John Earl Sturgis, 82, of Lebanon, Indiana passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at 5:35 a.m.
John was born March 8, 1944, to Thomas and Ada Mae “Peg” Sturgis. He grew up in Bluffton and graduated from Bluffton High School in 1962. In May 1964, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, served one tour in Vietnam, and was honorably discharged in 1967.
After the service, John went to work for Panhandle Eastern Pipeline, first in Bluffton and later transferring to Zionsville. He worked as a welder, regulator, and everything in between. John had an unmatched work ethic—he heated his home with wood he cut himself, and if you ever saw him coming out of the woods with a bushy beard, long hair, and homemade buckskin clothes patched together like a walking quilt, you’d think Daniel Boone had joined the union. He loved collecting coins, guns, and pocket knives—though the knives had a funny way of disappearing into the couch cushions.
In July 1967, John met the love of his life, Emmadell High. They were married on August 16, 1969, and were blessed with three children: Makada Love (Michael), Rachel Dicus, and John (Isaac) Sturgis (Lori), all of Lebanon. John and Emmadell were members of First Community Church in Lebanon. An avid outdoorsman, he loved hunting, boating, and camping, and he raised his children to love the same.
John is survived by his wife, Emmadell; his three children; his grandchildren, Lauren Huff (Steven), Carly Greene (fiancé Tanner Drews), Harrison Love (fiancée Betsi Bayles), Zayne Sturgis, Carrianne Dicus, Isabelle Sturgis, and Murryn Sturgis; and two great-grandsons, Lawson Huff and Burton Huff.
Military funeral services are planned for 12:00 noon on Friday, June 5, 2026, at Myers Mortuary, 1502 North Lebanon Street, in Lebanon, Indiana. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the time of services. Burial of John’s ashes will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lebanon at a later date.
He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.
Memorial contributions in John’s honor may be made to VFW Post 910 in Lebanon, supporting disabled and needy veterans.
Online condolences: www.MyersMortuary.com