John Wolfe

John Robert Wolfe, age 81 of Mount Vernon, died Monday evening April 9, 2012 at Deaconess Hospital. He was born January 25, 1931, the son of Peter Leslie and Carrie (Russell) Wolfe in Harmony Township. He married Gladys Grabert on March 13, 1954 at Trinity United Church of Christ in Mt. Vernon.


John loved his family and grandchildren. He showed this by planning annual family camping vacations which included 49 of the 50 states. This was ultimately passed onto his grandchildren, and furthered his influence by constantly motivating his sons to work hard toward education, scouting and community involvement. He and Gladys were extremely supportive of their son’s time to work on education.


John worked 30+ years at Farm Bureau Refinery where he formed strong friendships with co-workers that led to his 50 years and ultimately as master mason of Beulah Lodge 578. He enjoyed fishing on the Wabash River in the Old Dam area with his brothers and sisters. He passed this love onto his sons.


In his later years, John and Gladys enjoyed gardening, especially raising vegetables and roses. In addition to fishing as his favorite pastime, he loved to watch baseball, specifically the Atlanta Braves.


John is survived by his wife Gladys; 3 sons and daughters-in-law, R. Brian and Kelly Wolfe of Muncie, L. Bruce Wolfe of Mt. Vernon, and Stanton and Nazan Wolfe of Evansville; 5 grandchildren, Molly, Andy, Sophia, Nolan and Katie; one brother and sister-in-law, Bobbie Gene and Norma Wolfe of Mt. Vernon.


He was preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers, Claude and Herdis, and Peter Leslie Wolfe and 5 sisters, Ava Wolfe, Pearl Davis, Berniece Mathew, Mary Anderson-Hein, and Frances Garrison.


Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday April 13, 2012 at the Austin~Stendeback Family Funeral Home at 1330 E. 4th Street, Mt. Vernon with burial in Bellefontaine Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1-3 p.m. at the funeral home on Friday. Masonic rites will be conducted Friday afternoon. Online condolences may be left at austinfuneralhome.com.


Memorials are suggested to the Youth Educational Fund @ Trinity United Church of Christ at 505 Walnut, Mt. Vernon.