Name: Myers-Reed Chapel
Address: Columbus, IN

Keepsake Village misses John every day. It has not been the same without him. He was always so helpful around the facility with the maintenance man. He loved gardening and feeding his birds. We will forever keep John in our memories.

A blessed heavenly birthday, John. 

Sandi

Will miss you John. It was such an honor to know and care for you at Keepsake Village.
John always had a late sweet tooth right before bed and asked for ice cream. You were always caring and helpful. You also, were loving to my sweet kittens when I brought them in to keepsake too. Also, met his partner Sara. They were both always asked me about my pregnancy. Even enjoyed knowing where they were going for dinner when Sara visited. One time saw them at dinner when I went out with my family. Miss you John.

Will miss you John. It was such an honor to know and care for you at Keepsake Village. John always had a late sweet tooth right before bed and asked for ice cream. You were always caring and helpful. You also, were loving to my sweet kittens when I brought them in to keepsake too. Also, met his partner Sara. They were both always asked me about my pregnancy. Even enjoyed knowing where they were going for dinner when Sara visited. One time saw them at dinner when I went out with my family. Miss you John.

John was a remarkable man.  Tom and I will always remember his masterful story telling and wit.   Our years  of attending NASCAR races at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, IRP and camping nearby with John and Sara were  great  fun and educational too.   Condolences to Sara and his family.  We will miss him.

I met John through Sara Frease at holiday gatherings at Dixie’s Bowsher’s home. Dixie loves to entertain and she had many people over without a lot of local family members for every holiday with all the appropriate decorations and special food. John was friendly, and although quiet, loved to laugh along with the rest of us. However, I mostly remember John as a dear friend/partner who inspired Sara to ensure he had the best care he could receive the final years of his life.  That speaks many messages. My condolences as all of you begin the long journey of grieving John’s death. Kathryn Lake

I worked and played around John since 1989 we saw a lot of races, drank a lot of good beer, helped build churches, schools, factorys, places of employment for millions of people and enjoyed most of it. I will miss him, but the memories will last an eternity. Fly high my friend, brother John. 
"John. Biblical definitian, teacher"

John and I were the same age. Our parents were siblings. . My mom and dad raised John’s dad  (Johl L Sr) from the time he was in junior high school until he joined the service in WW2.  My sister Ruth said she babysat John, Karen ,and Ronnie when they lived in Crothersville. Even after they moved to Seymour, we were together often. I remember going to Seymour to stay for a week with John. We rode bikes to Shields Park and even out to the State Police Post on US50. Uncle John worked there as a mechanic. We always called him Johnny so we called John Jr. little Johnny. After John and I graduated from High School we lost track of each other but I was reminded of those earlier times every time John Sr visited my parents. I remember catching fireflies in pint canning jars and how amazing they were to us    Our times together were good times that I will always remember as special.

The early memories meeting John in Columbus, Indiana, are fleeting images of a slender, curly haired man with twinkling eyes, a ready chuckle, and gentle affection for pets and my Mom as well as my sister. Also, his enjoyment of a good steak! After Sara’s career called her to Dayton, Ohio, John found every city needs experienced electricians and he enjoyed decorating the bar and game room, planting a container garden and grilling on the brick patio. He really enjoyed cooking and baking pies with Mom, training Samson, caring for Sara’s dogs and rescuing stranded cats. John had many friends and liked to play Golden Tee during happy hour, and was a studious euchre champion and pool player. He also enjoyed playing with Richard and John Allen as well as our sons and grandchildren. His kindness was extended toward Gay’s mom, Gayle, and he enjoyed every meeting for birthdays in Indianapolis, including in February at Rick’s Boatyard just days before her passing at @98 years. There are so many fond memories of our vacation trips to the Caymans: while waiting for our rental car, he laughed about how driving in the East end after dinner, before lights were installed, meant driving on the left was slow due the hazard of huge crabs on the blacktop. How he liked the turtles and the Turtle Farm; feeding the sting rays and snorkeling along the reef. As his mind changed, he still enjoyed showing us his plants in the garden in the courtyard where he stayed, then after moving back to Columbus, when we would visit he always remembered our dogs and though they hadn’t seen him for a year, they remembered his caring attention and rushed up to greet him.

Have missed John and his dance moves since he moved back to Indiana.
With deepest sympathies,
Mindi Mescher

John was one of my best friends. I will never forget him.  Been to  many different race tracks with him and Sara. So many good memories. One of those memories was his love for his dog Samson.

Our family was bless to meet John. We appreciated him helping our parents. He always made sure to help them get to the dining room and they became great friends! John always joined us for family gatherings and we took him in as our own. He loved the good food and desserts we packed in! You were a blessing to all. Bless the family. Friends always, Jim, Margie, Nan, Trianna

I had known John for around 15 years or so and from the time that I met him, really loved his personality as he was very friendly, outgoing, intelligent and open minded.
 He could talk about virtually anything with intelligence and was open minded and versatile in so doing as well.
He was also very informed of other cultures of the world and was great at explaining the cultures and beliefs to others.
I also was very impressed by his love and devotions to animals as he had many of his own that he truly cared for.
He will be missed greatly by myself as well as many others.
Wayne Trier

I met John in 2008 or there about. Several beers led to morning golf outings and evening dinners at the Buckhorn Tavern. John, Sara and I celebrated my 40th B-day in the Cayman Islands with a monster fish dinner. Always enjoyed his company and stories we shared.

I did not get to spend a lot of time with John, but the memories I have of him are that he was happy and laid back.  A very pleasant person to spend time with.  

My heart breaks for your loss and I will pray for comfort for all his friends and family.

God bless,
Joan Morgan

I first met John in the early 90's. Still remember the twinkle in his eye and easy smile as I saw him and Sara together shooting pool. He was always one who could break the ice in a room with any stranger. There was no uneasiness around him. You knew him to be a fun soul.

Over time I could see how good they were for each other. For instance in the passion he developed in her for car racing. Their love for each other stood the test of time. He will be missed by all who shared a laugh or a story with him.

Sar, I'm so sorry for your loss.  I want to thank you for introducing me to John.  He came into my world as so many special people do, thru their fur babies.  As you, Katie was blessed to have him in her life.  A great friend and perfect source of love, walks, pets and play.  Hugs, Carmen

Was really fun to be around and talk to about anything.  John and Sara really showed good times together.

The world is smaller without John. I’ll always remember the furries he rescued, the lives he made better and saved.   He shared his heart and home with the abandoned and lost.  Thank you, John ❤️

John and Sara had a mutual love for animals. They cared for and loved any animal who was lucky enough to live with them. Sad to say some children don’t receive this kind of love and care. Rest in peace, John.

Marcene Cullen

I have enjoyed knowing John and experiencing his sense of humor.  He has suffered a lot but has had Sara to faithfully care for him.  I send my thoughts and prayers for Sara and his whole family.   Kay Kelbley 😔

John was always a good guy, he loved to have fun and was a hip dancer! RIP John❤️

OBITUARY

John Lowell Pheral Jr.

February 22, 1947 – January 31, 2025

Myers-Reed Chapel

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