Dorothy Campbell - Aug 8, 2011
John O. Lewellen, 97
Muncie - John O. Lewellen 97, professor emeritus of Ball State University, died early Monday morning, August 1, 2011, at Ball Memorial Hospital following a brief illness.
He was born in Dunkirk, February 25, 1914, came to Muncie as a child with his parents, Harry C. and Inabelle (Gill) Lewellen, and graduated from Muncie Central High School.
Mr. Lewellen later graduated from Ball State Teachers College, with a B.S. Degree, from Ohio State University with his M. A. Degree, and from Stanford University with his Ed. D. Degree.
He also attended Colorado University and the University of California, Berkeley.
Mr. Lewellen had a professional career of more than 43 years of teaching, coaching, and administration. John was a well known swimmer, gymnast, golfer, basketball, football, and handball player for many years with numerous championships and awards over the years. He was a Navy veteran of WWII, and was the Swimming and Diving Champion with the United States Navy North Island Team in 1944.
He was a member of the Ball State University Athletic Hall of Fame, Delaware County Hall of Fame, Phi Delta Kappa, Indiana State Teachers Association, Delaware County Retired Teachers Association, and American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance and the Indiana affiliate of the national organization. The swimming facility at Ball State University was named in his honor, the Lewellen Aquatic Center. Mr. Lewellen served as a consultant for several colleges, schools, and community organizations such as Camp Red Wing, Camp Crosley, and others.
John was a member of High Street United Methodist Church for more than 88 years, Muncie Elks Lodge #245, and the Indiana State Senior Golf Association. He was a member of the Boy Scouts of America and was awarded the 65 Year Veteran award, and is believed to be the oldest member in Delaware County. He also served as a scout leader and past president of the Delaware County Boy Scout Council (now Crossroads of America Council), and the Regional Scout Properties Committee Board. He was an Eagle Scout and the recipient of the Silver Beaver Scout Award.
Mr. Lewellen was active in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Swimming Committee where he served as Chairman, the AAU National Swimming and Diving Committee, directed numerous Aquatic Shows at Ball State, AAHPER-ARAPCS Aquatics Council member, and Professional Clown Diver. John was active for many years with his photo club, and was still playing golf at the age of 95.
He received recognition from both the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, and the Indiana Intercollegiate Association.
Surviving are his wife of seventy years, Julia Ann (Harris) Lewellen; his children, son, Richard A. Lewellen, (wife, Mary J.) Muncie, two daughters, Sandra Kuehler, (husband, Donald), Bonita, CA and Nancy Cota, (husband, Arthur), Broomfield, CO; his grandchildren, Karin Oakes (husband, Bob), Keith Clock (wife, Gayle), Jon Kuehler (wife, Melisa), Miki Carterette (husband, Scott), Donald Kuehler (wife, Doreen), David Cota, (wife, Marina), Joshua Cota, Michael Lewellen (wife, Jennifer), and Joel Lewellen (wife, Nicole); 16 great grandchildren; six great great grandchildren; 4 nieces, Sydney Wulf, Eleanor Berry, Janet Gorman, and Joan Woodruff; and a sister-in-law, Katy Grover. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, George Grover, and a niece, Dorothy Parenteau.
Services will be held 10 a.m. Tuesday, August 9, 2011, at High Street United Methodist Church with Rev. Charlotte Overmyer officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, north of Parker City.
Family and friends may call at The Meeks Mortuary and Crematory from 4 until 7 p.m. Monday, or at the church one hour prior to service time on Tuesday. Memorials may be directed to the High Street United Methodist Church, 219 S. High Street, Muncie, IN 47305, Boy Scouts, Crossroads of America Council, 7125 Fall Creek Road North, Indianapolis, IN 46256 or the charity of the donors' choice.
Online condolences may be directed to the family at http://www.meeksmortuary.com.
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