Final Salute

John M. Sholes, 77, of Francesville, passed away on July 20 at White Oak Health Campus in Monticello.

On February 11, 1949, John was born in Tioga, West Virginia, to Earl and Irene (O’Quinn) Sholes. He married his high school sweetheart, Anna Marie Riddle, on November 29, 1968, who precedes him. John was deeply proud of his West Virginia roots and often referred to himself with pride as a “hillbilly.” John graduated from Richwood High School in 1967 and moved to Indiana to start working at Ford Motor Stamping Plant in Chicago Heights, IL. He served his country honorably as a Seabee in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. John was a member of the Francesville American Legion, Post 228. Following his military service, John returned to Ford Motor Stamping plant. He retired in 2004 with over 37 years under his belt.

John cherished time spent with family and friends, sitting on his front porch sharing a cup of coffee and stories of his youth. He loved playing rummy.

John enjoyed camping, fishing, and hunting. In retirement, he continued to enjoy the outdoors—tending to his garden and maintaining his property.

John will be remembered for his strong work ethic, love of the outdoors, and deep pride in where he came from.

He is survived by his daughters: Annette Sargent, Melinda (Troy) Crane, grandchildren: Brice, Blake, Brayden, Tyler, and sister: Barbara Dodrill.

John is preceded in death by his parents: Irene and Earl Sholes, daughter: Tina Clinton, brothers: Wilbur E. Sholes, Hansford D. Sholes, Kenneth A. Sholes and Harold L. Sholes and sisters: Elnora Morgan, and Elizabeth “Libby” Hayhurst.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 3:00 until 6:00 p.m. (CST) on Monday, July 27, 2026 at the Boersma Funeral Home, 90 East Grove Street, Wheatfield. A funeral service for John will be held at the funeral home at 6:00 p.m. (CST) with Pastor John Dekruyter officiating. Interment for John will be at 11:00 a.m. (CST) on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at the Roseland Cemetery, 12634 W County Road 500 S., Francesville, IN 47946.

Thank you to the family for writing this obituary.