John S. Newlin

John S. Newlin, 96, of Bloomington, Indiana, passed away peacefully on April 6th, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born on March 26, 1929, in Paoli, Indiana, John was one of seven siblings and the son of Alves Newlin and Iva Irene (Eikelberger) Newlin. He lived a long, full life grounded in humility, hard work, and deep love for those around him. He was married to the love of his life, Joan (Hacker) Newlin, on May 14, 1948. They shared 71 wonderful years of marriage until her passing in 2019. Together, they built a legacy of faith, family, and hospitality that spanned generations. John proudly served his country in the United States Army, carrying the values of dedication and quiet strength throughout his life. John's first job was at Showers Brothers Furniture Company, where he began developing the reputation for reliability and quiet diligence that he carried with him for the rest of his life. He later worked for many years at Hays Food Mart and on the Hays family farm, and eventually at Assembly Hall at Indiana University during the coaching era of Bobby Knight—an experience he treasured as a lifelong Hoosiers fan. Outside of work, John enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, especially gardening, where he found peace and purpose in tending to the land just as he had throughout his career. John was preceded in death by his wife Joan; his children Betty (David) Spears, John A. (Sharon) Newlin, and Sherry Newlin; his parents; and his siblings. He is survived by his grandchildren Stacy (Gary) Bland, Cindy Rogers ( Rob Bastin), Janel (Matt) Balla, and Brian (Christina) Newlin; great-grandchildren Cody (Allie) Bland, Kari (Tanner) Taylor, DJ Dixon (Bailey Boruff), Ethan Rogers, Presley Roll, Isaac Newlin, Caitlin Newlin, and Jaden Newlin; and great-great-grandchildren Cash Dixon, Reese Dixon, Jenna Bland, and Hudson Taylor. John will be remembered for his calm presence, strong work ethic, quiet sense of humor, and his unwavering love for his family. Whether working in the fields, behind the counter, or court-side at Assembly Hall, he served others with dignity and grace. A funeral service will be held at 1:00PM Friday afternoon, April 11, 2025 at Allen Funeral Home and Crematory, located at 4155 S. Old State Road 37, Bloomington, IN 47401. Pastor Joe Nelson will officiate. Burial will follow at Clear Creek Cemetery in Bloomington, Indiana. Visitation will be held from11:00AM until the time of service at 1:00PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sanders Pentecostal Church, located at 6490 S. Fairfax Rd., Bloomington, IN 47401 and online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with family and friends at www.allencares.com

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John S. Newlin

March 26, 1929 - April 6, 2025