John L. Pheral Sr.

Born June 3, 1920, in Crothersville, he was the son of Roy and Lora Whitsitt Pheral. He worked as a mechanic for the Indiana State Police for 21 years and later as a security clerk for Cummins Engine Company for 23 years.

John became a member of Bethel Baptist Church prior to 1970 and was a Deacon for Life, had served as a trustee and had held almost all of the offices of the church. He was very active with Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Explorers of Jackson County and was instrumental in chartering the Explorer post at Freeman Field. At one time John was active in camping. A longtime member of Good Sam’s Club, he chaired the national convention the year it was held at Camp Atterbury in the 1970s.

He also had served as the Civil Defense director of Jackson County.

Surviving John is his wife, Helen Niemoeller Pheral of Columbus; daughter, Karen Stein, Seymour; sons, John (Sara Frease) Pheral Jr., Dayton, Ohio, and Ronald (Teresa) Pheral, Paris Crossing; eight grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Norma Pheral, in 1985; a daughter, Lora Ann Pheral; sisters, Thelma Nehrt and Dorothy Weddle; and a brother, Thomas Pheral.

The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Bethel Baptist Church with Pastor Adam Carrigan officiating. Calling will be from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Myers-Reed Chapel on 25th Street and one hour prior to the service on Monday at the church. Burial will be at Crothersville Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana.

Online condolences may be sent to John’s family at www.myers-reed.com.