John Wesley Biddinger

John Wesley Biddinger May 5th, 1940 - August 21st, 2016 76, passed away surrounded by family in Sarasota, Florida. John is survived by his wife of 53 years, Margaret (Marjo Hunt) Biddinger, daughters Karen (Dave) Hawkins and Kati (Jim) Brick and four grandchildren, Maggie and Lizzie Brick and Abby and John (Jack) Hawkins as well as his 4 siblings Ann B. Mills, Joyce (Dale) Hutchins, David (Sally) Biddinger and Stephen (Robin) Biddinger. He is preceded in death by his parents Noble L. and Eleanor (Lynch) Biddinger. John was born and raised in Indianapolis where he graduated from Shortridge High School. He graduated from Indiana University with a bachelor's degree in Finance and Economics in 1962. He is a life loyal member of Sigma Chi Fraternity and a former President of the IU Alumni Association. He began his work career at City Financial Corporation. He was involved as a broker, trader, President and board member for over 50 years. He founded Biddinger Investment Capital Corporation in 1980, a leverage buyout firm focusing on deals in broadcasting, media, manufacturing and technology industries for 20 years. During such time, he and his wife moved to Sarasota Florida in 1995. Most recently, he retired as a board member for Angie's List after 15 years and continued his involvement at City Financial. Outside his professional career, John enjoyed cooking, wine, golfing, hunting, fishing, entertaining, the arts and travel. He shared his deep interests in gourmet food and wine as well as his "hands on" culinary expertise by founding wine, cheese and food clubs in Indianapolis and Sarasota. His most recent joy was watching his grandkids grow up. He was affectionately known as Papa John or "W". His presence among us, family and friends, will be greatly missed. We wish to thank his physicians, Dr. Louis M. Cohen, Dr. Scott D. Lunin and Dr. Ricardo Yayura and the competent and caring staff at Sarasota Memorial Hospital.