Retired research scientist at Eli Lilly in Indianapolis, Indiana died of complications from pancreatic cancer on November 13, 2025. John Richard Schwier was born on August 21, 1947 to Richard Holman and Vera Marie (Werner) Schwier Jr. John grew up in Cinti, OH attended Elder HS (1965) and graduated from Xavier U. (Cinti.) in 1969 with a BS in chemistry. He joined Tenn. Eastman Co. and did basic research in fibers, plastics and chemicals for three years. In 1972, John was invited to join the research group of future Nobel laureate, Prof. Herbert C. Brown, at Purdue U. It was here that he met and married Sharon K. Shepherd. She preceded him in death 45+ years later. Upon completing his Ph. D. in organic chemistry, Dr. John accepted a position at Eli Lilly in 1977 doing antibiotic process development and technical support for production operations. John assisted in new plant start-ups and process introductions in Spain, Ireland and Puerto Rico. Dr. John’s team developed the final isolation of the new high-purity Vancomycin product, long since considered “The antibiotic of last resort.” His team (under contract) also led the chemical processing efforts resulting in the Tylenol Gelcap® development, a new tamper-resistant dosage form, for Johnson & Johnson. John’s gelatin protein expertise helped to identify and alleviate a capsule dissolution problem known as “gelatin capsule crosslinking.” This problem had plagued the pharmaceutical industry for years. He accepted the FDA Commissioner Award on behalf of his team. With Sharon’s health failing, he took early retirement in 2003 following 25+ years of service at Eli Lilly.
John loved spending time with his beloved wife, children and extended family and friends. He was a devoted husband and father. He was also a lifelong Catholic and served on parish councils, school boards and finance committees. He taught religious education classes at the grade school, high school and adult formation level (RCIA) at multiple parishes. John also enjoyed helping with table set-ups, bingo, kitchen ministries and parking cars at festivals. He and his wife served as Eucharistic ministers and facilitated marriage prep with engaged couples for many years. After retirement, John became a dedicated “student of the Bible.” He told numerous groups that the biggest mistake of his life was not reading the Bible sooner!
Survivors include: three adult children, Joleen Schwier of Indianapolis, IN, Shari (Mark) Reimer of Flower Mound, TX, and Jonathan (Danelle) Schwier of Anderson, IN; four grandchildren, Armando Schwier-Morales, Michael Swisher, Brilan Reimer, and Bakstin Reimer; one great-grandson, Michael Jay Swisher; John’s sister, Joette (Doug) Briggs of Indio, CA; and one niece, Jaclyn Briggs of Los Angeles, CA.
In addition to his parents and wife, John was preceded in death by his younger brother, Robert (Rob) A. Schwier (Cinti. OH) and many other beloved family and friends.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. at Myers Mortuary, 1502 North Lebanon Street, Lebanon, Indiana. A Rosary service will take place at 8:45 a.m. prior to the visitation. Funeral mass will be Tuesday, November 18th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 319 East South Street in Lebanon. Interment will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Lebanon.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his memory to The Little Sisters of the Poor, 2345 W. 86th St. Indianapolis, IN 46260.
Online condolences: www.MyersMortuary.com