John F. Cress

John F. Cress, age 74, of Hamilton. Indiana, and formerly of Ft. Wayne, Indiana, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home on Hamilton Lake on Friday, June 24, 2016. John was also a part-time resident of Punta Gorda, Florida.

John was born in Ft. Wayne, Indiana on April 26, 1943 and later became known by family and friends as “Big John.”

He graduated from Ft. Wayne Central High School in 1961, and attended Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana.

He served in the United States Army in the 82nd Airborne Division, and was a member of the Hamilton American Legion Post. He was a member of the Summit City Masonic Lodge, and the Mizpah Shrine Club of Ft. Wayne.

John was a charismatic entrepreneur and risk taker who owned various real estate holdings, and operated a trucking and oil company over his lifetime. He also owned a recovery services company and became better known as the “Repo Man.” John found most enjoyment at the lake, taking his children and grandchildren skiing and tubing, and his Sunday pontoon cruises. He was also known for his meticulous lawns and beautiful flowers. He also enjoyed snowmobiling in the winter. John was a devoted father, who lived life to the fullest, while playing by his own rules.

John is survived by his children, Jonathan (Christina) Cress of Fremont, Indiana and Summer (Jason) Runyan of Goshen, Indiana, their mother, Lucy Cress of Fremont, Indiana,, five grandchildren, Macie, Madelyn, and Hunter Cress, and Jayse and Kyson Runyan, a sister, Bona (Larry) Press of Ventura, California, two brothers, Steve (Connie) Cress of Eloy, Arizona, and Kimsey (Sandra) Cress of Seguin, Texas, and his step-mother, Lorien Cress of Decatur, Indiana, and his companion, Mary Gibson of Fort Wayne, Indiana.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Ethie (Speice) Cress, and his father, Orlando Cress.

Masonic Services will be held at 7:30 PM Wednesday, June 29, 2016 at Beams Funeral Home, Fremont, Indiana.

A Memorial Service will be held at 3 pm Thursday, June 30, 2016 at SonLight Community Church, 455 North Gerald Lett Avenue, Angola, Indiana, with Pastor Brad Belcher officiating, and military honors conducted by the Hamilton American Legion Color Guard. There will be calling hours prior to the services from 1-3 pm Thursday, June 30, 2016 at SonLight Community Church, Angola, Indiana.

A Celebration of Life will follow the services from 4-7 pm Thursday, June 30, 2016 at the Mad Anthony’s Ale House & Reception Hall, located at 4080 N 300 W, Angola, Indiana, located near 4 Corners Lake James and Bledsoe’s Beach. Where better to celebrate this truly great man than where he began his lake life!

In lieu of flowers memorials are requested to the Shriners Hospital for Children.