John H. Ibbotson

John  Howard  Ibbotson, 62, of Baxter, the son of Howard Virgil and Charlotte Idell (Riley) Ibbotson, was born July 8, 1950, in Mount Pleasant. He was a graduate of the Winfield-Mt. Union Senior High class of 1968. John received his bachelor of business administration degree from Iowa State University in Ames and his master of business administration degree from Drake University in Des Moines. He had served his country with the US Army Reserves. John was employed by Employers Mutual Casualty Company, retiring in July 2012.

On Oct. 16, 1971, John was united in marriage with Charlene Renee Hoskins in Pleasant Plain. In 1981, he and Charlene moved to the Newton area, where they enjoyed the country life. Over the past few years, John conquered a case of lymphoma, survived the death of his wife, and retired early last year to enjoy life. He had committed his life to his wife, family and friends, and was a member of the Baxter American Legion. He was loved by everybody who knew him for his unique sense of humor, admired for his broad range of knowledge, and respected for his ethics. John enjoyed hunting, painting, riding his Harley motorcycle, and was the founder of the “Hillbilly Gun Club”.

John died Wednesday, June 19, 2013, at Legacy Meridian Park Medical Center in Tualatin, Ore., while on a coast-to-coast ride across the United States on his Harley Davidson. He was preceded in death by his father Howard and his wife Charlene on July 23, 2011.

Those left to honor John’s memory include his mother Charlotte Ibbotson of Newton; his brothers, Bob (Jean) Ibbotson of Newton and Gary (Pam) Ibbotson of Mount Pleasant; his niece, Mollie (Harsha) Phukan of Lansing, Mich.; and his nephews, Mike Ibbotson of Baxter, Matt Ibbotson of Newton, John Ibbotson of Mount Union and Lee Ibbotson of Mount Pleasant.

A time of fellowship will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Pence-Reese Funeral Home in Newton, with a memorial service at 7 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials are being designated to the Jasper County Animal Rescue League. A private family interment will be held at a later date.

Online condolences may be left for the family at: www.pencefh.com.