John Francis Gosnell

Oct. 19, 1938 – March 27, 2022

John Francis Gosnell passed away Sunday, March 27 at Envive Healthcare in Indianapolis, where he had been a patient since February 28th.

Born Oct. 19, 1938 in Crawfordsville to Kenneth Elwood Gosnell and Louise Schanzel Gosnell, John graduated from Crawfordsville High School in 1956. 

He served in the United States Navy from Aug. 1, 1956 to Aug. 3, 1959, receiving an honorable discharge.

He worked at Mid-States Wire and the Montgomery County Highway Department, retiring in 2000.

Over the years, he was an avid fisherman, hunter, gardener and loved doing anything outdoors, living the last 40 plus years on the banks of Sugar Creek. He enjoyed the many family and friends that would come to his property to fish and hunt. After retiring in 200 he enjoyed pulling his 5th wheel camper and traveling out West and into Canada along with many camping trips to Wisconsin, Michigan, Kentucky, Louisiana and Southern Indiana.  He attended New Hope Christian Church and often talked about the Wednesday night Bible study classes that he enjoyed.

He married Patricia A. Nehrig Smith on May 3, 1994. She preceded him in death on February 8, 2019.

Survivors include one sister, Janet Jersey of New Market; sister-in-law, Margie Gosnell of Crawfordsville; six step-children, Beverly Martin (Rodger) of Thorntown, Vicki Lutes of Crawfordsville, Darrell Smith of Crawfordsville, Debra Swearingen (Don) of Crawfordsville, Kenneth Smith (Kimberly) of Darlington and Roger Smith (Cindy) of Crawfordsville; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and his beloved dog, Hunter, who is being cared for and spoiled by Kenny and Kim Smith.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; his brother, James Robert Gosnell; and granddaughter, Jennah Sue Smith.

In keeping with his wishes, he will be cremated with a private family memorial at a later date.  Arrangements were entrusted to Burkhart Funeral Home.