FRANKLIN
John Harris Gentry, 79 of Franklin, IN and formerly of Indianapolis, IN passed away Saturday, February 11, 2023, at the Indiana Masonic Home at Compass Park in Franklin, IN.
He was born April 2, 1943, in Lynch, Harlan County, Kentucky.
John was a 1960 graduate of Columbus North High School where he was a captain of the undefeated 1959 football team and selected to the All-State football team. He attended Butler University where he also played football.
He was a United States Army Veteran and part of the 82nd Airborne Division. He also played football while in the U.S. Army.
John was a longtime bartender for the Antelope Club in Indianapolis during the 1980’s and 1990’s. He also was a bartender at the Indianapolis Colts and Indiana Pacers suites.
John was a loving father, grandpa, great cook, loved football, fishing, and spending time with his family and going on cruises. He lived a life full of adventures and was an amazing storyteller when recounting his exploits.
Survivors include his son Brad Gentry (Kristie) of Whiteland, IN, Stacia Smith of Franklin, IN, seven grandchildren, sisters Leda Bassett (Terry) of Winter Garden, FL, Cathy Smith (James) of Seymour, IN and Cindy Oakley (James) of Canal Winchester, OH.
He married Rita Mae (Coons) Gentry on August 7, 1995, she preceded him in death on November 4, 2022. He was also preceded in death by his mother Rosemary Colleenia (Wyatt) Miller, son Thomas Gentry, stepson Aaron Andrew Roseman, stepfathers Levi Lee Gentry, Chester Reed, Ralph Miller and a brother James Reed.
The Reverend Shan Rutherford will conduct a service on Tuesday February 14, 2023, at 10:30 AM at Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center 300 South U.S. 31 (Morton Street) in Franklin, IN and will be live-streamed at www.swartzmortuary.com. Friends may call Monday February 13, 2023, from 5PM until 8PM at the mortuary. Burial will follow the service at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Greenwood, IN with military honors by the U.S. Army Honor Guard and Franklin American Legion Post 205 Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 or at www.stjude.org.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com. Information 317-738-0202.
