April 22, 1935 – June 9, 2020
John Phillip Hiatt, 85, Lebanon, formerly of Sheridan, passed away on Tuesday morning, June 9, 2020 at Witham Hospital in Lebanon. Born April 22, 1935 in Sheridan, he was the son of the late Clifford G. and Ruby Pauline (Harbaugh) Hiatt. While growing up in Hamilton County, he attended school at both Noblesville and Cicero, as well as Sheridan.
At the age of 17, John hired on with Biddle Manufacturing and remained with the company until his retirement in 2004. He spent most of those years as an inspector. Upon retiring, he was recognized as the longest serving employee in the company’s history. John had an interesting fascination with history. His 52-year tenure at Biddle’s helped him become somewhat of a living company encyclopedia.
His passion for history merged very well with his love of photography. John traveled the state capturing Indiana’s vast collection of unique architectural beauties. From covered bridges to county courthouses, and his latest obsession, Indiana’s round barns, he was always on the hunt for a great photo. His favorite subject to photograph was his family. John was the family photographer.
In between work and travel, John found a way to become not only a champion golfer, but a champion bowler as well. He enjoyed watching the Colts and the Pacers, especially during the Reggie Miller era, and never turned down a chance to play some video games. When he wasn’t enjoying sports or games, John made the most of his time with his beloved John Deere tractor.
John spent every moment that he could with his family. His kids, and later his grandkids, were his life. Watching a movie with the family, taking road trips to both new and familiar places, or just getting everyone situated for another family photo, John was in his element with those he loved most.
John is survived by the love of his life, Barbara Sue (Robbins) Hiatt. She and John were married on October 9, 1965. Also surviving are his son, Christopher M. Hiatt (Angela), Lebanon; daughter, Summer L. Heacock, Bellevue, Wash.; three grandchildren, Gwen Jacobs, Lola Heacock and Miles Heacock; one grandson on the way; sister, Mary Hiatt (Scotty), Colfax; sisters-in-law, Phyllis Hiatt of Missouri, and Joan Heine, Zionsville; brothers-in-law, Andy Niehaus, Danville, and Rev. Dale Robbins of Tennessee; and many nieces and nephews. John is also survived by his canine BFF Lucy who misses him terribly.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Merrill, Jerry and Russell Hiatt, as well as Russell’s wife, Marge; sisters, Susan Niehaus and Sara Jayne Malan; and twin grandsons, Timothy Allen Hiatt and Tobias Phillip Hiatt.
Graveside services will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday June 13, 2020 at Crown View Cemetery in Sheridan. Barb’s brother, Reverend Dale Robbins and Reverend Matt Skiles will be officiating.
Condolences: kerchevalfuneralhome.com