December 27, 1936 – October 29, 2025
John M. Caruthers, formerly from Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away peacefully on October 29, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. He was born in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, on December 27, 1936.
John is survived by his devoted wife of 68 years, Linda Lee Caruthers of Westerville, Ohio; his children: John Scott Caruthers of Houston, Texas; Saralee Caruthers of Fort Wayne, Indiana; and Katherine Ann (Craig) Rhoades of Dublin, Ohio. He is also survived by his grandchildren, John Isaac (Mallorie) Rhoades of Sunbury, Ohio, and Katherine Alexandra (Kevin) Putnam of Powell, Ohio, along with his two great-grandchildren, John Oliver Rhoades and Charles James Putnam.
He was predeceased by his mother, Sarah Phillips Hall, and his grandmother, Mattie Phillips.
John attended Salvisa High School in Harrodsburg, Kentucky, graduating in 1955, where he was on the basketball team and participated in both the math and science club. He enjoyed going back to his reunions and meeting up with his classmates over the years.
He attended Campbellsville College, where he met the love of his life, Linda.
He had a successful career in retail management with F.W. Woolworth and Belmont at Covington Plaza.
John was a proud Papa. He had the pleasure of watching his grandchildren grow up, get married, and start their families. He would look forward to time at the lake with them, fishing, playing games and sharing funny moments, but most of all, just being together. He adored his family.
John was a proud and loyal fan of Indiana University (IU) and loved watching basketball and football. He was a member of the Wildwood Tennis Club, Kiwanis and a faithful attendee of the Chapel Church. He had a passion for travel and enjoyed exploring different cultures. He enjoyed playing tennis and basketball in his free time. He was known for the gift of creating beauty with flowers and landscaping. He grew up knowing how to garden, and it brought him great joy.
John will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.
A funeral service will be held on November 22, 2025, at 1:00 pm at D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Homes, Covington Knolls, 8325 Covington Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana, with a visitation being held two hours prior. Private burial will be at Lindenwood Cemetery in Fort Wayne.
In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory may be directed to The Chapel Fort Wayne, thechapel.net, and Riley Children’s Hospital Foundation, rileykids.org.
