons, John Dale Snethen IV and wife Lisa, and Josh David Snethen, both of Sheridan; his daughter, Julie D. Childers and husband Jason of Sheridan; and five wonderful grandchildren, Hailey M. Snethen, Josie C. Childers, Justin J. Childers, J.D. Snethen and Janessa G. Snethen, who will all miss their Poppy very much.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and by his sister, Charlene Snethen.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 10, 2018, at Six Points Wesleyan Church, 1545 W. 226th St., Sheridan, with visitation from 4 p.m. until the time of service. Pastor Steve Martin will be officiating. Burial with Military Honors will be held at a later date at Crown View Cemetery in Sheridan.
Arrangements
Calling: 4 to 7 p.m., May 10
Service: 7 p.m., May 10
Location: Six Points Wesleyan Church
Condolences: kerchevalfuneralhome.com