March 31, 1951 – October 15, 2020
The Honorable Wayne Alan Sturtevant passed away peacefully from lung cancer on Thursday, October 15, 2020, in his home surrounded by family, friends and his Alaskan Malamutes.
Wayne was born in Sparkill, N.Y., on March 31, 1951 to Pearl and Stanley Sturtevant. After graduating from Valley Central High School in Montgomery, N.Y. in 1969, Wayne attended Butler University in Indianapolis and was member of Phi Kappa Psi. He graduated from Butler with a B.A. degree in History/Political Science in 1973.
In 1975, Wayne married Betty Jean Jones. After graduating with honors from Indiana University School of Law in 1977, Wayne opened a private practice in Zionsville, but soon thereafter joined the Boone County Prosecutor’s Office. Wayne eventually became Chief Deputy Prosecutor for Hamilton County. In 1997, Wayne won the election as Hamilton County Judge for Superior Court No. 5 and was re-elected until his retirement in 2018. As a judge, Wayne was committed to justice and was instrumental in Stakeholders of Hamilton County’s Criminal Justice system adopting evidence-based decision making. He was also the driving force in implementing the Pretrial Release Program which successfully allowed for low-risk offenders to be released without bail.
Wayne’s passion for coaching, mentorship and his three daughters led him to co-found the girls division of the Fishers Youth Soccer League. He coached his daughters in both soccer and basketball through their careers. He continued coaching girls basketball throughout his life which kept him connected to the community and allowed him to touch the hearts and lives of countless people where he never missed an opportunity to give encouragement.
Wayne was an explorer. He loved discovering new parts of his community on daily walks, hiking adventures through National and State parks including the Appalachian Trail, biking with his family and friends, white water kayaking, and many memorable canoe trips. He also enjoyed connecting the past with the present, never missing the opportunity to visit museums, battlefields or historical markers.
He will be missed by many, but especially his family; wife, Betty Jean Sturtevant; daughter, Allison Sturtevant and husband Ammon Fillmore with granddaughters, Adeline and Ainsley; daughter, Darby Sturtevant Hunter and husband Sam Hunter with granddaughters, Coralyn and Mirielle; daughter, Lauren Sturtevant and fiancé Justeen Koehler; as well as his brother, George Sturtevant and wife, CJ Sturtevant.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations go to supporting the local community either through the Mudsock Youth Athletics paypal.com/paypalme/myathletics (please add a note stating the gift is in memory of Wayne) or Simon Cancer Society at cancer.iu.edu/giving (please specify “Lung Cancer Research Fund”).
In an effort to protect family, friends and the community he loved against COVID-19, the remembrance and celebration of Wayne’s life will be postponed. Details will be provided as they become available. In the meantime, please leave online condolences and share memories at obituaries.neptunesociety.com/obituaries/9825385.