John Richard Risley

John Richard Risley, 84, of Fort Wayne, passed away peacefully on March 17, 2026, after several years of declining health due to Alzheimer’s. John faced his battle with the intelligence and grace that defined his life. He was surrounded to the end by his loving family and caretakers at Lutheran Life Village Memory Care and Eleos Hospice Care.

Born in Evansville on February 4, 1942, John grew up near Velpen, Indiana, in rural Pike County. He graduated as Valedictorian from Otwell High School in 1959 at the age of 17. His early years were shaped by his Velpen Methodist Church community, hard work on the family farm, and his oft-mentioned school teachers. He had a deep appreciation for family and friends that he carried to the end of his days.

John’s world expanded greatly as he attended Purdue University and graduated with a degree in Agricultural Engineering in 1963. He turned a Purdue summer internship at International Harvester in Fort Wayne into a 33-year career with IH and Navistar in Fort Wayne. John was a highly regarded automotive engineer, an active member of the Society of Automotive Engineers, and he dedicated his professional life to improving brake technology, reliability and performance on medium-duty trucks and school buses. He retired from Navistar in 1997. Above all, John was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, uncle and grandfather. He was a swim, dive, and dance dad as well as a lifelong supporter of Purdue University and its athletic pursuits.

John lived a remarkable life, witnessing, adapting, and contributing to rapid changes in technology, culture, and society over more than eight decades. The last 19 years of his life were made especially joyful as he embraced his role as a loving and proud grandfather.

John is survived by his wife of 56 years, Suzanne Risley of Fort Wayne; his son, Brian (Julie) Risley of Fort Wayne; daughter, Sara Risley of Indianapolis; and granddaughters, Ali Risley and Leah Risley of Fort Wayne, along with many dear nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Katherine Williams of Petersburg, Indiana. He was preceded in death by his father, William F. Risley, Jr.; mother, Mary (DeMotte) Risley; brother, LTC Dannie Joe Risley; and sisters, Ruth Ann Pride and Martha Lou Risley, and two nephews.

Funeral Service will be 11:00 am on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at Waynedale United Methodist Church, 2501 Church Street, Fort Wayne, with calling one hour prior. Visitation will also be 5:00 pm-7:00 pm on Monday, March 23, 2026, at D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Home - Covington Knolls, 8325 Covington Road, Fort Wayne. Interment will be 1:00 pm on Monday, April 6, 2026, at Walnut Grove Cemetery, Velpen, Indiana.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Waynedale United Methodist Church, 2501 Church Street, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46809.

To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.mccombcares.com.