February 24, 1941 – August 17, 2025
John E. Inman, 84, of Avon, Indiana, passed away on August 17, 2025, after a courageous battle with glioblastoma, a fast-growing brain tumor. He spent his final days at Methodist Hospital Hospice House, surrounded by the love and presence of his family.
John was born on February 24, 1941, on a farm in Silverville, Indiana, to Eph Inman and Violet (Kern) Freeman. His life was shaped by two defining moments. The first came in his late twenties, when he made the life-changing decision to commit his life to Christ—a choice that would guide him for the rest of his days. The second came on March 23, 1961, when he married the love of his life, Judy Walls. John was captivated not only by Judy’s beauty, but even more by her sweet and gentle spirit. Her kindness softened his naturally stern demeanor, and together they built a life grounded in love, faith, and family.
Growing up, John was a gifted athlete who played basketball for the Marion Giants, ran track, and even appeared in the school play. He also enjoyed hunting squirrels and rabbits. After graduating from Marion High School in 1959, he joined the U.S. Air Force, proudly serving for four years. While in the service, he was selected to play for the Air Force basketball team.
Following his military service, John and Judy moved to Indianapolis to raise their family, eventually settling in Avon. He worked as a Supervisor at Allison Transmission and General Motors in Indianapolis for 30 years before retiring in 1995 at the age of 53. Retirement gave John the freedom to enjoy the open road, and he and Judy loved traveling the Midwest together on their Harley-Davidson.
Faith was central to John’s life. While living in Indianapolis, the family attended Northwest Baptist Church, where John served as Chairman of the Deacon Board, Adult Sunday School Teacher, and Sunday School Superintendent. Later, they became members of Bethesda Baptist Church, where John faithfully taught an adult Sunday School class for over 20 years.
John was never prouder than when speaking about his four boys, and one of his greatest joys was watching them play sports. A lifelong fan of athletics—especially basketball, football, and boxing—his passion for sports never faded.
He also loved reading and studying the Bible. If he could offer one piece of encouragement to others, it would be from Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
John is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Judy; four sons, Eric (Beth) of Greenville, SC, Brent (Becky) of Zionsville, IN, Troy (Marvene) of Carmel, IN, and Travis (Michelle) of Bedford, IN. He was a proud grandfather to Tyler, Logan (Mariel), Jonathan, Chandler, Connor, Zachary (Hannah), Michael, Sydney, Brooke, Brittney (Tim), Brock, Chase, Macy, and Maya; and great-grandfather to Quincy, Sophia, Mila, Declan, Lincoln, Atlas, Easton, and baby Alden. He is also survived by his brother Henry Freeman (Ruth Ann) of Marion, IN, and sisters Diane Wall (Monte) of Fort Wayne, IN, and Lorraine Freeman of Gas City, IN.
Family Graveside service will be held at Lowder Cemetery in Springville, IN., on Thursday, August 21, with Pastor Travis Inman officiating.
The staff of Ferguson-Lee Chapel of Thorne Family Funeral Homes in Bedford is honored to have been entrusted with the arrangements for Mr. Inman and the care of his family.
Memories and condolences may be shared and flowers ordered at www.FergusonLee.com.
