John W. Switzer

John was born on June 21, 1942, in Linden, Indiana the son of Herbert “Pete” and Catherine (Coopman) Switzer. He graduated from Linden High School in 1960 and Ball State University with BS Degree in Mathematics and Physical Education in 1964. While at Ball State, John was a founding member of the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity.

John married Vicki Miser in 1965. They had two children, Matt and Susan.

John taught mathematics at Brazil Junior High School from 1964 through 1966. While there, he coached Junior High Basketball and Junior Varsity Baseball. He worked as a Systems Engineer at IBM Corporation in Terre Haute from June 1966 until 1976. He also worked as the Director of Information Systems at General Housewares Corporation in Terre Haute from February 1976 through June 1997.

John was a member of Data Processing Managers Association where he served as President, Vice President and International Director, National Housewares Manufacturer’s Association Technical Advisory Committee, Clay County Community Foundation Board of Directors where he served as President for 5 years, Wabash Valley Community Foundation Board of Directors, Clay Civic Memorial Foundation Board of Directors, Centerpoint, Indiana Planning and Zoning Commission as President, Clay County Parks Association Board of Directors, Indiana Astronomical Society Board of Directors.

When he wasn’t working or serving in the community he enjoyed amateur astronomy, playing golf, reading, “piddlin” with the Personal Computer, and was an avid fan of Indiana University Basketball – a love that he passed on to his children as they were growing up.

John passed away on January 29, 2023. Donations made in his memory will be added to the John and Vicki Switzer Community Fund held within the Clay County Community Foundation, an affiliate of Wabash Valley Community Foundation, Inc. To contribute, please click here.

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