John Barnard Stombaugh

John Barnard Stombaugh, 88, of Saint Joseph, formerly of Buchanan, died peacefully Wednesday, April 5, 2023.

His life began February 20, 1935 in LaPorte, Indiana, the younger of twins born to Forrest and Elizabeth Stombaugh.  His parents did not know they were having twins, so John became a wonderful surprise minutes after the birth of his sister.  Since his parents only prepared for the birth of one, his father had to run to the stores for clothing, diapers, and other things before his mother was released from the hospital.

John loved all four of his children, teaching them to ride bikes, camp, bait a hook, fish and enjoy the outdoors just as he did when growing up.  He competed in 4-H for ten years, acted in the high school musical and was a letterman in basketball.  His children remember him putting up a hoop on the front of the garage so they could learn and play basketball. 

One of his greatest passions was Model A Fords and he was very involved in the local Model A Club.  He drove in parades, rebuilt cars and car parts.  He attended countless swap meets, selling parts and telling stories.  One year he was voted as having the best “junk” at the swap meet.

Although health cut his opportunity short, John was a very good teacher, working for the Penn-Harris-Madison School system.  He greatly enjoyed teaching science and working with audio visual aids and photography.  He was a tech guy before his time.  One class of students created and gave him an award for “Best Teacher.”           

John is survived by his son, John C. (Kim West) Stombaugh; three daughters, Betsy (Frank) Cederquist, Linda (Craig) Seaman, Susan Stombaugh; five grandchildren, Wendy (Evan) Roth, Sarah (Noah) Hodges, Jesse (Heather) Stombaugh, Brooke (Alex Galema) Cederquist, Erik Cederquist; and eight great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his twin sister, Janet Ruth Stombaugh Fenimore.    

Family and friends will gather Friday, April 14, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. EDT for a brief graveside service in West Lawn Cemetery on Route 4 just west of North Liberty, Indiana.  In recognition of his honorable service in the U.S. Army, Mr. Stombaugh will be accorded military honors under the auspices of the combined Honor Guard of American Legion Post 365 and VFW Post 1954.       

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner Family Funerals Connelly Chapel, Cassopolis. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.

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