John Charles Esperson

John Charles Esperson, 73, was suddenly and strikingly led home to be with Christ, his savior, on Christmas Day. Born in northern Indiana to Eugene B. Esperson & Mary Ellen All Esperson. He moved to Terre Haute as a one year old. He attended Wiley High, a school which he held dear to his heart for fond memories of the teachers and friends who were there with him. He then graduated from Barber College shortly before meeting his wife of 53 years, Dannette “Danni” Esperson. Together, they owned and operated the Hair Machine alongside one another everyday for 45 years.

Other blessings in his life were his two daughters, their husbands, and his grandchildren. Amy, Chad, Brittany (Eli Malooley) and Sydney Gibson & Carrie, Henry, Mimi, and H. Keaton Smith. He was fiercely proud of his girls as the sideline cheerleader for any activity their families were involved in. Great-granddaughters Ailyn & Adleigh Malooley. Family members: Nikki, Garry, & Brett Gibson, Virginia L Smith, Wanda, Kim, Scott, & family, Lon (Trip), Ryan and Kurt& family, Mike, Ann & Sean, Carol Sue, Kim & Ty, Carissa, Elizabeth, & Abigaille, Nancy & Derrick, Eric & Christina, Bob, Melodie, Jason, and Josh, Rona and Larry, and several other cousins, nieces/nephews. Some very special friends include Morris Tomastic, Gary Strong, Bill Siebenmorgen, Tom Newlin, Bill Simms, Donna Schopmeyer, Kenny Moore, and Bill Black.. He was preceded in death by his first-born infant daughter, his father, mother, brother (Eugene B. Esperson II), sister (Julienne Esperson Milburn), Jack, Flo, & Jeremy All. His heart break from these carried through the decades. John was known to always carry a cup of coffee everywhere. He enjoyed his fishing pals, golf, baseball, bowling, dancing, singing, music, dogs (especially black Labrador Retrievers), old westerns, and all kinds of jokes. He had a little bright, blue corvette at the top of his hobby list. The car was always a conversation piece, turning into a joke with John, “This car sure would be pretty IF it were BLUE.”

John’s heart was huge! He was a true lover of all people, never meeting a stranger. He could really do small talk, yet deep down he was listening to all and would later pray for those who crossed his path as if they were his own family.

He was a member of The Sycamore Club, Strawberry Hill Cannoneers, and a 50+ year member of First Baptist Church which his grandfather, A.J. Esperson, a pastor, brought from downtown to Terre Haute’s Poplar location. His father was the director of the annual Cantata and this was a favorite for John. First Baptist was such an important piece of his life. As his illnesses took over, he regretted not being able to attend many activities, places, and friend visits within the last few years; church was the one he mentioned missing the most. He made many phone calls, wrote letters, and truly missed all friends and past clients so much that his family believes he died of a broken heart and was so ready to go home. So he did, just like one of his favorite Frank Sinatra songs, “My Way”. As guessed, the last piece of him to give up was his heart.

Due to another uptick in Covid, an outdoor graveside funeral will take place for all who choose to attend (masks appreciated), January 3, 2022 at 1pm Roselawn Cemetary. A celebration of life will take place in the spring and date/location will be announced.

Christmas Day 2021 was truly beautiful for John. Through the series of events, it is very clear he was led to come meet Jesus, on this special day. John would want you to tell a joke, smile, and choose happy!

In lieu of flowers, John’s family asks that anyone who wishes make a contribution in his memory, do so to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (5010 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105) OR Terre Haute Area Association of Realtors (1616 S. 13th St. Terre Haute, 47802) to assist with their annual Cruisin’ for the Kids Car Show that he thoroughly enjoyed, yet not as much as he enjoyed seeing, hearing of, or speaking with you!

From Danni, Amy, and Carrie: We want to tell everyone how much our husband and father was loved by us and how we appreciate all the love he poured into us until the time he is now able to be our angel. May we be able to have a heart as big as his and be able to continue his legacy loving and giving to others. We want to thank everyone who has already reached out to us in support, in friendship, and in offerings during this journey. It is incredibly hard, time stands still while still flying by. Yet you have eased our grief and helped regain our joy, as love makes it’s full circle.

“We can do no great things; only small things with great love.” –Mother Teresa