FRANKLIN
John Richard Harrell, 75, of Franklin, IN passed away Sunday, December 6, 2020. John was born May 29, 1945 at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, IN to George Everett Harrell and Winona Pauline (Koons) Harrell of White River Township, Bargersville, IN. He married Kathy T. (Harvey) Harrell on July 7, 1979 at Mt. Auburn United Methodist Church at Stones Crossing, Greenwood, IN, she survives.
He was a 1963 graduate of Center Grove High School and a lifelong resident of Johnson County. John was a United States Army Veteran serving from 1963 until 1967 where he was as an aircraft mechanic and crewman. Following his military service, he worked as a mechanic for several different companies in central Indiana. He, alongside his family owned and operated the Country Market in Trafalgar for the past 20 years. John had a passion for growing nut and fruit trees and as a farmer he raised crops and Shropshire sheep with his family. John was past President of the Indiana Nut Growers Association, founding organizer and past President of the Indiana Walnut Council, a member of the Ruger Collectors Association, Johnson County Antique Machinery Association, and a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association. He helped create and establish the Nut Grove at the Johnson County Park.
Survivors include his wife Kathy T. (Harvey) Harrell of Franklin, IN; his sons David W. Harrell (Sunshine) of Bargersville, IN and Richard E. Harrell (Dawn) of Noblesville, IN; four grandchildren Wyatt L. Harrell, Sophie M. Harrell, Weston D. Harrell and Rachel Harrell; his sister Dorthy A. Harrell of Trafalgar, IN; one niece, one nephew and two great nephews.
John was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers Carol K. Harrell and George W. Harrell.
Matthew Spurgeon will conduct a celebration of John’s life with military honors on Sunday, November 21, 2021 at 4:00 P.M. at Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center, 300 South Morton Street, Franklin, IN 46131. Friends may call from 1:00 P.M. Sunday until service time at the mortuary. A private family inurnment will be at Greenlawn Cemetery in Franklin, IN. The family requests memorial contributions be made to the Scholarship Fund of the Johnson County 4-H Sheep Club, make checks payable to the Johnson County 4-H Sheep Club, in care of Lana Dougherty, 199 North Sand Creek Road, Needham, IN, 46162 attention John Richard Harrell Memorial. Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center, 300 South U.S. 31 (Morton Street) in Franklin, IN is handling the arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com. Information at 317-738-0202.
