John A. Cookendorfer

John Andrew Cookendorfer, 72, Drewersburg, Indiana, January 4, 2011. The great air traffic controller in the heavens has guided one of the great ones on his final approach, landing safely in heaven on January 4, 2011 at 12:50AM. John never gave up his long battle with cancer, but the disease finally proved too strong for even him. He succumbed peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones. John was a loved and loving husband, father, and grandfather, as well as dear friend to many. He was born a pilot, was a devoted volunteer life squad member and fireman for 40 years, as well as a public servant, elected again to Franklin County Council in November. John will be missed by his beautiful wife, Mary Anne (Mecier), daughters Peggy Bowling and her husband Dennis, Chris Newcomer and her husband Ron, Jackie Hutson and her husband Michael, Deana Eagle and her husband James, son John A. Cookendorfer and his wife Dee; brother Michael Cookendorfer of Harrison, Ohio and his wife Betty, as well as sisters Marianne Mustee and her husband Alan, of Florida, and Juanita Woods and her husband Chuck, of Florida; also grandchildren Nicholas Cookendorfer and his girlfriend Brandi, Andrew (Drew) and Dane Bowling, Kaytlynn and Jessika Wells, Alex, Austin and John Cookendorfer, Aaron Zaenkart, and Logan and Kailey Hutson, as well as numerous other loving relatives and friendsespecially his extended family at the Drewersburg EMS-1 Life Squad and Drewersburg Fire Departmentas well as Susy, his beloved snoodle. John's family wishes to extend their sincere appreciation to all who helped John in his final days, including Lori McCoy (we couldn't have got through this without your loving care and guidance), Drs. Jill Tibbe and Doug Holly, the staffs at Christ Hospital, Dearborn County Hospital, University Hospital, and Margaret Mary Hospital. All who knew John know that his spirit lives on, and he wouldn't want his friends and family to grieve his passing, but instead celebrate his life. John loved life and often quoted his friend Mitch, saying "If it ain't fun, you're doing it wrong." We're sure somewhere up there, John and Mitch are already sharing a scotch in heaven and planning their next party. Born in Hooven, Ohio in 1938 to John Russell and Elnora Jean (Siemantel) Cookendorfer, John graduated from Taylor High School in 1957, served four years in the Air Force, and worked at the Harrison airport operated by his parents. He and Mary Anne were married in Camarillo, California, in March 1961. He was a corporate pilot for the Hillenbrand Company for 35 years, retiring in 1999. Always the servant to his friends and neighbors, John devoted much of his life to the Drewersburg EMS-1 Volunteer Life Squad and Fire Department, serving as fireman, life squad member and tireless organizer. He also was elected twice to Franklin County Council as well as serving the county in many other capacities over the years. Whenever a friend or stranger needed a hand, John was there to helphis loving wife Mary Anne at his side. Preceded in death by his parents, sister Margaret Lofty (Florida), and dear friend Mitch Gadd and many other loved ones who he is now with. Visitation will be Friday, January 7, 2010 from 5 to 8 PM followed by funeral services at 8 PM, all at Jackman Kercheval Meyers Funeral Home, Harrison, OH. Donations in John's memory can be made to the Drewersburg EMS-1 (Life Squad) or Fire Department through the funeral home. Excerpted from High Flight by John Gillespie Magee, Jr.: Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung My eager craft through footless halls of air. . . . And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod the high untrespassed sanctity of space, Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.