Beloved husband, father, grandfather, and longtime Carmel resident Jon Keith Pilcher entered the kingdom of heaven on January 11, 2019. He was 82 years old. Jon was born on July 16, 1936, the second of 2 sons, to Orlando Harold and Marguerite Memphis (Smith) Pilcher in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He lived in Churubusco, Indiana and moved to Indianapolis at the age of 6, where he attended John Strange Elementary and Broad Ripple High School, graduating in 1954. Jon attended Butler University where he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha while working for Morgan Pharmacy. Jon spent 20 years with Morgan Pharmacy, where he became general manager until 1973. From 1973 until his retirement in 2000, Jon proudly worked at Eli Lilly and Company. In retirement, he kept himself busy with part-time work.
Jon met his beloved wife, Glenda (Lael) Pilcher in 1959 and married in 1960 at Northminster Presbyterian in Indianapolis. Jon and Glenda and their 3 children initially settled in Indianapolis before making their home in Carmel, Indiana from 1967 to the present. Jon cherished and was devoted to his family. He happily supported his kids’ extracurricular endeavors, volunteering with First Baptist Athletics, Indian Guides, Carmel Dad’s Club, the Carmel Marching Greyhounds, and youth ministry, just to name few. Jon was a quiet man of strong faith and became an Elder and Trustee at Orchard Park Presbyterian Church. Jon loved sports and music. His passion for playing for the church league OP Blue softball team was unsurpassed, and he was a devout (and vocal) fan of the Carmel Greyhounds, IU basketball, the Colts and Pacers. Jon loved to sing and was a member of the Orchard Park choir for 23 years and played trumpet in the Brass Band. In 1995 Jon became a member of Second Presbyterian Church where he continued serving communion and helping with many projects. While Jon was an original member of Carmel Old Schoolhouse Players, his unique and special talent was the ability to yodel! Jon was a devoted husband, supporting Glenda’s passions and projects as long as his body enabled him to do so. After he became a grandfather, Jon’s joy was watching his beloved grandchildren participate in sports and music events.
He is survived by his wife Glenda, 3 children Ken (Nancy), Greg (Marsha), and Jill (Jason) Reese. He was a grandfather (Opa) to 9 surviving grandchildren, Merrin, Britton, and Laurel Pilcher; Noah, Karis, and Eva Pilcher; and Anja, Kellen, and Riley Reese. He also leaves behind many cousins, in-laws, 32 nieces and nephews, 26 great nieces and nephews, and 10 great, great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his big brother Larry and sister-in-law Sara, brothers-in-law Bob Lael, Thomas Lael, Ed Lael, and Dale Bricken, and great nephew Derek Langhammer.
Jon’s service will be a Second Presbyterian Church on Saturday, January 19. Visitation is from 10-11 AM, with a Celebration of Life service at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jon’s name can be made to any of the following local churches: Second Presbyterian Church, College Park Church, Grace Church, or Traders Point.
Lois Rentsch says
Sissy, Jill, Ken, and Greg, our hearts are broken by Jon’s passing. We pray for your complete comfort knowing that he is in the arms of our Heavenly Father. May God bless you all. Much Love, Lois and Don
Dotty and Ron Reehling says
Glenda and all the family,
Jon was a long time friend from high school. He will be missed by all of us. He was a treasure.
Comforted to know we will see him again.
Prayers for all of you at this sad but hopeful time.
Mary Beth (Oblinger) Lundgren says
Greg and Marsha, Lifting you and your entire family up as you grieve your father’s passing. So thankful that he is standing in the presence of Jesus, and that you will be reunited with him someday in the future. Sending love and prayers.
Tim Lael says
Dear Sissy and Family, I was and still am distraught with sadness upon hearing of Jon’s passing. We have so many wonderful and great memories with you, Jon and family. My childhood would have not have been so wonderful if it was not for Jon’s generosity, his wonderful personality and true concerns for the family and everyone’s happiness. I am a better person because of Jon’s influence and brotherhood. He was my brother and I loved him for being him. He showed me how real men were strong and yet how real men showed sensitivity as well. I will always remember staying at your house with Mary and Jerry and ordering pizzas from “Pasquale’s!” and putting up Christmas Trees and riding in that 60 something Mustang! Oh, that trip to the Cincinnati Zoo! How could I ever forget that! Ha. Then the fun we had in Juarez, Mexico! Always great times and very memorable. Jon was my friend, my brother and a great example of what a husband, father and friend should be. Donella and I can only express our love to all of you and the family knowing he is now with God. Love Tim & Donella.
William A York says
Glenda,
We are saddened to learn of John’s passing. Sharron and I send heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. You know that we know what you are going through.
Both of us liked and admired Jon very much. He was a great contributor to society. His legacy will be long lasting in so many ways and through so many different people.
Trust your faith and be strong. Know that your countless friends are ready to comfort and support you during this difficult time and well beyond.
Your friend (and Jon’s),
Bill York
Chris and Josette Rathbun says
Glenda and Family
Chris and I are sorry for John’s passing and the loss it brings to you and your family. Please be aware that you all will be in our prayers.
We shared many wonderful hours with you and John thru Christ Cares. John was such a wonderful quiet but insightful presence at
our gatherings. We so enjoyed both of your company.
All our love
Chris and Josette Rathbun
Tim Lord says
Sad to hear of Jon’s passing. I worked with Jon when I started at Eli Lilly and Company in 1973 in the Micro Quality Control Lab. Jon was a dedicated employee who could always be counted on to perform lot release assays with the highest quality and in a professional manner. He became a good friend in those days at Lilly and one weekend Jon and I rode our bicycles from Indianapolis to Brown County State Park. I remember how excited Jon was when we started off and him remarking how the route we were riding reminded him of his hometown of Cherubusco. Rest In Peace Jon.
Ann Hudson says
I’m sorry to hear of Jon’s passing. He lead a full and loving life leaving a wonderful legacy. I’m sure Larry and Sara have prepared a wonderful arrival ceremony. Jon will be missed by many.
Cheryl Jerry Jng says
To Glenda and all of your family, we were so sorry to hear about the death of your husband, father and grandfather! You are in our thoughts and prayers and have our deepest sympathy!
Cheryl and Jerry Jung (Jennifer Edwards parents)
Marilyn Sudsberry says
Glenda, I am so saddened at John’s passing. He was such a sweet, kind gentleman and so devoted to you. I always admired the total devotion and support he had for you and your passion for theatre for our Forest Dale children. You are in my prayers, Sweet Lady!!
Marilyn Sudsberry
The Lynches says
I’m so sorry for your loss! Jon was a great dad, husband, and friend! I remember his warm and caring heart and smile! Praying for peace and comfort for you all! Much love!
Steve Bodie says
Steve, Michelle, and Matt Bodie send our prayers for the passing of Uncle Jon. We have e somewhat estranged over the years but, we are surely saddened & sorry for the loss of such an accomplished & loving man.
Tom and Susan Salentine says
To Glenda , Ken, Greg and Jill. We are saddened with Jon’s passing and we share your grief. We have lived in Carmel for over 40 years and are fortunate to have had Jon in our lives almost from the beginning. Our memories of Jon will always be of the good times that we have shared with him. Our recollections go all the way back to the trip to Miami for the Orange Bowl Parade and Orlando to Disneyworld as chaperones with the Carmel band in 1982 , the many Friday evenings at Dooley O’Tooles after Carmel ball games and other countless events too numerous to mention. You have our sympathies and thank you for sharing Jon with us.
Jim Beeler says
Glenda, Ken, Greg and Jill:
Sorry to hear about Jon’s passing. We remember all the good times we used to have at Orchard Park church. He had a good life and loved his family and friends. Our deep sympathy to the whole family.
Carolyn and Jim Beeler and family
Janet and Don Koch says
Dear Glenda and Family
We are so sorry to hear of Jon’s passing. May your pain be diminished by knowing he is at peace in Heaven with our Lord and Savior. We know you have many good memories to hold you tight at this difficult time. Sending our love.
Don and Janet Koch
Lori and Keith Boland says
Lori and Keith Boland
We were saddened to hear of Jon’s passing. He was a kind, fun loving, gentle man as well as a gentleman. Jon always had a smile and a hug for his friends. He was so very proud of his family. Jon adored you Glenda and shared the happiness of your and your children’s accomplishments. His joy at their weddings and your 50th Anniversary celebration are fond memories for us and a tribute to Jon’s love of family. Know that we hold you close in our hearts and pray for your comfort and peace during this sad time. As the Greeks say, “May his memory be eternal!”
Gordon Rose says
Dear family….
I remember Jon well from high school days… spending the night at his house one weekend. Just good times.
We lived near Morgan Pharmacy at 62nd and Allisonville after my years at Butler, and Jon met our needs many times. So glad to know he was a Christian, and that he is in an indescribable beautiful place as I write this… in the presence of the Savior who died for us all. It’s not “Goodbye” to Jon… it’s, “See you later”.
May Jon’s family who I have not had the privilege of knowing, be comforted by a loving God in these days ahead. I will be praying for you all.
Dave Roush says
Sad to hear of Jon’s passing. I worked with Jon for a short while in the 1980s in the Quality Control lab at Eli Lilly and Company early in my career. We was a great guy to work with; conscientious and always willing to help. I have nothing but fond memories of him and hope you find comfort from the memories shared by many here as you work through this difficult time.
Roy and Mary Cage says
Dear Glenda and Family
We want to express our sympathy and to let you know how much you are in our thoughts and prayers at this time.
With love and friendship
Roy and Mary