John D. Dockery , age 80 of Elwood, passed away on Thursday, November 20, 2025 at Ascension-St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis after a good, full life.  He was born March 21, 1945 in Queens, New York, the son of Floyd and Elaine (Holt) Dockery.  John graduated from Monroe-Woodbury High School in New York before obtaining secondary education at Long Island Technical College, Buffalo State College, and finally Indiana State College.  He was an avid runner in his younger years and was a New York state champion in cross-country running.  He married his soulmate, Janis K. Wanzer, on April 4, 1966, and they shared over 59 years of marriage together raising five children and enjoying life.  John was a man with diverse interests who held many career positions in his lifetime.  He last pastured at Joyce Chapel United Methodist Church in Alexandria.  Prior to that, he worked at F.M.C. Corporation in Tipton for several years; was the Automobile Technology teacher at Hinds Vocational School in Elwood; and worked many years in auto racing as a racecar fabricator and engine builder.  John could figure out a way to fix almost anything.

John was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church in Elwood; was active as a Scout Leader in Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts for many years mentoring young people; and coached track and cross-country in Elwood for several seasons.  His love of racing and go-karting was a deep, lifelong passion that continued at the Indianapolis 500 where he was well-known by many in the pits and garages.  John was friendly and conversational with everyone he met, making him a good salesman during his later years.  He and Janis operated a vendor business selling personal security products of all kinds and small, self-defense weapons at Shipshewana Flea Market, the Covered Bridge Festival, and local gun shows for 20 years.  John was well-known for keeping himself busy and active all his life.  His family will remember him as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who would do anything for his family.

John's family includes his wife, Janis of Elwood; 5 children, J.D. (Becky) Dockery of Tipton, Brian Dockery of Elwood, Russell (Penny) Dockery of Kokomo, Andy (Crystal) Dockery of Alexandria, and Carrie Hall of Hudsonville, IL; 2 siblings, Arthur Dockery of Michigan and Lois Dockery of Michigan; brother-in-law, Steve (Cindy) Wanzer of New York; 14 beloved grandchildren; 2 beloved great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.  John was preceded in death by his parents; daughter-in-law, Michelle Dockery; and son-in-law, John Hall.

A funeral service celebrating John's life and legacy will be held at 2 pm on Friday, November 28, 2025 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home with Rev. Roger Gardner of Heritage Christian Church officiating.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 12 to 2 pm prior to the funeral on Friday at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home.  Cremation will follow the service and burial will take place at a later date.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Combat Vet's Motorcycle Association or the Harmony House Mission through the funeral home.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at CopherFeslerMay.com.