John William Wessel

John graduated from Evansville Central High School in 1951. Upon graduation, he was awarded an athletic scholarship to play basketball for Arad McCutchan at Evansville College graduating with an Education Degree in 1955.

Prior to accepting his first teaching position, he served his country in the United States Army. John served a total of 6 years. After active service, he began his teaching career at Fulton Grade School, but never gave up on his dream to both teach and coach at his high school alma mater. John did go on to teach at Central, and in 1964 was named the head basketball coach holding the position for a total of 18 years, with the distinction as the longest serving head basketball coach at Central High School. This past February, the EVSC named the gymnasium in his honor. John and his wife Diane are actively involved with their grandchildren and great grandchildren’s activities. They are also faithful members of Christian Fellowship Church, and the Upper Room Sunday School class.

John was preceded in death by his parents, and 5 siblings; Dorothy Charleton, Edward Wessel, Robert Wessel, Bettie Mustin, and Helen Umbach.

John is survived by his wife, Diane; daughter, Susan (Jon) Austin; grandchildren, Erin (Alex) Abbott, Katie (Corey) Lannert, and Craig (Paige) Austin; ten great grandchildren; brother, Stephan (Janie) Wessel; sister-in-law, Mary Wessel, brother-in-law, Gene Mustin; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

His family was a source of great pride, and nothing gave him greater pleasure than spending time together.

John leaves behind many friends who were like family, along with every player, coach, and manager that he loved and mentored over the years.

The family would like to thank the staff at The Rehab Cottage at Bethel Manor, and Deaconess Hospice for the care and compassion they showed him in his final days.

Family and friends are invited to attend a service honoring his life on Tuesday, November 1, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at Christian Fellowship Church. The funeral will be livestreamed at onlinecfc.online.church.

Visitation with the family will begin on Monday, October 31, 2022, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the church and then at 9:00 a.m. until service time on November 1, 2022. Interment to follow at Alexander Memorial Park Mausoleum.

Condolences may be offered online at www.AlexanderNorthChapel.com.