John Wayburn Switzer, 80, of Centerpoint, Indiana, passed away Jan. 29, 2023, while at St. Francis Hospital, Indianapolis.
John was born June 21, 1942, at Linden, the son of Herbert “Pete” and Catherine (Coopman) Switzer. He graduated from Linden High School in 1960 and Ball State University with bachelor degrees in mathematics and physical education in 1964. While at Ball State, John was a founding member of the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity.
John married Vicki Miser in 1965. They had two children, Matt and Susan.
John taught mathematics at Brazil Junior High School from 1964 through 1966. While there, he coached junior high basketball and junior varsity baseball. He worked as a systems engineer at IBM Corporation in Terre Haute from June 1966 until 1976. He also worked as the Director of Information Systems at General Housewares Corporation in Terre Haute from February 1976 through June 1997.
John was a member of Data Processing Managers Association, where he served as president, vice president and international director; National Housewares Manufacturer’s Association Technical Advisory Committee; Clay County Community Foundation board of directors, where he served as president for five years; Wabash Valley Community Foundation board of directors; Clay Civic Memorial Foundation board of directors; Centerpoint Planning and Zoning Commission as president; Clay County Parks Association board of directors; and Indiana Astronomical Society board of directors.
When he wasn’t working or serving in the community he enjoyed amateur astronomy, playing golf, reading, “piddlin” with the personal computer, and was an avid fan of Indiana University Basketball — a love that he passed on to his children as they were growing up.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Pete and Catherine Switzer, and his wife, Vicki Switzer.
Survivors include: his two children, Matt (Amy) Switzer and Susan (John) Morgan; grandchildren, Allison Switzer, Eric Switzer, Abby Switzer, Nicholas (Emily) Morgan and David Morgan; great-grandchildren, Isabella Morgan, David Morgan and Daniel Morgan; brother Charles Switzer; and nieces and nephews, Wendy Miser, Christy Hughes and Michael Switzer.
John’s family wishes to thank his private caregivers, Gail Carmichael, Ellen Lewis, Shari Penning and Nichole Miller. They also appreciate the care and understanding of India Glenn at Grand Brook in Greenwood.
At John’s request, no services have been planned at this time.
Friends are welcome to share condolences at www.frenchfuneralhome.com.
Donations are welcome to be made to the John and Vicki Switzer Community Fund through the Wabash Valley Community Association, 200 S. Eighth St., Terre Haute, IN 47807 or online at https://wvcf.org/donate/.
