John Robert Beeker, Jr. went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, May 2, 2026 surrounded by his family, in Hope, Indiana.

He was born at home on October 20, 1938, on the family farm outside of St. Louis Crossing, Indiana, to John Robert, Sr. and Ruth (Guthrie) Beeker.

John graduated from Clifford High School in 1956 and went straight into the workforce. He began a long and dedicated career with Cummins Engine Company in Columbus, Indiana, where he worked in diesel engine testing for 38 years. He was very well respected amongst his coworkers.

He married Viola Rose Lyle in 1962. Together they shared 63 blessed years of marriage, raising a family in the house that John built, with the help of his father and uncle.

He was a long time follower of Christ, but his relationship grew closer with the Lord over the last 10 years. It was a joy for his family to witness. Even in his final days, he continued sharing the gospel, wanting nothing more than to see his family and friends in heaven. John knew his mission was sharing the gift of salvation while he still had days on this earth. He was a member of Berean Bible Church and attended The Ridge.

In his younger years, John enjoyed racing go-karts and participated in several races including the Bicentennial Go-Kart Run on the Hope Town Square in the 1970s. He was also a devoted fan of the Little 500 Sprint Car Race in Anderson, Indiana, attending for 53 consecutive years. Racing remained a lifelong passion, including NASCAR and the Indianapolis 500.

John was incredibly gifted. He could often be found in his garage, fixing, building, or inventing. If he did not have the right tool, he made one. His projects included building his family home, a garden tractor with a plow, wood chipper shredder, and a "baby" John Deere Gator. One of his most detailed and well-known creations was a miniature John Deere B tractor. He was a proud member of the Greensburg Power of the Past and cherished participating in the antique tractor show each year alongside his family. Other hobbies included growing the best tomatoes in Hope and mowing grass. He spent the last 3 years volunteering at The Ridge mowing their church grounds with his kids, Bob and Terri.

John and Viola enjoyed several trips to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, where they loved spending time in the Smoky Mountains. Later in life, they enjoyed watching college girls’ basketball together.

John is survived by his beloved wife, Viola (Vi, also known as Odie to him); his children, Jonna Shepherd, Bob (Beth) Beeker, Terri (Kevin) Young; his grandchildren, Ashley Gearhart (Dave), Jason (Whitney) Gearhart, Brittany (Brady) Need, and Braden (Morgan) Young; his great- grandchildren, Emma and Connor Gearhart, and Ivy and Gatlin Need; his sisters, Sue Christy, Linda Fowler, Judi Christy, and Pat Bense; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Dean Beeker, sister Bernice Joann, and son-in-law Larry Shepherd.

John’s family knew him as their biggest supporter and encourager. Anyone who knew him, knew that he loved Odie and his family fiercely. He was often caught cracking jokes, making others smile and laugh, and his love for life was contagious. 2 Timothy 4:7-8 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me, the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day-- and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”