John Edward Beacon

August 12, 1945 – October 14, 2026

John Edward Beacon, 81, Westfield, passed away on Wednesday, October 14, 2026. John was born August 12, 1945, in Elgin, Ill., the son of Herbert and Edna (Sederstrom) Beacon.

John grew up in Elgin in a loving home with his parents and sister. He completed his bachelor’s degree in business at Augustana College in Rock Island, Ill., and completed his master’s degree from Indiana State University.

John enjoyed his college experiences and chose to work in higher education in the broad field of enrollment management. John worked at various institutions across the U.S., including Indiana State University, Western Michigan University, University of Maine, University of Nebraska, Oklahoma State University, and several additional institutions. Most recently, John retired from Indiana State University in 2016 where he served as Senior Vice President for Enrollment Management, Marketing, and Communications and was also awarded the title of Distinguished Alumni from Indiana State University in 2017.

As a man of many interests, John first and foremost was a serious runner. For more than 45 years, every day John rose before daylight and ran six miles regardless of the weather or where he was. John also enjoyed riding his Harleys, his Corvette, and bicycling, and was also an extremely talented artist. His interests and skills included: drawing, painting, woodworking, wood carving, and gunsmithing. He made several flintlock rifles; each were exact replicas of rifles used in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. Recently, John developed an interest in Native American flutes and, of course, he learned how to make several as well as how to play the flute.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Kay (Beacon) Ferguson, and stepson, Joshua Morrow.

Survivors include his wife of 27 years, Jean Ann Beacon; sons, Michael (Dawn) Beacon, Colorado, and Derek (Allison) Beacon, Nebraska; stepdaughter, Chelsea (Morrow) White, Texas; and grandsons, Anthony Beacon and Alexander Beacon.

At the request of the family, no services are planned.

In the memory of John, donations may be made to: Indiana State University Foundation, 200 N. 7th St, Terre Haute, IN 47809 (indianastate.edu).

Bussell Family Funerals is privileged to assist the family in arrangements.

Condolences: bussellfamilyfunerals.com