John Albert Gootee, 79, of North Vernon, passed away at 8:09 p.m. on Saturday, December 15, 2018, at Majestic Care.

A funeral service will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 19, 2018, at Sawyer-Pickett Funeral & Cremation Service.  A Rosary service will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. with visitation to follow until the time of the service.  Rev. Jerry Byrd will officiate.  Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery.

Born December 13, 1939, in Washington, IN, John was the son of Moses and Margaret Clauss Gootee.  Growing up in Washington, he spent his time playing with his siblings and cousins.  They were known to spend an entire day out on their own returning home just in time for supper.  The family moved to North Vernon where he earned the nickname Abbey. At North Vernon High School he played football and met Rose Anna Mann, his wife to be.  They married on July 4, 1959.  He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, the Indiana National Guard and he retired from Cummins, Inc. after 43 years.  John enjoyed many hobbies including fishing, hunting, camping and tinkering around with his wood working tools.

John is survived by Rose, his wife of 59 years; children, Steve Gootee of Logansport, Natalie (Les) Hook of anywhere their RV takes them in the continental USA, Julie (Greg) Singco of Greenfield and JP (Laura) Gootee of Lanesville; brother, Michael Gootee of North Vernon; sister, Jane Carter of Brooksville, FL; 8 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Bill and James Gootee; sister, Liz Colvin; and one granddaughter.

Memorials may be made through the funeral home to Our Hospice of Jennings County, St. Mary's School or St Vincent DePaul Society.