Dave Schermerhorn

John David Schermerhorn, 82, of Avilla, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 3, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer. Mr. Schermerhorn was born in Kendallville, Indiana on August 24, 1942, to the late John H. Schermerhorn and Mary Amelia (Gilbert) Schermerhorn. John David graduated from Rome City High School in 1960 and attended International Business School in Fort Wayne earning a degree in accounting.  He married Sue Ann Frances Masters on July 1, 1961, at the Brimfield United Methodist Church. 

John David was a life-long Noble County resident.  Although his career path was accounting, he enjoyed farming and devoting time to community endeavors. He was self-employed as an accountant in Kendallville, Indiana for 50+ years. As a trusted advisor & confidante, many of his clients became life-long friends. He was elected the first town clerk of Rome City shortly after it was incorporated in July 1966. 

He was a founding member of Rome City Youth baseball, and he coached youth baseball in Rome City & remained in touch with many players long after his coaching ended.  He served on the McCray Hospital Board of Directors from February 1970 - February 1996.  He served on the Sylvan Lake Improvement Association Board of Directors. He also served on the Board of Directors of several other companies. He was the Trustee of Christine Eder & Virgie Neizer Memorial Scholarship Fund. He was a decades long member of the John Purdue Club and past member of the Kendallville Jaycees.

Through the years, John David logged thousands of miles traveling & exploring with his wife, Sue Ann.  A favorite destination was their vacation home on Drummond Island in Michigan.  Other travels were to attend youth events of his children, grandchildren and later, great-grandchildren. 

John David was passionate in his support of Purdue Athletics, the Chicago Cubs & the Boston Celtics.  John David & crew would follow the Purdue basketball team during regular season games & as they advanced through the NCAA tournament. They’d attend Purdue football games with pre-game tailgating & bowl games where a highlight was traveling to the 2001 Rose Bowl with Drew Brees at quarterback. 

John David enjoyed playing golf, snowmobiling (both pleasure & racing), hosting an annual 4th of July party complete with a DJ on Sylvan Lake and taking rides on his golf cart. 

John David was a man of immense humor, optimism and wisdom. He cherished every moment spent with his loved ones & friends creating unforgettable memories along the way. His legacy will carry forward love, laughter & joy and serve as a reminder to cherish each moment and hold tight to the bonds of family.

John David is survived by his wife of 63 years, Sue Ann Frances and seven children including Suzi and Dan March of DeWitt, Michigan; Shari and Steve Bittles of Lafayette; David and Stacey Schermerhorn of Wawaka; Sandi and Todd Fortman of Avilla; Jill Schermerhorn and Bruce Fuhrer of Loveland, Ohio; John and Rhonda Schermerhorn of Kendallville; and Jeff and Jenny Schermerhorn of Westminster, Colorado.

18 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren with two on the way. 

John David's siblings include brother, Roger (Paula) Schermerhorn of Ligonier; sister, Judy (Jerry) Cunningham of Ligonier; brother, Larry (Becky) Schermerhorn of Wawaka; sister, Mary Jean (Roy) Brostrand of Mableton, Georgia.

John David was preceded in death by his father, John H. Schermerhorn, mother, Mary Amelia (Gilbert) Schermerhorn, and great-granddaughter, Alivea Lynne Kurtz.

Visitation will be held Friday, November 8, 2024, from 3:00 - 7:00 PM at Hite Funeral Home in Kendallville.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 9, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Hite Funeral Home. 

Burial will take place at Orange Cemetery near Rome City. His grandsons will be the casket bearers. 

Memorial donations may be made to Riley Hospital for Children. 

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