John Richard Switzer

John Richard Switzer unexpectedly passed peacefully into his eternal rest March 24, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

John was born January 23, 1943, in Cayuga, IN the son of John and LaDonna (Hughes) Switzer. John was born in his special Grandma’s house Olive Switzer where he and his wife and boys lived and grew up. He married his wife Freda J (West) Switzer in Cayuga, IN. and she survives.

Survivors include his wife Freda J Switzer of Cayuga, IN, two sons, Dirk (Shelby) Switzer of Bismarck, IL and Jay (Leah Hood) of Brazil, IN, One granddaughter Piper Lee Switzer of Hoopeston, IL and very special cousin who was more of a brother, Bob Naylor of Newport, IN and cousin Iris Martin of Danville, IL.

John is preceded in death by his parents John and LaDonna Switzer

John graduated from Cayuga High School in 1961. He retired from the Operating Engineers Local 841 in 2005 where he had been a member since 1968. He was a member of the Zorah Shrine of Terre Haute and a 50 Year member of the Masonic Lodge. Also member of the Indiana National Guard.

John’s greatest joys in life were his boys and his Granddaughter.

He was an avid racing fan of Nascar and especially NHRA. John attended many Nascar racesand events in Daytona and Atlanta introducing this to his sons who continue to enjoy the sport. The US Nationals were always a staple for the trio also. And of course sprint car and outlaws races were a part of their adventures of racing. He grew up in the glory days of Hot Rods and was proud of his 57 Chevys. His love of them carried on by still owning two very special Hot Rods he enjoyed showing off. He was very proud to be the funding sponsor of his boys ATV racing teams.

Better known as the “crew chief” and “Lead mechanic” to keeping these battle worn machines running and most importantly repaired. He spent many hours making sure they stayed safe for his racing sons. It was very important to him to attend his boys H.S. sports events at any cost. Working up to the last minute and rushing all over the state to make a Pole Vault at a track event to football and baseball games where he could be heard supporting his sons.

John and his wife Freda enjoyed antique auctions and flea markets. They would travel all over to various states in search of the things they considered their treasures. The boys would always go with them and it was a family affair. He was a jack of all trades restoring many of them back to better than new condition. He had even completely restored a old GMC school bus into a modern day luxury motorhome. His abilities with seeing a vision lead him to completing a large greenhouse from ground up for Freda. He also had completely restored an Aero Motor windmill he and his close friends installed on his property which proudly stands today. Freda will miss his great skills and talents dearly.

John was a huge fan of Elvis. This had lead him to growing The famous “Elvis sideburns” which was seen in many old pictures. He had the great honor to be able to attend the Elvis Presley concert in Terre Haute, IN just a couple years before the ‘Kings” death. He could be seen in front of the T.V. many times watching Elvis concerts and documentaries. He just enjoyed “TCB” as Elvis always said and used “Taking Care of Business”

John will be missed dearly by his friends and family. He never met a stranger and always managed to run into one as far away as Florida while vacationing at Walt Disney World and even Sea World.

His sons are very proud of him for the things he accomplished in his lifetime. They always looked up to him and knew they could turn to him in search of the answers to becoming a great man like he was. They will forever be proud to be a part of his legacy and the Switzer name, and forever grateful for the opportunities he afforded them. They will truly miss him every day until they are once again reunited with him to share many more memories.

Memorial donations may be made in John’s name to The Make A Wish Foundation or your local animal shelter due to his love of animals.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Monday March 31, 2025, at 2pm est. at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center’s DeVerter Chapel 215 N. Division Street Cayuga, Indiana, 47928. Pastor Jon Overbey will Officiate. Burial to follow at Thomas Cemetery Newport, Indiana. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Sunday March 30, 2025, from 2-6pm est., with Masonic services immediately following. Please join John’s family in sharing memories, pictures, and videos on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com