John P. Stelle

John P. Stelle, 83 years old, was born on October 12, 1939 and passed away on October 1, 2023. He was born in Benton, Illinois to John A. & Lucy Nell Daily Stelle. He lived at his grandfather Stelle’s farm and started the first grade in McLeansboro, Illinois. When WWII ended, his father returned home from overseas and the family moved to Brazil, Indiana. John A. worked for his father’s company, Arketex Ceramic Corporation. John P. went to Brazil High School, where he participated in football, track, and basketball. He graduated in 1957. Upon graduating from high school, he attended DePauw University where he was a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity. It was at DePauw where he met his wife, Carol Williams, whom he married in 1961. He then attended Indiana State University and earned his BS degree in Business Administration in 1961. He studied law at Indiana University and graduated in 1971. John was appointed Deputy Prosecutor and shared a law practice with John Baumauk. He was appointed Clay County Court Judge in 1979.

Although it was early in his political career, John was no stranger to politics. His grandfather, John H. Stelle, served as Governor of Illinois, and as the National Commander of the American Legion in 1945. John H. was known as the Father of the GI Bill of Rights. John P. served on the Board of Directors for the Indiana Judge’s Association and for First Financial Bank in Brazil. In 1989, Governor Bayh appointed John P. to the Board of Trustees at Indiana State University. In 1990, he was appointed President of the Board and was awarded the Distinguished Service Award. Upon retiring, he received the Sagamore of the Wabash Valley Award and was commissioned a Kentucky Colonel.

John enjoyed many hobbies. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed hunting duck and quail. He was a life member of Ducks Unlimited. He loved playing golf and was a member of the Country Club of Terre Haute where he served on the Board of Directors. John also enjoyed flying and obtained his private pilot’s license. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Carol, daughters Susan Owen & Lori Cook, and son-in-law Chip Cook. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Katie Girton, Ben Girton, and Drew Cook, whom he held so close to his heart. John & Katie shared a mutual love for music and traveling. John also really enjoyed watching Ben play football and watching Drew play basketball. He is also survived by nephew Erik Stelle and his wife Elizabath, along with their two children, Connor and Lucy.

There will be a Celebration of Life for John held on Sunday, October 15th from 2-6 p.m. at the Terre Haute Brewing Company. The location is 401 South 9th Street in Terre Haute. The burial will be held on a separate date with family only.