John Richard Nesbitt

John Richard Nesbitt, 78, of rural Indianola, passed away at 6:40pm, Wednesday, September 21, 2011, at Pleasant Meadows Christian Village, Chrisman, following a lengthy illness. He was a beloved husband to the late Shirley Nesbitt; loving father of David (Sandy) Nesbitt of Georgetown, Doug (Lisa) Nesbitt of Bringhurst, IN, and Nancy (Roger) Burris of Ridge Farm; and proud grandfather of Chelsea Nesbitt of Lincoln, IL, Haleigh Nesbitt of Indianapolis, IN, Lauren and Noah Nesbitt of Bringhurst, IN, and Danielle, Bryant, and Megan Burris of Ridge Farm. John was born on July 29, 1933, the third of four children born to Herbert and Martha (McCoy) Nesbitt. John graduated from Indianola High School in 1951, where he was the only boy in his class. He attended Eastern Illinois University and graduated from the University of Illinois, before entering the Army. After his military service, John married Shirley Ann Gardner on December 27, 1959, in Georgetown at the First Church of Christ where they were both members. John returned to the family farm where he raised grain and Angus cattle and chickens and never officially retired from farming. Early in the marriage, John & Shirley delivered eggs to area businesses. A good neighbor and friend of many, John was known for being generous and involved in his community. He served on the Jamaica Consolidated School Board for 16 years, as well as the Production Credit Association Board, Vermilion County Farm Bureau, and Indianola Volunteer Fire Department Board. He was a member of the Indianola Lions Club and Illinois Farm Bureau. John enjoyed traveling, Illini sports, and being a dedicated fan of all his grandchildren's sports and activities. John was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Nesbitt, on November 21, 2002. He was also preceded in death by his parents, brother, Tom Nesbitt, and sister, Janet Nesbitt Clevenger. Along with his children and grandchildren, John is survived by a sister, Judy Nesbitt of Catlin, a niece, three nephews and their families. John's body lost its battle with cancer, but his soul is celebrating victory with Jesus. A Celebration of John's life will be held at 2:00pm, Sunday, September 25, 2011, at First Church of Christ, Georgetown with Steve Rutter and Pastor James Blue officiating. Visitation will be 3-7pm, Saturday, September 24, 2011, at Sunset's Houghton-Leasure Funeral Chapel. Honoring John's wishes, he will be cremated with a private burial at Woodlawn Cemetery at a later date. Memorial donations may be given in his name to Pleasant Meadows Christian Village or Vermilion County Relay for Life. Please join John's family in sharing memories of his life through his Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com .