John Wendell Gay, age 78, of Seymour, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 2, 2026, at St. Vincent Hospital, Indianapolis, surrounded by his loving family.

Mr. Gay was a devoted, lifelong member of Surprise Christian Church, where he faithfully served as a deacon for many years.

John was a proud 1965 Cortland High School graduate, and he was an active member of the United States Air Force from 1965 through 1968. His professional career included employment at AT&T, Indiana Bell, and Ameritech telephone companies for 38 years, followed by several years as a mechanic with the Jackson County Highway Department.

John dearly loved his family, especially his grandchildren. He cherished time spent together, whether spraying the grandkids around the pool or taking family trips to Kings Island in his earlier years. Known as the family “jokester,” he loved making others laugh.

John was passionate about watching basketball and working on his cars in his barn, especially his Ford 1954 Glass-Top. He built his own home and was known for being able to fix and make just about anything for his family, specially building home additions. He also loved playing cards, especially Euchre, with his family.

Born on May 12, 1947, at his home in Jackson County, John was the son of George and Avis (Anderson) Gay, both of whom preceded him in death. On June 11, 1967, at Whites Chapel Church, he married Peggy Ann Boknecht, and she survives in Seymour.

Survivors include one son, John “BJ” (Mendy) Gay of Seymour; three daughters: Wendy Nobbe of Seymour, Julie King of Seymour, and Tonya (Jason) Fee of Seymour; ten grandchildren: Seirra (Austin) Jones, Jami Nobbe, Kaitlin (Ricky) Smith, Mikayla Fee, Makenna Fee, Todd Fee, Tori Fee, Amelia Gay, Elijah Gay, and Isaiah Gay; one great-granddaughter, Annaleigh Smith; one sister, Nancy Lucas of Seymour; one sister-in-law, Shirley Gorrett; one brother-in-law, Lloyd Meyer; and several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Gay was also preceded in death by three brothers: Bill Gay, Tom (Lena) Gay, and George “Bud” (Shirley) Gay; one sister, Jean Meyer; and one brother-in-law, Russell Lucas.

Funeral services for John Wendell Gay will be conducted at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, February 9, 2026, at Spurgeon Funeral Home, Inc., Brownstown, with Pastor Rick Grant officiating. Friends may call from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Monday, February 9, 2026, at Spurgeon Funeral Home, Inc.

Interment will be at Whites Chapel Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to Surprise Christian Church or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the caring staff at Spurgeon Funeral Home, Inc.

Online memorials and condolences may be given at www.spurgeonfh.com