John E. Linton

John Edward Linton was born on March 20, 1934, in Arlington, Indiana, to Edward Ogle Linton and Violet (Engle) Linton. His father was a Quaker pastor, and his mother was both an artist and a pianist. John was joined by his younger brother, Mark, and, like many families of a pastor, they moved frequently, settling for a few years in Tennessee where John developed a love for the outdoors, nurtured his artistic abilities, and inherited his father’s gift for conversation and connection.

The Linton family eventually moved to Westfield, Indiana, where John played football and graduated from Westfield High School. At eighteen years old, John enlisted in the Air Force. However, before heading off to basic training while hanging out with friends in Sheridan, Indiana, he met a sharp, blonde-haired blue-eyed beauty named Stella Myers, and this young lady would change his life forever. The two quickly fell in love, married within two weeks, and with just $150 to their names, boarded a bus to Biloxi, Mississippi, for John’s training. Over the next four years, John served his country during the Korean War as a Communications Engineer and welcomed two daughters, Lynne and Terri.

As a military family, they moved around, spending time in California and Texas, but eventually, after serving his country, they settled back in Sheridan, Indiana. It was there that John and Stella raised their girls and became fixtures in the community. Stella babysat nearly every child in town, and John became a beloved figure, known as a good neighbor to all and for his warmth and generosity. During those early years as a husband and a father, he would sometimes work three jobs at a time to provide for his family. He finally landed his dream job at Chrysler Transmission in Kokomo, Indiana, where he built an incredibly successful career, eventually retiring after over thirty years from Executive Management.

John was a devoted husband and father, roles he cherished deeply. His daughters treasured their time together growing up. He loved to take them for rides in the car in the evening after dinner, always ending the drive with a stop at the ice cream shop. He showed his daughters what a father should be. Always their rock and their provider, he taught them about responsibility, to always be fair to others, and how a loving man treats his family. He was simply a great dad, one who was always there to save the day. Of course, he and Stella had an incredibly special bond, sharing a love for travel, good food, gardening, and enjoying life’s simple pleasures. Whether on his Honda Goldwing or in his pickup truck, John loved road trips. He and Stella traveled extensively across the U.S. and internationally, sometimes on their own and sometimes with friends and family. They also took great pride in their large outdoor projects, including meticulously maintained lawn (John loved his tractor) and flower beds and a hand-dug koi pond that became a centerpiece of their home. 

As a grandfather, John was a constant presence in the lives of his grandchildren, offering them love, guidance, and plenty of laughs. From teaching them to drive to playing ultimate frisbee and even building and teaching them to walk on stilts, John was the best “Papaw” any grandchild could ask for. His playful spirit and devotion extended to his great-grandchildren, always offering hugs, humor, and encouragement.

In recent years, John and Stella moved to Magnolia Springs for some extra support, but remained fiercely independent and, most importantly, remained together. The love and care they received from the staff made the transition much easier. They celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary on February 7, 2025, surrounded by their family. On Sunday, February 23, 2025, at ninety years old, John peacefully passed away and went to be with the Lord.

His family and friends will gather on Thursday to celebrate the life of a man who served his family, friends and his country with unwavering devotion. Though he is no longer with us, we know we will be reunited again someday.

John is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 72 years, Stella (Myers) Linton; his daughters, Lynne (Steve) Greeman and Terri Hall; his grandchildren, Steph (Kelly), Jackie, Brad (Abbie), Daniel (Brooke), April and Tyler; and his great grandchildren, Carter, Collin, Bodie, Tad, Stella, Tommy, Dalyn, Nova and Trent. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward Ogle Linton and Violet (Engle) Linton; brother, Mark Linton; great grandson, Dylan; and his beloved parrot Fancy.