John Edwin Hancock, 89 of Whitestown, Indiana was born on February 21, 1935, in a farmhouse built by his great grandfather. John moved back into the farmhouse later in life and it was his desire to pass in that same farmhouse when his time came. That time has come, and he passed peacefully at home surrounded by family on September 24, 2024.
John was preceded in death by his parents Joel Robert and Mary Louise (Laughner) Hancock, his wife of 60 years Susan Lucille Hancock (Belcher), and his brother Robert Joel Hancock.
John graduated from Whitestown High School in 1954 and was the class President.
John Hancock resided in Boone County his entire life and worked for Union Carbide Corporation as an electrician for 36 years before retiring in 1995. John served as a member of the Worth Township Volunteer Fire Department from 1953-1988 and was Fire Chief of that department from 1979-1986. John was also a farmer, having grown up on the family farm, he worked the land for many years. John generously volunteered his electrical expertise to Habitat for Humanity in his retirement years.
John Hancock was a 68-year member of the F&A Masons, a member of the Whitestown Celestial Lodge #525 since 1956. He was also a member of the Scottish Rite, and a Murat Shriner who enjoyed riding his motorcycle in parades around the state with his group of performance riders. John was a member of Boy scout Troop 354 as a youngster and provided some of the leadership for Troop 382 when his boys were in Boy scouts. John was also a recipient of the Harold Anderson citizenship award in 2004 for his many years of dedicated service to Whitestown.
John enjoyed spending time in his 20-acre woods cutting and splitting firewood. He enjoyed riding motorcycles, camping, traveling, sports, tinkering and spending time with family and friends. He loved animals. John knew the value of church and was a dedicated member of the Lutheran faith. John loved life and his family.
John is survived by his children Richard Michael Hancock (Cheryl) and Mark Douglas Hancock. Additionally, his sister Suann Stoner (Hancock). Grandchildren Kyle Michael Hancock, Alexus Kay Lynn Smithes (Phil), Erika Rachelle Shepherd (Lane), Daphne Danielle Hancock, and Trinity Taylor Hancock. Great grandchildren are Landry Michael Shepherd (10), Dominic Kade Ottinger (10), Brooklyn Leeanna Jean Mueller (6), Laney Rae Shepherd (5), Freyja Courtney Susan Hancock (4), Ellie May Shepherd (4), Cayne Alan Mueller (8 months). There are several nieces and nephews as well.
Dispersal of Mr. Hancock's ashes will take place at a later date on the family farm and will include Masonic Rites. Boone County Crematory has been entrusted with his cremation arrangements.
Family Members
Parents
Joel Robert Hancock
1913–1985
Mary Louise Laughner Hancock
1912–1997
Spouse
Susan Lucille Belcher Hancock
1940–2019
Siblings
Robert Joel Hancock
1933–2008
